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Things to See and Do If you can tear yourself away from your holiday villa's private swimming pool and peaceful garden, there is so much to do without having to go far, depending on what you like and the time of the year. Here are a few ideas - and there are some French holiday links at the bottom of the page if you would like more information. Sun, Sea and Sand You could have a change from the swimming pool by heading for the Mediterranean beaches for sunbathing, sandcastles, swimming or water sports. The beach at Argelès-sur-Mer and those to the north are large and sandy. Go south for picturesque coves surrounded by vineyards. Windsurf or parascend at Argelès, go snorkelling along the rocky Vermillion coast or rent a pedalo. Walking, Cycling and Golf This holiday villa is a wonderful base for a walking holiday - whether you prefer rambling or mountaineering. Footpaths into the French Pyrenees are on the doorstep of your holiday villa. There are streams and springs, chestnuts, beeches and cork oaks and views out over the plain to Mount Canigou and the sea. If you are fit we are told that in under 5 hours you can be at the top of Puig Neulos (1256m) on the Spanish border, or you could follow GR10 to the French coast. Cycling and mountain biking are very popular here too with marked VTT routes. There are 21 golf courses in the region on the French side of the border and more in Spain. Shopping For French wines, there are many caves in the area offering tasting and direct sales and specialist outlets in Sorede, next door to Laroque. Cross the border to Le Perthus or La Jonquera for Spanish wines and low priced alcohol of all types. Collioure has lovely boutiques and gift shops and local crafts are available here. There are markets in most of the villages where you can buy local produce, farm shops on the main road from Le Boulou to Argèles and you can pick your own almonds in Laroque in September. Art and Sightseeing
Have a look at these French holiday websites for more ideas: Argeles Sur Mer Things to See and Do Forest Adventure @ Amelie les bains Canyoning and High Ropes at Argeles The Dali Museum at Figueres in Spain
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There is a modern art gallery at Ceret, a Fauvism
trail in Collioure and beautiful medieval architecture and carving in church
cloisters such as at Elne. Many villages have medieval fortifications and
Romanesque churches. The harbour at Collioure is picturesque - or visit Port-Vendres
for a working fishing port. The mountain scenery of the Pyrenees is dramatic
both on the French side of the border (including from your French holiday villa!) and
the Spanish. Further a-field are Carcassonne, Montpellier, Gerona
and Barcelona - all worth a visit.