If you like visiting ruined châteaux, head north to the valley of the Orbiel. Just twenty minutes from Carcassonne is the village of Lastours. High on a ridge above the village, four separate châteaux stand in a line: Cabaret, Tour Régine, Surdespine and Quertinheux.
Between Chateau de Queribus and Chateau de Peyrepertuse on the D19 towards Peyrepertuse and Duilhac, around 5km after Cucugnan, turn right over a small bridge, and follow a narrow road winding through the vineyards for 2…
with Tim and Chris Parker This is a very good circular walk from the Chateau de Valmy near Argeles. Total distance 12 km with approx 720m of ascent. Allow 5 hours including stops to take in…
The more religious may go to church, but this Bank Holiday is mainly about taking a bit of time to relax with friends and family and enjoy a (nother) long weekend.
Still worth the fabulous walk or drive…..but you’ll have to do without the lunch until Covid restrictions allow the restaurants to open again.
The first midsummer fire on Canigou in modern times was lit on 23 June 1955 by Francois Poujade and fellow USAP rugby fanatics – both to celebrate his birthday and Perpignan’s victory over FC Lourdes in the Yves du Manoir Challenge cup.
Back in medieval times Collioure’s reputation revolved around the salting of anchovies, sardines and tuna.
Out for the Day… in Eyne, the Valley of Flowers. Need a tonic? How about fresh mountain air, kaleidoscopes of wild flowers, serene mouflon and shy izzards grazing, bubbling water features, bumblebees, butterflies and beetles, maybe even a little late snow?
Le Chateau de Castelnou originally re-opened to the public in 2021 after a four-year closure due to safety issues.
At this time of year the P-O transforms into a kaleidoscope of wildflowers. Lesley McLaren takes us through a few of the more common ones to be found in the verges, hedgerows and rocky slopes of the Albères and Vallespir.