The river and the garden - not only a place to relax - but subtropical flora and fauna on your doorstep will keep you interested for many hours.
Walking - Whether you don't mind a stroll or whether you come here for a serious walking holiday, you can't fail to enjoy walking here. From the front door there are paths and trails that lead into the mountains, into Spain and all the way along the Pyrenees to the Atlantic coast. And wherever you choose to walk, you can be assured of beautiful panoramic views.
The wine cellar - there are so many local wines that unless you know them, it can be confusing. We keep a few favourites at the villa - so you can try them out and when you're eating at home, you'll never run out.
Wildlife in the garden - you don't even have to leave the confines of the villa to see lizards, tree frogs, butterflies, dragonflies, salamander, praying mantis and all kinds of animals that will keep children and adults mesmerised.
Swimming - in the pool for a quick dip, maybe use the jetstream water massage to relax. For more refreshment, dive over waterfalls into the natural rockpools only 1km away. Or head for the beach where the water is so clear.
Barbecues - almost never go cold in the summer. Spend time at the villa cooking in the garden - the real mediterranean way.
The mountains and the forest of the Alberes. Only 3km from the house but 1km above it, the Puig Neulos rises above wooded forest all around and crowns the local mountains.
Sunbathing - On the terrace or in the secluded garden. The beach is a 9km drive or bike ride away.
Fresh trout from the river - catch it, walk the 50 yards to the barbecue, cook it.
Natural rockpools and waterfalls - in the heart of an area running with streams and natural sources, you only have to follow the river in the garden to see secluded rockpools perfect for swimming, fishing and diving - less than 1km away.
Fishing - you can fish for trout in the river which runs at the end of the garden. Although if you really want to catch something for the barbecue, you're best to follow the locals to the favourite spot - about 500 metres down the road.
The boucherie. It's no wonder the french are still up in arms about importing british beef. The local boucherie is friendly, knowledgeable and serves truly excellent meat raised naturally in the countryside around here. See it, taste it, believe it.
The Tortoise Valley - a farm for tortoises and turtles. This is becoming a real favourite as it's nicely done and informative too - and not only for children! It's only 1.5 km down the road.
Watch a film - probably not what you want to come to the Mediterranean coast for.... but if you want to keep the kids amused while you're sunbathing outside, there is a surround sound 'home cinema' in the house.
The boulangerie - There are two artisan boulangeries (bakeries) in Sorede. And, if you don't fancy cycling to the village, delivery can be arranged too. Fresh croissants and baguettes every day.
La Cote Vermeille - not azure but vermilion - and far less crowded than the Cote d'Azur. You can see the coastline and its colour if you walk up the road (4.5km) and the sea itself is 9km away.
Photography - Even if you bring a disposable camera, you're going to take some nice snaps here. Good light and great scenery see to that. If you're a more keen photographer, why not take some pictures during the day and then develop them before dinner? Ask us about the darkroom and printing facilities at the house.
 The local villages - Sorede, St. Andre and Laroque-des-Alberes have a whole host of cafes, small bars and restaurants between them. Some local favourites are below.
Chateau Valmy, 7km - cycle or drive to a fairytale-style neo-romantic chateau and see the eagles raised in its grounds. Valmy produces some excellent wine - tours and wine tastings are available at the chateau.

Cycling - There's something for everyone here. Thousands of kilometres of tracks as well as the roads that sprawl over the Pyrenees mean that you have your choice: Cycle gently to the village to get your croissants, follow in the footsteps of the Miguel Indurain or explore some of the best and most varied mountain biking territory in the world. We normally provide some bikes at the house - let us know your requirements when you make your reservation.
La Salamandre is the nearest restaurant and as luck would have it, one of the best restaurants in the whole area. It's the kind of family run business that serves a small seasonal menu - fine food chosen according to what's best at the time. It's inexpensive and it's real traditional french home cooking. Children and animals are always welcome and if the opening hours are somewhat variable, the food's always fresh, always very tasty and the staff are often slightly drunk.
Collioure - sit outside at one of many terraced cafes and restaurants in this ancient fortified port. It's truly beautiful with the most clear water in the harbour. There are also many historical buildings open to the public and many shops selling Collioure's famous anchovies.
