The Region - Languedoc Roussillon - Culture:

RoussillonFarmhouse is situated in the area of Roussillon also known as Catalonia. Blessed with 300 days of sunshine per year, this most southerly region of French Catalonia nestling on the Spanish border is one that continues to delight and charm every visitor. 'La Cote Vermeille' in the region of Languedoc-Roussillon offers a great deal for the discerning holidaymaker.

You will discover an incomparable variety of scenery and many fascinating towns, mountains, plains ancient cities and modern resorts with a dry climate so characteristic of Mediterranean countries.

The coast has long, wide, flat sandy beaches with a complete range of water sports, golf at St Cyprien and marvellous walking country in the Catalan foothills of the Pyrenees. Along the coast at such old ports as Collioure, Port Vendres and Banyuls, the coast eventually becomes high and rocky as the Pyrenees reaches the sea.

It is a land of many influences and a rich heritage, having been colonised by the Phoenician sea traders and later by the Romans who occupied Narbonne and Perpignan. This has been well restored and is beautifully presented, giving an impressive picture of the local history. Perpignan, 10 miles away is the second Catalan city after Barcelona. A lively city built on the banks of the river Tet, the Old Town has the Palace of the Kings of Majorca. Set in the foothills of the Pyrenees, Ceret is a beautiful market town with a modern art museum exhibiting paintings and works by Picasso, Matisse, Chagall and Dali.

The countryside here is a mass of green vineyards, scattered with small sleepy villages with pastel coloured houses of red and orange. This is France's market garden, producing the earliest cherries, peaches and apricots from as early as April, and is now one of the most highly regarded "new" wine regions of France - supplying one in ten bottles of the worlds wine and famous for its Côtes de Roussillon, Banyuls, Byrrh, Muscat, and Rivesaltes.

The Region - Languedoc Roussillon - Climate:

"300 days of sunshine per year"

The Region - Languedoc Roussillon - Places to Visit:

RoussillonFarmhouse has an array of local attractions and sight seeing opportunities all on its doorstep and easily accessible. A selection of these are detailed below.

Beaches & the Coast Argeles-Sur-Mer, St. Cyprien-Plage, Canet-Plage, La Racou-Plage and Collioure. These beaches are all within easy driving distance ranging from 15 minutes and are favourites for families, providing safe bathing zones, showers, sun beds, parasols and toilets. Most beaches have large free car parking and a selection of cafe bars and restaurants for lunch etc. The beaches at Argeles-sur-Mer are groomed and cleaned each evening to the European Blue Flag standard of quality and have daytime beach patrols.

From Port D'Argeles and St Cyprien yacht and powerboats can be hired or chartered. Scuba diving training and classes sail from Port d'Argeles off the coast to the rocky headlands and inaccessible coves only reached by boat.

There are boat trips and fishing expeditions from Port D' Argeles along the coast and into Spain.

Spain For those who wish to visit Spain, then the nearby Costa Brava is within 60 minutes drive to places such as Rosas, Cadaques, L'Escala and Estartit.

Sports

Aqua Parc Fun for the family all day. Equipped with the usual range of water slides and tunnels it is located near to St Cyprien.

Boules You can play any where in France or simply watch the locals.

Golf There is an 18-hole golf course in St Cyprien.

Mountain Biking Bikes can be hired in Argeles for both road cycling and mountain biking. For those who may wish to mountain bike there are various tracks and routes to explore amongst the foothills of the Pyrenees and Forest des Alberes.

Swimming Pool Apart from our very own private swimming pool, there is an out door public swimming pool in Argeles Ville next to the tennis courts.

Tennis There is a court in Villelongue open to non-members (enquire at the Post Office in Villelongue for a ticket & key). In addition there are courts in Argeles Ville.

Walking The area is famous for its 'Randonee' walking paths some of which are marked out. For those who are more adventurous, there are various challenging routes amongst the nearby hills ranging up to 1200 metres.

Wine Tasting There are numerous caves and vineyards offering tasting ('degustation'). We can recommend Chateau Valmy near the exit for Racou.

Shopping

Shops (Village) The Boulangerie is approx 500 metres walk, which proves to be a morning favourite. Other than the Boulangerie, there is a small general shop (epicierie), a Pizza take-away, Bar & Restaurant, Post Office and Newsagent / Tobacconist.

Supermarkets For a more comprehensive shop, there is a Champion super market ideally located close to the express road between Villelongue and Argeles - approx 5 minutes drive away, which you can call in on your way to / from the beach etc. In addition there are many others in the villages of Argeles, Le Boulou and St. Andre. For those arriving late at night a Welcome Pack can be provided – please enquire for further information.

Hypermarket There is an Auchan in Perpignan and many stores just over the border in Le Perthus, Spain for larger shopping trips.

Markets The region is famous for its local Catalan styled morning markets. These can be visited in Sorede, Ceret, Elne, and Le Perthus. Evening markets are staged at Argeles-Plage, St. Cyprien and Collioure.

Interesting Towns/Cities

Amelie-les-Bains - beautiful spa and market town in the Vallespir.

Arles sur Tech - the religious centre of the Vallespir with stone coffin oozing mysterious and miraculous powers.

Andorra - Is a three hour drive along twisting roads, but the reward is shopping at tax free prices for designer clothes, luxury goods and perfumes.

Banyuls-sur-Mer - An attractive town situated in a small Mediterranean bay, famous for the production of the aperitif wine of the same name, Banyuls.

Barcelona - Just two hours away, Spains' second city vastly improved since the Olympic games in 1992. Breeze down the Ramblas, shop or visit the Picasso museum.

Carcassonne - Europe's largest medieval fortress, one of the best preserved. Take a guided tour or wander freely around La Cité admiring the elaborate fortifications, 54 tower and two gates, craft boutiques and shops .

Castelnou - One of the most photographed villages in SW France, a wonderful example of a medieval fortified village.

Ceret - Old walled market town famous for its art, culture and bullfighting (July), live music, street bars and sardana dancing. There is a lively local produce market each Saturday.

Collioure - Picturesque fishing village was the favourite town for artists such as Picasso. Well worth a stroll around the bars, restaurants, street stalls, fortified castle and quay side.

Elne - 11th century cathedral set in typical Catalan town.

Figueres - A short drive from the Spanish border. The cultural art town hosting the Salvador Dali Museum.

Le Perthus - Duty free shopping at the French / Spanish border town, full of supermarkets and bazaars.

Perpignan - Once the capital of Catalonia where the Palace of the Kings of Mallorca stands. Today, there are many cafes and boutiques located behind the Castillet.

Port Vendres - Fishing harbour and yachting centre overlooked by bars, restaurants and shops.

Prades - Known for its summer music festival, founded by Pablo Casals, it has one of the largest street markets in the area, every Tuesday morning.

Saint Genis-des-Fontaines - famous for the most ancient Roman sculpture, the lintel above the door of the church of St Michel dating 1020. Market every Tuesday and Friday.

Villefranche-de-Conflent - The Yellow Train runs from this 11th century fortified town up and over the mountain to Mont Louis at 1600m.

Evening Entertainment

In addition to the many restaurants and bars, there is activity Entertainment in many of the villages and coastal resorts during the evening.

Argeles - Street markets, Street shows, circus etc. Whilst there look out for the adverts for other traditional events, such as open air 'Bals' - dancing and fetes ie. 14 July and 15 August.

Collioure - Artists, Catalan Dancing in the square, Street shows, markets etc.

Sorede - Every summer Thursday evening traditional Catalan sardana dancing in the centre ville.

St Cyprien - Restaurants, late night shopping or a stroll around the marina.