The Foothills of the Pyrenees by Rail

Train Seats On all legs of the journey you have reserved seat Travel and carriage numbers which are shown clearly on your ticket. Passports Please ensure your 10 year British Passport is not out of date and is valid for a full three months beyond the duration of your visit. EU, Andorra, Baggage Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino or Switzerland valid national identification cards are also As with most trains, passengers are responsible for acceptable for travel to and . carrying baggage onto and off the train. Baggage can be stored on overhead shelves or at the entrance to the carriages. Trollies are available at St Visas Pancras and Lille, but bags do need to be carried on British and EU passport holders are not required to to the platform. Porters are sometimes but not have a visa. always available at St Pancras. Travel Editions recommends a luggage delivery For all other passport holders please check the visa service called thebaggageman, where your suitcase requirements with the appropriate embassy. can be picked up from your home before departure and delivered straight to your hotel; therefore French consulate: PO Box 57, 6A Cromwell Place, removing the worry about carrying your cases onto London SW7 2EW; Tel (020) 7838 2000/1. and off the trains. Information Service: Tel (0891) 887 733, Fax: (020) For further information: 7838 2046. Opening hours: 0900-1130 (and 1600- http://www.thebaggageman.com 1630 for visa collection only) Mon-Fri (except British and French national holidays). Labels Please use the luggage labels provided. It is useful to have your home address located inside your Tickets suitcase should the label go astray.

You will be issued with a return train ticket.

Please take care not to lose your tickets and please check that the details on your tickets are accurate. Transfers Your ticket is non-transferable and non-refundable. On arrival in , transfer by coach to No refund can be given for non-used portions. Mercure Perpignan Centre. Standard Premier on Eurostar tickets is indicated by two asterisks in the class type section in the top right hand corner. A light meal will be served to Special Requests passengers travelling Standard Premier on Eurostar. If you haven’t already, please notify Travel Editions Standard class Eurostar tickets do not include any of any special requests as soon as possible to allow food or drink on board, although there is a buffet sufficient time to make the necessary car serving drinks and snacks. arrangements. TGV tickets do not include any food or drink on board, although a buffet car is available.

Accommodation

Mercure Perpignan Centre The 3-star Mercure Perpignan is situated in a great Almost all restaurants offer two types of meals: à la location in the city centre, just outside of the old carte (extensive choice for each course, generally town and within walking distance of a host of more expensive) and le menu (a set meal at a fixed restaurants. Facilities at the hotel include a bar, the price). The bill (l’addition) will not be presented partner restaurant "La Passerelle" located 20 until it is asked for, even if clients sit and talk for meters from the hotel, a fitness centre and half an hour after finishing their meal. Usually, a comfortable bedrooms with private bath/shower, discretionary service charge is added to your bill in hairdryer, TV, telephone, wi-fi, mini-bar and restaurants and bars, and no further tipping is coffee/tea making facilities. required, although it is customary to leave small change if good service is provided. For more information please visit the hotel’s website: http://www.mercure.com/gb/hotel-1160-mercure- Generally speaking, mealtimes in France are strictly perpignan-centre-hotel/index.shtml observed. Lunch is as a rule served from noon to 1330, dinner usually from 2000-2130, but the larger the city, the later the dining hour.

