Catalonia Information

This section provides an  information resource for the French and Spanish Catalan region

Regional Information

Click on the link to go to the place of interest or to find out some of what the region has to offer in your chosen sport or activity.

Banyuls-sur-Mer

Banyuls is a large bay, overlooked by the Albères . It is a beautiful old fishing village with traditional narrow cobbled streets and wine sellers.  You will see the sloped vineyards as you approach the bay along the winding hillside roads. Try the local aperetif  - Banyuls (a fortified wine similar to Port).

http://www.banyuls-sur-mer.com/anglais/b1.html

Perpignan

Perpignan is the capital of the Catalan region  with the Palace of the Majorcan kings dominating the town centre while the Castillet is the remains of the original city walls. Perpignan is a mix of the old and new.  It offers a variety of eating and shopping experiences

 http://www.perpignantourisme.com

Argelès

Just a short drive away from Maureillas you will find Argelès-sur-Mer. It boasts seven kilometres of wide sandy beach, safe and supervised bathing is ensured whilst the numerous little rocky creeks provide a perfect base for those who wish to scuba dive or get away from the crowds.

http://www.argeles-sur-mer.com

Port Barcarès

This is a purpose-built resort with  8 kilometres of sandy beaches, a fishing port and marina offering a range of water sports and activities for all ages.

http://www.tourisme.fr/office-de-tourisme/le-barcares.htm

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Girona has the many interesting sights that we would expect from a city that was founded by the Greek, inhabited by the Romans, and later settled by Jews, Muslims, and Christians. This way, it combines 12th- and 13th-century Arab baths (inspired in the Roman public baths) with a medieval Jewish quarter, the call, which along with the modern, colourful houses by the Onyar River constitutes the most traditional side of Girona. Other interesting sights are the Gothic cathedral of Santa María, and the collegiate church of Sant Feliú.In addition to Girona's monuments, the city has a full cultural calendar, with great places to visit like the Metropolitan Museum of History; the Sant Pere de Galligants Museum of Archaeology, which exhibits prehistoric, Greek, Roman, and Jewish artefacts; the Museum of Art, with an interesting collection of religious art, as well as Gothic painting and sculpture; and the Cinema Museum, which has a permanent collection that narrates the birth of the seventh art. And we certainly must not forget the city's active social life, bustling at terraces and cafés in Rambla de la Llibertad, one of the most exciting spots anytime of the day. In Força street and around Independencia square we can go for tapas, which include a variety of "sea and mountain" specialities. Pubs and nightclubs are spread throughout the historic quarter, sometimes offering art exhibitions and concerts

Translates as cherry and seeing Ceret in spring is like being under a pink snowfall as the blossom covers the ground around the orchards the culmination is the ’Fete de la Cerise’ on the 29th and 30th May. Dancing in the street is positively encouraged.  Ceret has inspired many artists from Picasso to Braque and the many who have followed in their footsteps. 

The Musée d’Art Moderne in the centre of the village represents the collections of many of these famous visitors.

No one staying at the villa should miss the Saturday morning market in the village centre

About 25 minutes drive across the border you will find the Spanish Catalan town of Figueras, Dali's birth (and final resting) place and home of the museum dedicated to him.  The town is full of great restaurants and shopping and a must see while staying at Casa d'Or.
 

This resort has  6 kilometres of fine sandy beaches with Mount Canigou the Albères hills in the background.

The most well known resort in the  Pyrenees Orientales, it boasts a 17th century church complete with  ramparts, a Royal château (13th century), Like Banyuls it is complete with cobbled streets and incredible views across the port and where you will find a small secluded beach.  Check the webcam to see it live..

Canet has 9 kilometres of sandy, supervised beaches along with a salt lake between the sand dunes and the beach,  The main stretch of sea front has flat pavements ideal for skating or cycling.

Drive towards Canigou and you will reach via a long and winding road this walled town with ancient mediaeval architecture and small narrow cobbled streets. There is the Fort Laguarde, an impressive castle built by Marshall Vauban in 1683 to strengthen the town’s defences. It is used as a starting point for many more strenuous walks through the mountains.

Le Perthus is the border town of France and Spain and always packed with visitors buying alcohol and cigarettes.  Some bargains can be had (especially the free drink sampling in the bodega) but it is a tourist area so shop wisely. rarely will you see it as quiet as in the picture unless you are there very early in the morning or late evening.

These caves have been formed naturally by the slow effect of water seeping through the rock for thousand of years.  Amazing sites and a light and sound show is included during peak summer months. A great way to cool down on a hot summers day as the  temperature inside remains constant at 14° there are places close by to set up and have your own riverside picnic.

As the villa is situated only five kilometres from the Spanish border you have a choice of French or Spanish courses within an hours drive from the villa

 http://www.biking66.com/les.circuits-140.php (in French)

In the Pyrenees Orientales, lovers of the white gold have a wide choice of activities and accommodation available in the main ski resorts.

The ski resorts of the Pyrenees have invested nine million euros on the Pyrenees Orientales resorts . The official opening of the majority of ski resorts in is around the first weekend of December

Remember your snow chains or snow tyres. The ’gendarmes’ will delight in fining you if you don't.