Motorcycling - If off-road trials bikes are your thing, follow the locals into the hills - you will never finish discovering the endless trails which start at the front gate. If you'd prefer to cruise around the coast roads, it's great riding in the summer - again, let us know when you make your reservation.
Chez Max. 5km from the house. Reasonably priced, excellent food. A mix of Catalan and traditional French menus, constantly changing according to season, great local wines, and always the most welcoming service from Max. Three courses, aperitif and wine for less than 20 Euros - thank you Max.
The Beach - 10km from the house. Choose from sandy beaches at Argeles, Le Racou, or St. Cyprien - or find seclusion in the ragged coves dotted around the coast.
Archery - only 1km down the road to the local club - instruction is available.
Sorede market - every tuesday and friday - 3km from the house. St. Andre market, 5km, every thursday and saturday. Stock up on all the fresh local produce.
Ceret - 20km. A beautiful and busy catalan town. Once home to Picasso, now home to his legacy, The Ceret Museum of Modern Art. Home also to many interesting shops and restaurants and what seems to be an endless series of fiestas throughout the year.
Tennis - very popular here - the area boasts many tennis courts and clubs, the nearest being only a few km away. Lessons are available for all levels (in english or french) including individual tuition. We recommend booking in advance.
 Port Argeles is a small modern harbour between the beaches at Argeles and Le Racou - it is full of inexpensive restaurants and cafes and a fun place to eat outside. Plenty of moule frites on offer here....
Banyuls - 20km. An interesting port just on the border with Spain. Famous for its wine cellars and specialising in "Banyuls" a kind of light port / fortified sweet wine. There is also a large aquarium.
Rock climbing - There are small ascents less than 45 mins walk from the front door. And beyond that, you're in the Pyrenees - there is climbing here for everyone from beginner to advanced. Let us know if you are interested in lessons or expeditions.
Ceret market - much bigger than Sorede - 20km from the villa, every saturday. Find your way through the 'unusual' clothes stalls to the specialist charcuterie, herb stalls, cheeses and fresh produce from local gardens as well as the farms.
Mas Palegry - Museum of Aviation. 25km. A real enthusiasts museum in a beautiful stone "mas" run by passionate aircraft enthusiasts - it's their private collection open to the public.
Absailing - as above, there is no shortage of rock faces for all skill levels. The nearest face with permanent fixings is an hour's walk from the front door.
Port Vendres -15km, fresh fish market - get up early to buy the best monkfish, lobster, tuna, white anchovies, bream and sea bass or go out on one of the many fishing boats and catch it yourself.
Canet - 30km. Next to Perpignan a popular and vast expanse of beach as well as a car museum, boat museum, toy museum and an aquarium.
Golf - There are several golf courses in the area. The nearest is 7km from the house.
La Balette, 11km from the house, is one of many superb restaurants in Collioure. It's more expensive to eat here than in the local villages (or the many restaurants in Port Argeles) but you get food and service to match its Michelin star reputation..... And outdoor dining with a view over the harbour that would be worth the price alone.
Castelnou - 30km. One of the most beautiful villages of france, fortified since medieval times, it offers absolutely stunning views over Perpignan, the planes and the mountains.
Horse riding - there are many stables catering for all standards. Tuition is available in english and french.
Byrrh, Banyuls and Muscat de Rivesaltes are three local desert wines all of which are revered in France - but here they're served as aperitif's or with foie gras. The caves where they are produced are 15 to 30 km away and well worth visiting. They're all worth tasting too.
Natural springs can be found everywhere here and most of the local villages boast of the wonderful powers of their water. Saint-Genis des Fontaines is only 5km away but the more famous Amelie-les-Bains-Palalda (known for its curative springs) is 30km away. Slightly further inland, natural hot springs are dotted throughout the countryside.
Sailing - for the experienced and lessons for beginners. Collioure is 9km away, Port Argeles and Port Vendres both less than 15km. Please enquire.
Wine tasting - wine production is the staple business of the whole Languedoc-Roussillion area. You can't go anywhere without finding wine tasting on offer - even the local supermarket. It's a popular pastime though and the best vineyards need booking in advance. You'll find wine tasting and tours of the caves everywhere starting 5km from the house.
