P-OP-O Life LifeLife inin thethe Pyrénées-Orientales Pyrénées Orientales

Traditions and Events What’s on this summer? Out for the Day Foothills of the AlbÈres

Améliorez votre Anglais SUMMER 2012 AND Test your French FREE / GRATUIT Nº 36 Your English Speaking Services Directory www.anglophone-direct.com Fond perdu 31/10/11 9:11 Page 1 Edito...

Register for our Shhhhhhhhh. Stop whatever you’re doing and listen. Can free weekly newsletter, you hear it? Frogs are croaking, crickets are chirping, that and stay up to date with WINDOWS, DOORS, SHUTTERS & CONSERVATORIES life in the Pyrénées-Orientales. summer buzz is in the air. The scent of wild lavender, www.anglophone -direct.com rosemary and thyme drifts on the heat, mingling with Installing the very best since 1980 suntan oil and barbecue... Here comes summer! Wine tastings, beer festivals, communal outdoor meals, street dancing, live Call or visit our showroom to talk music, sardanes and castellers, correfocs, gégants….In fact, there is so much with our English speaking experts. We also design going on that we just can’t cram it all here. Don’t forget to check out our and install beautiful website www.anglophone-direct.com for loads more on What’s On, Where Unrivalled 30 year guarantee conservatories. to Go, Where to Eat…… Oh, and if you haven’t already done so, why not subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and just wait for it to PING into your No obligation free quotation – Finance available subject to status inbox every weekend with all the very latest from the Pyrenees-Orientales? Regular readers may have noticed that Jane has deserted me (sniff) here on the editorial page. In fact, she has fallen in love with a bunch of great French artists, most of whom have long since departed to that great easel in the sky, and is researching their links with the P-O. Watch this space. In the meantime, never fear. She will still be regularly found leaping about in the centre pages. Wishing you sunshine (and shade!) this summer Kate

PS For the spanish students amongst you….What do you call a Spanish streaker? Señor Willy. Contact us Advertising Magazine gratuit. Tout Droits réservés, e name To find out more about how your Reproduction interdite Unrivalled range you can trust business can benefit from advertising in Impression: Imprimerie du Mas Tirage: 9000 ex of high security PO Life and Anglophone Direct contact Ne pas jeter sur la voie publique - Anglophonedirect Michelle on 06 12 22 23 70 (advertising only) accepts no responsibility for the competency of windows people and services advertising in PO Life. [email protected] Concepteur et rédacteur: Kate www.tryba.com Editorial Maquette & Création: For editorial queries & comment www.blyth-spirit.com tel: 04 68 05 86 71 [email protected] 2 09 64 48 51 86 (editorial only) Cover put together from reader’s photos. Next to “Le Clos des Lys” restaurant and the car dealerships Merci and keep on sending them! P-OLife... Index GET RID P-O Life distribution points...... 5 Flowers of the Pyrenees ...... 38-39 OF YOUR GLASSES ! Walk the region Upper Vallespir ...... 6-7 Test your French...... 40-43 OR CONTACT LENSES Did you know?...... 8-9 Améliorez votre Anglais...... 44-45 Pool Leak?...... 10 Over the Border Airport News...... 11 Girona with Frog bus...... 46 An alternative to Kennels?...... 49 Traditions & Events...... 12-17 Lets get physical Food & drink Restaurant review -La Pierranne...... 18-19 Up the creek WITH a paddle...... 50-51 La Maison de l’Amande...... 24-25 What’s new on the activity front? ...... 52 Apricots...... 26 Quads and wine??...... 53 Out for the day Things you might need to know...... 56-57 to Argelès…...... 32-35 Emergency numbers...... 59 Donkey Day out...... 36-37 English Speaking Services...... 60-63 Reliable and efficient - 100% laser solution Long-sighted? Short sighted? Suffering from astigmatism? We P-O Life can be found at the following can offer you a full range of vision correction treatments whatever main distribution points. your age. When was the last time you read your book on the P-O Life beach or by the pool without glasses hassle? All main tourist offices and Palais des Congrès /LIHLQWKH3\UÂQÂHV2ULHQWDOHV Why not visit us at Vision Sud santé here in and Argelès: Carrefour, Café Noisette Le Boulou: Expert, Leclerc, combine a simple vision correction procedure with a relaxing

