Céret

The nearest town to Llauro, ceret lies in the foothills of the Pyrenees. famous for its Museum of Modern Art which has numerous Picasso paintings and sculptures as well as paintings by many other impressionist artists. The Café Pablo in the town is dedicated to Picasso and The Grand Café, still operating today, was a meeting place for many famous artists in the early part of the last century.

The centre of Ceret is of Roman origin,. The tower of the Church, St Pierre, is Roman. The Centre still boasts its Medieval roots, with cobbled passages, with Restaurants, bars and shops tucked away in a time long passed

The region around Céret is major fruit producer, in particular famed for its cherries. The first of the season's pick are, by local tradition, sent to France's President. Céret hosts a cherry festival each year with such oddities as cherry beer and a cherry stone spitting competition. The cherry season is during the end of April and May. At this time, the town is at its most picturesque.

Céret also holds an annual bull running festival known as 'la feria' where young bulls (usually with their horns blunted) are run through the streets coralled by a group of highly skilled Camargue horsemen and women. Young bloods, fired up on cheap local wine and wearing traditional red and yellow Catalan outfits, chase from behind in an attempt to catch hold of the bull's tail and hold on for as long as they can. Many bruises result although mostly it has to be said, to the ego. The feria is always held the weekend nearest to the 14th July, Bastille Day.

Céret regularly holds communal dances, where local amateurs or professionals dance in a ring. The dance is known as the 'sardanes'. No pre-arrangement is made on the dancers behalf, locals note the time and place on posters around the city and turn up as they wish. More formal arrangements are also made on other occasions.

Céret's Saturday market is a high point of the week and is as much a social event as anything else. It is a bustling, busy market mostly selling local fruit, veg, cheese and wines.

The Mediterranean

with its long sandy beaches at St Cyprien, Canet, and Argeles are 30 minutes drive away, famous for its 12th century knights templar's castle and Moorish influence, is a very picturesque harbour with a choice of 4 beaches. Collioure has also influenced artists over the years, as proven by its many art galleries. The town also boasts a wide selection of restaurants. Moving down the coast, you will find more small inlets which are great for lazing, diving or snorkeling. Eventually you reach the Spanish boarder from where you can explore more fascinating attractions.

North/West of Perpignan

opens up to a fascinating area offering the visitor numerous wine trails, a visit back in time to the castles of the Cathares or further to the valley of Tauteval, where the first ever european prehistoric men hunted rhinoceros. For a day out you could go to the medieval city of Carcassonne (1:45hrs drive)

The Pyrenees

The train Jaune will take you on a gentle trip up the mountains, from Villfranche or take the car to the numerous abbeys, castles or even 2hr to the ski resorts of Les Angles and Font Remoe. You could even go a little further and reach Andorra. Not looking for a full day out then just walk up into the mountains or down to the river Tech from the apartment.

Spain

is only 25 minutes away, which opens your opportunities to below duty free shopping on booze and ciggies. The famous Dali Museum at figures.

The beaches

of the Costa del sol or just the stunning country side of Catalunya. You can reach Cadaques, Lafranc, Ollot, Girona and barcelona with ease for a great day out

The Cure

No more than 15 minutes away from ceret, you come across the thermal town of Amelie les Bains. Famous for its curing waters. You can book a visit if you feel the need.

Golf Falgos

golf course is located just 40 minutes from the apartment. When you get there, I am sure, that you will be stunned by the views.So let's hope they don't impede your round

Scuba diving

There are a few places along the coast for a spot of below water site seeing. I have linked to Collioure for this page but there is also a school at Clos de Paulilles.