Le Vallespir

If you are not entirely satisfied with chilling out by the pool or on the verandah with a good book, then you couldn't have chosen a better region to explore and enjoy!

Vallespir, a district of Northern Catalonia, is in the French department of Pyrenees-Orientales.

The Vallespir is a land of immense and unspoilt natural beauty as well as being the guardian of a rich culture and often mysterious history. It is a land in which kings resided, Knights Templar built their fortresses, and artists even unto the present time, flock to. The Musee d'art Moderne, in nearby, Ceret, houses a permanent collection of Picasso, one of many famous artists to spend some quality time here!

A region of flat land between the dominating Aspres Mountains and the rocky Frausa range, Vallespir is a dramatic scenic destination, laden with steep valleys, productive vineyards and colourful orchards. It is a massively scenic region with a rich culture, having attracted many artists and writers across the centuries. The mountains of the Pyrenees are a veritable playground for those with a penchant for the outdoor lifestyle. Throughout the foothills, footpaths, bridle paths and cycle routes carve through evergreen woodlands and mountain plateaux, creating the perfect terrain for walking, cycling and riding holidays. All the facilities, guides and maps needed for a full exploration of the mountains are available from the Arles-sur-Tech tourist information. Cycling on the road is nowhere near as treacherous as in many cycling destinations, as motorists give you a wide berth!

The 18 hole Domaine de Falgos golf course is located right on the border to Spain, with spectacular views over both the mountains and the glorious Bay of Roses in Spain. The course is defiantly undulating, and there are some very testing greens to find, providing a challenge for even the most experienced golfer. There are also two local 9 hole courses close to Arles-sur-Tech accommodation.

The ski resorts of the Pyrenees are all within an hour of a holiday rental in Arles-sur-Tech, and many people take a few days skiing during their stay in a holiday home in Arles-sur-Tech. The River Tech, upon whose banks the village stands, is a favourite asset for those wishing to swim or fish from a property in Arles-sur-Tech, and on Sundays, locals gather on the banks for a hugely social event with live music, dancing and food, which presents a magnificent opportunity to get to meet the locals.

This area is marvellous for walking or painting: autumn colour is breathtaking, February mimosa is stunning and then wild flowers and cherries take over. Winter blue skies and Canigou dominates the horizon, dusted with snow for 2/3 of the year. Summers are warm, languid and sunny. Together with the clarity of light, this must have given inspiration to Picasso, Dufy, Braque and many more when they lived and painted here.

The capital of Vallespir, Ceret, is a maze of narrow streets and gurgling streams which give the town a pleasant laid back character. Ceret is a small country town of great charm and great trees, very relaxed, but with many 'fiestas' all year, and there is nearly always music. There are great restaurants and bars. Saturdays see the fabulous street market.

The Archaeological Museum of Ceret shows artefacts from the Middle Ages back to pre-historic times, and the town is host to a magnificent array of festivals and parades including the Procession of the Resuscitated on Easter Sunday, the Cherry Fair and Flamenco Festival in June, Sardine Festival and bullfighting Feria.

Collioure, one of the jewels of the Costa Brava, and the sea is 40 minutes drive and there are castles, fortified towns and archaeological sites to explore.

Toulouse and Montpellier are 2 hours away, Carcassonne even less. Spanish Catalonia is on your doorstep!

Arles-sur-Tech also has rich traditions and legends

The Romanesque and gothic Arles-sur-Tech Abbey is a fine building which must be visited from any Vallespir holiday accommodation, especially during February, April or June, when the Bear Festival, Goat Fair and Benediction of the Mules occur respectively.

Maureillas-las-Illas is a stunning mountain town, of which the architectural gem is undoubtedly the outstanding Saint Martin de Fenollar Chapel. The October Fair is not to be missed.

Less than 6 minutes from the house takes you to the famous Gorges de la Fou - described as the narrowest canyon in the world! There is a small entrance fee (it is very popular in the summer, so arrive early) and parking can be tight, but definitely worth a visit!

If you you turn right on the main road below the house and travel for about 20 km, you have the stunning medieval town of Prats de Mollo where you will enjoy not just great views but great restaurants and shops.

Pretty much the last frontier before you arrive in Spain on this road (D115).

Vallespir is a department where health and good living are paramount. The thermal spas at Le Boulou, Amelie-les-Bains and Prats-de-Mollo have attracted a large number of health conscious visitors since the curative properties were discovered by the Romans.

Due to its magnificent landscape, Vallespir is of course a magnet for walking holidays. There are massive swaths of mountainous countryside for walking and the more hardy cyclists out there, as well as the annual Rally du Vallespir. It really is a region of breathtaking scenery, wellbeing and mouth-watering gastronomy. A marvellous place to walk, relax and eat, Rue des Lauriers provides the idyllic place to unwind.

And, not to be forgotten, especially by the cosmopolitan-minded, the fantastic European city of Barcelona is temptingly only 2 hours away. Go on!