Mediterranean holiday? Intermarché Canet: Château Esparrou, Hyper Casino OUT FOR THE DAY A ride on the Stratèges-Train d’Enfer Stratèges-Train : Asia Center, Mas Guerido Zoo : Intermarché, one euro bus Airport News Flight possibilities to Carrefour Market, Bar Au Bon Coin, Real Estates - see p64, Allianz and from the region La Retirada A different vision of the Your sport and leisure activities without glasses or contact lenses beautiful beachesP-O of the P-O LAMÉLIOREZi VOTRE ANGLAIS - Céret - see p53 : Château Royal : Champion LifeLife in thethe Pyrénées-Orientales Pyrénées Orientalese AND TESTf YOUR FRENCH Winter 2011 Your English Speaking Services Directory FREE / GRATUIT Nº 34 d www.anglophone-direct.comh Ille sur Têt: Carrefour Market Laroque: Carrefour Market, Café 21/11/2011 09:47

issue_34_Winter_2011_V7.indd 1 des Artistes Perpignan: Leroy Merlin, Loft Café : Intermarché Prades: Super U, Intermarché Walk the Region Racou to Pyrénées 2000: Casino Supermarket : Champion Collioure Out for the day Murals of Many of our advertisers also stock P-O Life, so remember to pick Maury SPRING 2012 FREE / GRATUIT Nº 35 Améliorez votre AnglAis AnD test your French up a copy the next time you’re in their shop, office or restaurant... Your English Speaking Services Directory www.anglophone-direct.com

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www.visionsudsante.com 4 SITE MÉDIPÔLE - CABESTANY 5 Walktheregion... Baaaaaaaaad Joke! P Option for hikers: Tour de Mir - (Needs Maurice mouton se perd pendant a second car parked in Prats de Mollo.) From Col UPPER VALLESPIR une journée entière. Quand il Pregon, continue alongside the fence to Pic de la retrouve son troupeau, les brebis From Prats de Mollo-La Preste Clape and col des Basses de Fabert. At the corner of a pine wood, a dirt track leads to the Tour de Mir, ont toutes été tondues. to the Spanish border medieval watchtower. (1h from col Pregon). From Maurice mouton, très poli, les the tower, a footpath goes down to Col d’en Cé, prévient….. with Christian Piquemal to the farmhouses of Mir and Xatard and finally to “Excusez-moi mesdames, je ne Prats de Mollo (1h30). Map: IGN TOP 25 2349 ET - suis pas encore rasé... “. Massif du CANIGOU (se perd - gets lost troupeau - flock Strolling options: Not keen walkers? Too hot to brebis - ewes prévient - warns) do the full walk? You can still enjoy the spectacular scenery of the border area. P Drive from Prats de Mollo to Col d’Ares and park. From there you can: panoramas from col d’Ares, drive back direction 1. Have a walk down along the “Cami de la Prats and park close to the 3rd U-turn of the Retirada” (signposts + yellow marks), an itinerary road. At a short distance stands the chapel Santa Total walking time: 4 - 5 hours. Distance: 10 km. Ascent: 600m used by the Spanish refugees at the end of the Civil Margarida, a popular stop-over on the pilgrims’ This trail takes you along the border crests overlooking the valley of Prats de Mollo. Footpaths in War. path to Compostela (Way of Saint James) and an the area have been well walked in the past by generations of shepherds, smugglers, refugees and 2. Go over to the Spanish side leaving the outstanding viewpoint over Massif of Canigou. escapees. Panoramas over Canigou, Costabona, Spanish Catalonia and Vallespir are outstanding. On bar-restaurant on your left. Close to a picnic place, P Driving down again for a few minutes, you a clear day, views stretch to the Mediterranean coastline. The area also provides gentle strolling for cross the fence and follow the waymarked path reach a “transformateur electrique” where a dirt those who prefer to take it a little easier. going slightly down, with stunning views over the track on the right side will lead you to the “ferme- Access: Take the RD900 to Prats de Mollo. Cross (an easy 1h), you reach Col Pregon, marked with valleys of Ripollès and the village of Molló. For both auberge Costa de Dalt” (reservations in advance; the bridge over the river Tech and turn right at the signposts and the boundary stone n° 515. It was a options, you will have to get back to col d’Ares the tel: 04 68 39 74 40). This welcoming place provides roundabout direction La Preste. After the spa resort, popular border passage for smugglers and one of same way. good meals exclusively using products of the farm. stop at a large parking area at the end of the main the routes for refugees fleeing Fascist Spain in 1939. Gourmet option: After having enjoyed the Bon appetit!! road. P Cross the fence always following the yellow The walk: From the parking area, follow the marks, direction north. Don’t miss the steep path Christian Piquemal, road just below a large farmhouse. After 900m, turn leading down to the hamlet of La Forge, close to professional guide, left onto the footpath going abruptly up (signpost the Tech river (1h10 down). Cross it on a “passerelle” provides a large selection “Col de Siern”). Your itinerary is marked with yellow and take a narrow path going up to the tarred road of entertaining walks signs and n° 20 all the way. D115A. Turn left along it to reach the spa resort of throughout French and P Walk up through woods of oak and beech La Preste and the parking place (15mn). Spanish Catalonia. A trees. If lucky, a deer or an isard might cross 7-seater is also available your path. Continue following the markings for transfers and tourist until you come out of the forest at Col de Siern excursions. General (1h45 from the start; alt. 1629 m) not far from information and timetable the boundary stone n° 514. of programmes on: P Turn left on the track along the crest, www.enchemin.com mostly on the Spanish side, and enjoy the Contact: +33 (0)621 664 panoramas over Costabona, Catalan Pyrenees 215 // enchemin@mail. and the pastures of Ripollès. Three km later com 6 7 Didyouknow...? Yeuse in The pretty little town of Eus, (ay-ooss) near Prades, takes its name from a type of green oak tree called the Yeuse, which grows around the village.

