My favourite location in France: Pyrenees-Orientales?

One of the most often questions asked by clients! Although I have been fortunate to visit most regions and departments of France, there is always one area that I love returning to: the Pyrenees-Orientales department in southern France next to the Spanish border. 

 

Access to this area the Languedoc-Roussillon region is excellent: with airports at Perpignan, Girona (just across the border in Spain), Carcassonne, Beziers, and Montpellier. For the Brits there are auto-routes from Calais direct to Perpignan - about a 12 hour drive though! The TGV runs from the North, and Paris to all along the Med Coast. Eventually, the TGV will run into Spain.

 

This experience highlights the delights of this area: one April I was staying on the outskirts of Perpignan. We decided to motor up to the skiing areas nearby in the Pyrenees (about 60 to 90 minutes drive depending on the conditions) to Les Angles. Yes, it was snowing and there were skiers using the runs. So after a refreshment or two - non-alcohilic, of course, traffic officer - we slid back towards the beach at Canet en Roussillon (east of Perpignan). Bizarrely, the weather was sunny and warm enough for an English family to sunbathe! Needless to say, the French were wrapped up in jumpers and mufflers.

 

Whilst in Perpignan - a truly multi-cultural city - do visit the shops and fabulous selection of restaurants. Walking around at night is very pleasant and secure even into the late hours.

 

Further down the coast my favourite resort is Collioure - a quaint fishing port with small beach. The vista back across the village towards the Pyrenees is stunning. The village is a great favourite with the French and is buzzing all year. Within the "walls" there are many shops, restaurants and artists at work. It reminds me of St Ives in Cornwall.

 

During the Summer, walking in the Pyrenees is breathtaking. For the more leisurely inclined take the Yellow Train from Villefranche up into the ski areas. The panoramas are splendid. Les Angles has a lake below the ski area which is a hive of activity during the summer with many water sports.

 

There is always much to do and see in the Pyrenees-Orientales whatever the season. The climate is superb - with very mild winters. Nearby, you can visit the World Heitage site at Carcassonne, and travel into Spain to visit the bay at Les Rosas and down to nearby Barcelona.

 

Walled town of Villefranche

Tech Valley & The Alberes

Cerdagne

Cote Vermeille 

Capcir

Tet & Conflent 

 

Property bargains galore as prices have dropped back to more realistic levels: Pyrenees-Orientales Property - great selection at realistic prices. Apartments in the many marinas are cheaper (but can be very quiet out of season), inland villages and hamlets are cheaper too but property around the main resorts and towns can be more expensive.