Figueres - 45km. Home of the Salvador Dali Museum. Dali's masterpiece, it took him ten years to create and inside the striking building there is an incredible array of work - not only his own. A truly amazing and of course surreal museum that is like taking a trip into Dali's mind. Figueres is also a lively town with a lively central square (hosting many fiestas).
Windsurfing - Plenty of wind and the Mediterranean sea only 10km from here. All equipment hire is available. Occasionally we have equipment available at the house.
The hypermarket - love it or hate it, the French do hypermarkets better than anyone else. Low prices, great food and specialist artisan butchers, fishmongers, bakers..... and you can buy a pair of trainers, a motorbike, a diamond ring or a chainsaw there if your heart desires.... The local hypermarket is 25 mins drive away, it has 56 checkouts and a cheese counter bigger than the whole Tesco in Covent Garden.
Perpignan has literally hundreds of restaurants and bars and is 25 minutes by car.
Salvador Dali's House at Port Ligat, Spain.
Kite flying - on any non surveyed beach. There is plenty of wind here and there is often a kite to use at the house.
 Just North of Roses, less than an hour's drive into Spain is El Bulli. Catalan chef Ferran Adria's world famous restaurant is open From April to September and generally requires booking at least a year in advance. (Not surprising considering it was the best restaurant in the world according to "Restaurant" magazine in 2002 and the second best according to their poll in 2003!) And it's not expensive either.
Villefranche-de-Conflent - 65km striking medieval fortress of pink marble that is perfectly preserved. Villefranche also has extensive and dramatic underground caves.
Diving - local schools only 10km from the villa. All equipment available and training available in english and french.
Barcelona - an hour and a half on the motorway, has everything one could wish for in the way of restaurants and bars, the whole town appears to be open 24 hours a day and caters for all prices and all tastes. Having said that, it is cheap. It even has a fresh food market to rival the best in France.
Tautavel - 65km museum of prehistory
Deep sea fishing - charter a boat from any of the local ports (10 - 15 km) and fish for tuna to put on the barbecue
Saint Martin du Canigou - Early roman abbey and stronghold built on the mountain's edge.
Flysurf / Kitesurf - If you have never tried it, or if you are an experienced windsurfer, you should give this revolutionary sport a try. There still aren't that many places where you can hire the equipment - so please ask. Just north of Perpignan there are some amazingly windy beaches - especially at the end of the summer.
Sigean - 70km. African wildlife reserve.
Microlight aircraft - there are two bases within 30km. (the french are quite enthusiastic fans of microlight or ULM aircraft). Take an introductory flight for 30 Euros..... the view is incredible. Or start your lessons here.
Esperaza - 100km. dinosaur museum
Wine tasting - the nearest chateau is less than 5km from the house; the best, only half an hour's drive away. There must be at least a hundred in-between. Very popular in the summer - so you're best to make arrangements in advance.

Gerona, Spain. Less than 40 minutes in the car, Girona is a stunningly beautiful city. There is an ancient walled part of Gerona where, on top of the hill you will find the cathedral and the old Jewish quarter below.

Gerona is also a superb place to shop especially if you like clothes, fashion and leather goods.
Canyoning - explore canyons with an experienced crew. Beautiful, exhilarating and about an hour's drive from the house.
Barcelona - Only an hour and a half to the town centre if you take the motorway. And once you are there, you are in the most exciting city in Europe. Museums, shops, restaurants, incredible architecture, nightlife..... whatever age you are, Barcelona never stops.
Shopping - the centre of Perpignan is only twenty-five minutes drive away. Explore the old city - there are excellent and individual shops. Barcelona is only an hour and a half away and offers fantastic shopping at low prices.
Parascending - Ideal for beginners at the end of summer and excellent throughout most of the year. There are schools within an hour's drive.
Canigou expedition - explore the Canigou mountain in a 4x4 or on mountain bikes. (or even go up in a 4x4 and come down by mountain bike). The Canigou is 2784m high and a little more than an hour's drive away.
Skiing - Font Romeu is around an hour and a half's drive from the front door and offers some excellent skiing of all kinds for all levels. Andorra is about 2.5 hours drive away (and useful for tax-free shopping as well as skiing).