That summer buzzzzzz Coasting Did you know that the Tiger Coastal paths, known as ‘sentiers des douaniers’ mosquito, (moustique tigre) And That Summer Bite! or sentiers littorals’ are strictly pedestrian. Dating normally native to Southeast Asia, Commonly known as millipedes, back to an old Napoleonic decree, all French is heading for North Catalonia? ‘scolopendres’ are unpleasant little beasties citizens had the right to access the national These unpleasant little devils to all but the ardent entomologist, made up of treasure that is the French coastline, so a fly and attack during the day as several segments, with twenty-one pairs of feet, minimum strip of three metres was to remain well as night, their bites are more four pairs of eyes, and lots of other bits that you available to the public along the whole French painful than the common or garden mozzie, and their stinger A P-O mosquito called Bert don’t want to know about! coastline. This law was reinstated in 1976, by is able to pierce clothing! Honed his sting til it stood up quite pert They move quickly, hide beneath stones, in which time houses and hotels blocked much If you want to keep them away from you this summer, Then he dived for the kill woodpiles, in beams of houses, and at least of the coastal access in touristic areas, and surround yourself with flatworms, swimming beetles and one of their species, Scolopendra cingulata, is Napoleon’s dream was becoming a nightmare!. and drunk blood to his fill spiders, which are their natural enemies! An easier option resident in the South of ! It is now up to local councils to enforce or After rolling with glee in the dirt! is to avoid leaving pots of stagnant water or old tyres lying And they bite! suspend the law as they see fit, and although, around as these are fave reproduction sites. However, their venom is mild compared to in theory, you can walk the complete French some of their larger cousins around the world, Mediterranean coast from Menton near the and, if bitten, you will live to take your revenge!. Italian border to Collioure, I won’t be taking bets On The Big Rock Catalan Mountain! on the outcome. Mount Canigou, ‘montagne sacrée des Catalans’, has been officially recognised as a ‘Grand Site de France’, prestigious label awarded by the State. In future, it will return to its Catalan name ‘Canigó’ to differentiate Je t’aime, Don’t bother with a between the not-so-sacred tinned dog food bearing the same name! garden gnome…. ‘Grands sites de France’ are all world-renowned, regarded as cultural treasures and belong to a short list moiMany peoplenon of plus‘a certain age’ will Buy a cow for your garden of Europe’s most desirable tourist attractions. Only ten other sites have so far received this coveted title. remember all the fuss about the and avoid the mozzies this year. Chapeau Canigó! banning of Serge Gainsborough’s Cows are warm and release ‘Je t’aime (moi non plus)’, which only certain plant chemicals from served to make it so much more eating grass, along with carbon popular. In fact, the title was inspired dioxide, the chemical signature by a Salvador Dalí comment: “Picasso that mosquitoes crave. They will is Spanish, me too. Picasso is a genius, go straight for the cow and leave me too. Picasso is a communist, me you in peace. neither”, hence the rather strange 8 ‘moi non plus’ (me neither) in the title. 9 P-OLife... Evaporation or a leaky pool?

