Coming from the French word terre for “soil,” the word terroir originally described the special characteristics of a region, or piece of land, which gave different varieties of wine, coffee and tea their individuality. (Soil, climate, position, regional traditions….)
At first sight, it seems a rather down-at-heel thoroughfare, with its treeless pavements and some sad, shuttered premises. But that is not the whole story.
Is it a church? Was it a mosque? Does the curious clover leaf shaped Notre Dame de la Merci in Planès conceal the tomb of Abu-Nezah, the Arab Governor of the Cerdagne?
Rasiguères and rosé – the alliteration is a fortunate coincidence for this village of vignerons. Though the quality of the wine speaks for itself.
A straightforward circular walk of 8.5 kilometres up to les Monts d’Estagel on easy pistes and tracks with some portions of road, This walk offers great views of the Corbières ridges and valleys and beyond with a steep section up a lovely rocky valley.
Cycle the region with Leigh and Merry Foster as they travel along the EV8 from Argelès sur Mer to Laroque des Albères
Henri Matisse arrived in Collioure in May 1905 at the age of 36, depressed, full of self doubts and very short of money. André Derain soon followed.
On a clear winter’s day, a drive along the coastal lagoons of Salses and Canet can offer vast skies, wide horizons, bird spotting, oyster eating and windsurfer watching.
High above the village of Sorède, you will find the ruggedly impressive ruins of the Château d’Ultrera – the Castle of the Vulture
Head out for the day to the beautiful seaside town of Collioure- inspiration to some of the world’s greatest artists and home to history, food and culture