Food In this geographically diverse region, you will find quite a varied cuisine noted for its mix of sweet and Drink savoury, stews and use of sumptuous sauces. From Wine is by far the most popular alcoholic beverage the typical fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables in France, and the choice will vary according to and olive oil of the Mediterranean, to the cheeses, region. The viticulture area around Perpignan, AOC salted smoked hams and sausages of the Côtes du Roussillon, is best known for its delicious mountainous inland region, you will not be medium bodied red wine, but also boasts excellent disappointed. dry rosé and white wines and the sweet Muscat Local specialities include Escalivada (grilled white. On the Spanish side of the border, DO aubergine and peppers with olive oil, tomatoes, Empordà mainly produces refreshing rosés and rich, onions and garlic), Coque catalane or coca (pizza- powerful reds, known as black due to the colour of like dough garnished with sweet or savoury the Carignan grape. topping), Ouillade or Ollada (pork and vegetable Catalan sparkling wine, Cava, is produced rosé and stew), Bullinada (fish and potato soup), Cargolade white, and comes, as champagne, from the dry brut (snails), and Escudella (meatball and vegetable to the sweet dulce. soup). You will also find fish, poultry or lamb, cooked in the sauces of the region – the garlic and In elegant restaurants the wine list will be separate oil aioli or a tomato, onion and pepper sauce. from the main menu, but in less opulent establishments will be printed on the back or along The region’s most famous sweet is the Crème the side of the carte. The waiter will usually be glad Catalane (egg yolk, milk and sugar custard), enjoyed to advise an appropriate choice. If in doubt, try the plain, with a thin layer of caramelised sugar, or used house wine; this will usually be less expensive and as a filling of one of the numerous pastries, such as will always be the owner’s pride. the Girona Xuixo. Other typical desserts include Rousquille (ring shaped and icing covered biscuit) and El mel I mato (goat or cow cheese with honey, Meals included in the price of your holiday are: simple, light and delicious). Coffee is served after the meal and will be black, in Breakfast – daily small cups, unless a café au lait (or crème) is requested. Often served with coffee are

Carquinyolis (crunchy almond biscuits) or Catanies (almonds covered in white and dark chocolate).

Destination

The area of France in the shadow of the Pyrenees around Perpignan houses a wealth of sights from The ancient town of Elne housed Hannibal and his Cathar hilltop castles to underground grottoes. The elephants on his epic journey in 218BC. It is now region’s culture and heritage is strongly influenced famed for its 11th century Cathedrale de Ste Eulalie by the historic principality of Catalonia reaching et Ste Julie, its impressive cloisters now house a over the Pyrenees and along the Mediterranean Museum of History and Archaeology. coast into the old county of Roussillon in France. With hills peppered with the ruins of Cathar castles, For more information about Elne: a rugged coastline and lush plains dotted with http://ville-elne.fr charming old towns, this beautiful region offers an air of the romantic and, reputedly, the sunniest weather in France. The small town of Cabestany was the home of the Places of interest included in the tour: Master of Cabestany whose remarkable workmanship dating from the 12th century was Perpignan discovered during restoration of the local church The lovely city of Perpignan, close to the Spanish during the 1930s. His works can now be seen at the border, is a great base for this fascinating and Centre de Sculpture Romane. varied tour. A thoroughly Southern city, Perpignan is the multicultural capital of the French Catalan http://www.maitre-de-cabestany.com region. The city’s small old town is a little rough- around-the-edges, but the vibrantly painted facades and palm tree lined boulevards make it feel Ceret and the Serrabone Priory wonderfully Mediterranean. Sights here include an The cherry town of Ceret has a true taste of Arab quarter, the 13th century Palais des Rois de southwest France, though with its tiled and painted Majorque, the Loge de Mer Maritime Exchange, the facades, the town has a very Spanish feel. Popular 14th century Hotel de Ville, the Gothic Cathédrale St with the likes of Picasso and Matisse, it has an Jean Baptiste, and the Musée Catalan of North artistic heritage reflected in its Museum of Modern Catalonian history. Art (entrance included) that houses an outstanding

collection. The town comes of life with its local For more information about Perpignan: http://www.perpignantourisme.com/gb market on a Saturday morning. The small 12th century Prieuré de Serrabone enjoys a beautiful unspoilt setting fronted by a pleasant mediterranean botanical garden, its beautiful pink A picturesque seaside town in the foothills of the marble pillars are not to be missed. Pyrenees, backed by a series of ancient terraced vines, the colourful harbour town of Collioure is delightful. In the early 20th century the town Villefranche-de-Conflent, the Grottes became the meeting place of Fauve artists, des Canalettes & St Michel de Cuxa including Matisse, Derain and Picasso, and their Abbey artistic influence survives. Highlights here include The original town of Villefranche-de-Conflent dates the Château Royal, built by the Knights Templar in from 1098 – strategically placed and fortified due to the 13th century, the 17th century Église de Notre- its precarious location. The town was also fortified Dame-des-Anges and its famous bell tower, and the by Vauban, Louis XIV’s military architect, in 1707. delightful narrow alley ways and colourful houses. Note the splendid 12th century Église de Saint Jacques. For more information about Collioure: Just outside the town are the Grottes des http://www.collioure.com/en/ Canalettes, a series of grottoes with spectacular stalagmite and stalagtite formations.

