Autumn is here but the P-O still has plenty to offer, from small creatures to dramatic vistas and skies. Look and you will see; listen and you will hear.
Just by walking around, we blunder constantly through the territory of many living things. Here are some of the more interesting – if less than cute – creatures whose paths I crossed last summer.
One of the many irrigation canals that criss-cross the Pyrenees-Orientales runs through the pretty village of Rodès. Enjoy a relatively light walk of 1 – 1.5 hours. A small section of climbing but nothing too challenging.
To leave or remain in the PO? Many birds will be doing one or the other now that the breeding season is over and winter approaches. But each species is hardwired to make the right…
More than 40 years ago, thousands of starlings, (étourneaux) on their way to Africa chose Perpignan as their ideal stop-over holiday destination.
Food ‘à volonté’ of fruit, grapes, olives… mild climate, and well lit town with tree lined streets put our capital of Catalan culture at the very top of the starling ‘Must Visit’ hit list.
In many regions of France, the ritual gathering of mushrooms in the autumn , is a culture in itself.
A circular walk of 11 kilometres exploring the group of dolmens above the pretty village of St Michel de Llotes.
Whether you’re for or against the hunt, its presence is inescapable in the P-O.
A winter Tramontane might make your eyes run and your nose stream, and even freeze the oranges and lemons on your trees – but what’s not to like about snow-capped Canigou… but can it last? Lesley McLaren investigates.
First we had the ‘Recluse brun’ (brown recluse spider, fiddleback, or also known as the violin spider due to its shape and markings) spotted last year in the Gard and Herault departments, now it’s the ‘veuve noire’ or Black Widow, also known as the Mediterranean or European Black Widow!
