Unique experiences
No. 1 The beach
The Mediterranean Sea and the beach (20 Min by car) Visit miles and miles of nice beaches and bays or beach clubs with lovely French seafood fresh from the sea the same morning. Personal recommendation Mussels a la Plancha, barbecue the fish Dorad or Sole
Beach club: https://www.nouvellevague-beachclub.com/home ved byen d`Argeles sur Mer
https://www.creme-de-languedoc.com/Languedoc/beaches/index.php
Ps.if its too windy don’t go to the beach, your beach-experience will be much better when it is less windy.
No. 2 Nice villages
Banyuls or and Collioure (25-35 min by car) Both cities is worth a visit for different reasons
Banyuls for the production of the sweet wine called with the same name “Banyuls”. The nice bays is and view from the road is beautiful and you have nice diving possibilities outside the pier in the city.
Collioure for the atmosphere in the city, shopping, museums, great restaurants or just strolling around and have an evening drink looking at the sea.
No. 3 Fresh water – waterfalls in the mountains – daytrip
Duilhac. A freshwater area in the mountains with waterfalls and fantastic experience I the nature. If you like you can walk for hours in the mountain following the freshwater waterfalls, including some climbing. Bring a picnic basket and bathing shoes (no flipflops). On the way to the place, you drive through the small villages with lots of wine tasting option. Favourite and very known wines such as Mas Amiel or Maury, stop and bring some bottles with you on the way home. You also pass a beautiful view point and a Cathar castle “Cathar Chateau Peyrepertuse en Duilhac” if you walk up you get a great view of the whole area. (Bring sneakers)
No. 4 Dali next door
Ceret – picturesque village (5 min by car), visit the local butcher and by the local handmade sausage and pate with berries, enjoy a nice lunch on the square and look at the slow life before you visit the famous Dali Museum in the middle of the village.
No. 5 Perpignan City
Perpignan (25min by car) Visit the Castle of the king of Mallorca, one of many good restaurants or museums. Beautiful city but avoid the hottest time of the day (12-14)
No. 6 Lake with watersport & restaurant
Lake Jean pla de Corts (5min by car) Green fields, children friendly, water sports and La Guinguette restaurant with view to the lake, nice local menu and friendly service.
No. 7 Experience in the nature
Trekking in the Pyrenees, rent a guide or walk in a group. You can find maps over tracks at the tourist information in Cèret. Make sure you plan the trip carefully and bring good and solid shoes.
No. 8 Bicycling
Bicycle in the area, Bicycle tracks against the coast, avoid midday when it is too hot in the summer, and always bring water, a hat and sun lotion for outdoor activities.
No. 9 Wine tasting, Food & Wine
Wine tasting, go and visit some of the wine castle and wine houses that is open for tourist and wine tasting. If you taste it`s expected that you buy something, that is the culture.
“Chateau Valmy” – on the way to Argeles sur Mer they also serve lunch, you can taste the wine, tour of the wine production areas and dinner or lunch.
“Banyuls” and “Maury” – they produce wine and are famous for their production of sweet wine that can be stored for 100years due to high sugar level. Fantastic taste and goes very well to chocolate.
“Chateau de Jau” – visit a traditional chateau and winehouse that also invite you for barbecue in the courtyard beside a large carp pond, you can enjoy the food and wine under the trees with live music.
“Clos de Paulilles” – visit the museum of Dynamit and plan you lunch at the wine hose Clos de Paulilles they have a very nice menu and it`s besides a nice bay/beach on the way to Banyuls. Remember to buy some bottles on the way back to the house.
No. 10. Golfing
You can choose between 6 golf courses in the area remember to make reservation before your go.
Over all tips for enjoyable days in south of France:
- SUN Always bring Sun cream, hat and water during summer season and avoid the dun between 12-14
- MEALS Plan your meals and make reservation then you know you have a table. The restaurants are often fully booked for lunch and dinner in summer season. Remember its closed between lunch and dinner.
- REST Do as the French and have a siesta after lunch
- PAYMENT Some of the places do not accept credit cards, bring some cash /euro
- SECURITY Watch your personal belongings
For the best start of the day; have a morning swim in the pool, then take the small walk or take the bike to the bakery and bring back fresh croissants or and pain chocolate and enjoy the fresh pastry in Loggia with a coffee and plan your day for activities, or stay in the house and enjoy the garden and pool, have a siesta in aircon if you are warm and remember to drink a lot of water if it`s hot.
ENJOY YOUR STAY !
Best regards from Fredrikke & Tristan