Travel books to read The Abbey of St Michel de Cuxa was founded by the Graham Robb, The Discovery of France. Benedictines in c.840 and is still home to a A general introduction to French culture, landscape and community of Benedictine monks. history, it also features an excellent insight into the distinctive character of France’s regions.

Salses, the Galamus Gorges & Château Tobias Smollett, Travels through France and Italy, de Quéribus 1766. Laurance Sterne, A Sentimental Journey through The commune of Salses, renowned for its late 15th France and Italy, 1768. century border fort built by the Spanish, overlooks Both 18th century authors travelled through France, to the vast vineyards of the Corbières region famed for Nice, continuing along to Italy. Sterne’s personal and their excellent red wines. In one of France’s most sentimental account can be seen as a response to unspoilt regions, heading into the foothills of the quarrelsome and deriding Smollett’s. Pyrenees, we’ll come across a series of craggy castles draped along the backbones of the Charles Richard Weld, The Pyrenees: West and mountains. Built in the 13th century, the Cathars East, 1859. sought refuge in these castles from the vicious The historian Charles Richard Weld wrote a series of crusade against them, led by Simon de Montfort. “Vacation Tours”, of which the account of his travels to One of the most impressive is Château Quéribus – the Pyrenees. getting to this castle involves a reasonably steep climb but is well worth the effort, as the views from Michael Eaude, Catalonia: A Cultural History the top are mesmerising. A vivid introduction to the fascinating history of this The Galamus Gorges are truly spectacular and region, lodged between France and Spain. provide the link between the Catalan region and Cathar country. John Payne, Catalonia: History and Culture Payne provides an engaging, lively history of this border area, highly informative and enjoyable to read. For more information on the gorges please visit: http://www.gorgesdegalamus.fr Tour manager Your tour manager will be on hand throughout the tour to ensure that everything operated according to plan. If you have any problems or questions please see him or her immediately – it is often possible to resolve complaints or problems very quickly on the spot, and do everything to help you enjoy your holiday.

Credit cards – American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted across the The Basics country. If you’re eating at a restaurant, check prior to the meal that your card will be an acceptable

form of payment. Even in cities, it’s advisable to Climate – The weather in Catalonia and along the carry a supply of cash with you at all times. Varying Costa Brava at this time of year is likely to be amounts of commission can be charged. pleasant, but there is the chance of the odd shower.

Our best advice is to come prepared. Electricity – 220 volt, two-pin continental plug.

Drinking water – Tap water is safe to drink. (Although you’ll find a huge amount of bottled water for sale too)

Shops and museums – Department stores are open 0900-1830 Monday to Saturday. Most shops are closed between 1200-1430. Some food shops (particularly bakers) are open Sunday mornings, in which case they will probably close Monday. Many shops close all day or half-day Monday. Please note than some museums close on Mondays.

Time – GMT +2 hours (Summer time Apr-Oct); GMT Clothes & Shoes – You may like to bring a warm + 1 (Standard time Nov-Mar). sweater for cool evenings. Light rain wear for the Language – French, Spanish and Catalan. occasional storm and good grip/flat walking shoes Religion – Roman Catholic. are recommended.

National holidays – New Year’s day (01 Jan); Camera – bring plenty of memory cards/film and Epiphany (06 Jan); Good Friday; Easter Monday; any spare camera batteries as these are not always Labour day (01 May); Victory in Europe day (08 available. Please check with your guide before May); Ascension day; Whit Monday; French photographing people. National day (14 Jul); Assumption of Mary (15 Aug); Spanish National holiday (12 Oct); All Saints’ day (01 Bath plugs – The hotel has plugs for basins, but it is Nov); Armistice day (11 Nov); Spanish Constitution useful to carry a ‘universal’ one with you. Day (06 Dec); Immaculate Conception (08 Dec); Christmas day (25 Dec); St Stephens Day (26 Dec). Telephones/mobiles – You should be able to use your mobile phone in France, depending on your Currency – Euro. €1 = 100 cents. Notes are in operator and contract. denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, Tipping –To keep our tours affordable, we do not 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. increase the tour price by adding in tips. However, in the tourism industry, there is a certain level of Banks – Cashpoints compatible with international expectation that when receiving a good service, one banking networks are located in all towns and cities, does award with a tip. Tour Managers, as well as airports, major train stations and other Representatives, Guides and Drivers appreciate a spots. They usually offer an attractive exchange tip at the end of their involvement with the tour, rate. Those banks that still exchange foreign but this is entirely at your discretion. We believe in currencies into local money will always charge a allowing you to tip according to your level of transaction fee, so withdrawing money from an satisfaction with their services, but for your ATM usually represents the most logical means of guidance about £2-3 per person per day for the tour obtaining euros. manager is the norm. We would like to reiterate that tipping is an entirely optional payment and this information is given purely to answer any questions you may have about it.

Health

Doctor/Dentist/Chemist Please talk to your tour manager if you are feeling Insurance unwell and they will organise for you to see a To be covered under your Travel Insurance Policy, doctor. if you become ill, it is essential that you contact a Keep receipts for insurance claims. local doctor and also telephone the emergency number of you insurance company. You will NOT be covered for any claim unless this procedure is carried out. Your insurance company will then Hospital decide on the best course of medical attention. Your tour manager/hotel reception will arrange hospital transport. Keep receipts for insurance claims. European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) The EHIC replaced the old E111 in 2006. Valid in all EEA countries, the card lets you get state General Health Advice healthcare at a reduced cost or sometimes for We suggest you take a good supply of your own free. It will cover you for treatment that is needed individual medicines with you and always keep to allow you to continue your stay until your some in your hand luggage in case you get delayed planned return. It also covers the treatment of or your luggage goes astray. General-purpose pre-existing medical conditions. supplies for bites, stings, or scratches, and your Please note that the EHIC is not an alternative to usual medication for headaches, or stomach travel insurance. It will not cover any private upsets are always recommended. Oral re- medical healthcare or costs such as being flown hydration sachets are excellent for topping up salt back to the UK, or lost or stolen property. and glucose levels. Therefore, it is important to have both an EHIC and Visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for more a valid private travel insurance policy. It is also generally information specific to the country you important to note that each country’s healthcare are visiting – www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk system is slightly different, so the EHIC might not cover everything that would be generally free on the NHS. Sun Protection We strongly recommend that you take out an Spanish summers can get very hot, so always appropriate travel insurance policy when you ensure you take sufficient sun protection and travel abroad. moisturiser. A sun hat and sunglasses are also advisable. For more information about the EHIC please visit: https://www.ehic.org.uk

Inoculations You should check with your own doctor and take their advice as to which inoculations are required for the country you are visiting, as only they know your medical history and recommendations are liable to change at short notice.

Emergencies Should an emergency arise, please call our offices on: 00 44 20 7251 0045 Outside office hours (Mon-Fri 0900-1700), telephone our emergency staff on: 00 44 20 7431 8201 or 00 44 7899 796542 or 00 44 7831 133079 or 00 44 1235 850720 PLEASE USE THESE NUMBERS ONLY IN THE EVENT OF A GENUINE EMERGENCY.

If you find that you are in need of consular assistance during your holiday:

British Consulate Marseille 24 avenue du Prado 13006 Marseille France +33 (0)4 91 15 72 10 [email protected]

Mon, Wed and Fri: 0900 to 1230. Outside these hours a consular Emergency Service is in operation and can be contacted on +33 (0)4 91 15 72 10

Travel Editions 3 Young’s Buildings, London EC1V 9DB Tel: 020 7251 0045 Email: [email protected] www.traveleditions.co.uk

PLEASE NOTE: THIS INFORMATION IS CORRECT AT THE TIME OF PRINTING. IT IS MEANT AS A GUIDE ONLY AND WE CANNOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR ERRORS OR SUBSEQUENT CHANGES.