It can come as quite a surprise just how much water is lost from a swimming pool via Excellent selection of evaporation, due to heat, humidity and wind. AIRPORT NEWS properties throughout the With JOHN FAIRCLOUGH Even a gentle breeze can more than double the ◗ Cleaning & maintenance Pyrénées-Orientales evaporation rate by removing the insulating contracts As promised in the Spring issue, I have examined layer of warm, moist air directly above the pool ◗ One-off cleans the various airport and airline schedules for any surface. additions to their summer 2012 operations. In ◗ Personalised property search ◗ Green pools Add to these factors a gaggle of splashing truth there have not been many new routes on ◗ Relocation services swimmers, and it is understandable that large ◗ Repair, upgrade & maintain offer, but some increases in frequencies are worth water bills slosh onto pool owner’s doormats every ◗ Pool leaks noting. ◗ Project management summer. However, not all water loss is down to • PERPIGNAN...... Despite all sorts of positive ◗ Language assistance evaporation. Even small leaks can significantly raise noises, the only new route from here is a and translation the cost of your water bill, and be very difficult to weekly service to Nantes. Very disappointingly, locate. If you think you might have a leak, it is worth no-one has stepped into the breach as regards [email protected] Bilingual Estate Agency having it checked out, not only to lighten your BMIBaby’s abandoned Manchester connection. With you every step of the way water bill, but because those expensive products www.tpm66.com However, the Ryanair flights to Stansted will might be literally going down the plughole! increase to The first thing a pool specialist will check out is +33(0)6 75 46 93 65 8 x per week for the high summer period. the location of the leak - pool or filtration system. • CARCASSONNE.... New route to Cork with Special test kits can detect leaks in liners and shells, pinpointing layout, and determining breakage, Ryanair; 2 x pw although for concrete pools, the checks can only blockage etc. The camera records the findings, and • GIRONA.....Another summer option for UK be carried out by visual inspection. If the suspected is checked on a screen afterwards, very similar to a travellers is to buy a ticket on one of Thomson’s leak is in the filtration system, checks on the pipe colonoscopy! Costa Brava charter flights; pressure can confirm or rule this out. Identifying and locating a leak can be a long and Gatwick.....2 x pw Once confirmed, a flexible inspection camera complicated process, but well worth it in the long Manchester ..2 x pw can snake its way around the inside of the piping, run for economy and peace of mind. Birmingham ..1 x pw • BARCELONA.... A few new routes: Superb 5-bedroom property with land, pool and unbeatable view of Mount Canigou. Birmingham... 4x pw BMI Baby 445,000 euros. Ref: 66025817. Nott E Mids.... 5x pw BMI Baby Absolutely Almost All you need to know Liverpool...... 7x pw Ryanair Are you selling? Call us! about the Pyrénées Orientales London City.... 7x pw BA CityFlyer Vous vendez? Appelez-nous! Absolutely Almost All You Need to Know It’s never nice to be looking at the winter, especially www.medandmountain.com when the summer sun is shining, but, hopefully, by about the Pyrenees-Orientales. Lavishly [email protected] illustrated with its lively blend of information and the time the P-O Life autumn edition hits the streets, essential facts, Jane and Kate’s guide book is a must we’ll have some sort of idea as to what connections +33 (0) 468 56 54 22 have for lovers of the P-O. Pick one up at most will be available from this area to UK/Ireland from or +33 (0) 612 29 52 59 November onwards. Maisons de la Presse, or online at In association with Revimmo, 10 www.lespresseslitteraires.com carte professionnelle no. 66-2006-213-T-G 11 Traditions&Events..... The Sardane in History Sardane Festival - Céret Friday 20th - Sunday 22nd July 04 68 87 46 49

The Sardane () is a traditional Catalan circle dance, designed to bring whole villages out into the streets, and get them in party mood. - a little like a more complicated version of the ’hokey cokey’ in fact! Some say that the word has links with Sardinia, others that, because it was originally often spelt ‘cerdana’, its origin must be in the Cerdanya Bastille Day ammunition store. region. Nobody is absolutely sure. The day of the storming and fall of the Bastille Music for the sardane is played by a ‘’, on Saturday 14th July was declared a French national holiday in 1880, a typical Catalan instruments, tenor, tible, The poor were starving to death on the streets celebration of the birth of the Republic. and tambour, as well as more traditional , of Paris. In the royal palace, the king’s breakfast If you’re looking for fireworks, you’ve come to , fiscorn and double bass. The makeup throughout Catalonia, by Catalan and non Catalan consisted of 4 chops, a full chicken, six poached the right place! Thousands of euros go up in flames of a cobla never varies. alike, a great way to make friends and take a little air eggs and a slice of ham, washed down with a every year to mark the event, with dancing, live The evolution of the sardane has deep links with and exercise at the same time. Join in the next time bottle and a half of champagne. The French music and a whole lot of celebrating. republicanism, and over the years, has become you see a Sardane starting up - the more the merrier Aristocracy, the most spoilt and wealthy in Check with Tourist Offices for exact dates and more than just a dance. - but don’t be fooled by the apparent gentle pace. Europe, played, whilst the poor, the starving, details as events may take place on the night of When the Spanish Republic was declared in 1931, Hopping up and down on one spot is a great thigh the sick, and the tired, became more and more the 13th. Catalonia gained a degree of autonomy, but when and leg workout as well as putting your mental skills resentful. the Second Spanish Republic collapsed in early 1939, to the test! The scene had long been set for the events to General Franco declared a fascist government, over follow. which he ruled until 1975. He resented the Catalan The storming of the Bastille prison marked the national pride and identity, and introduced bans A load of bull? Férias beginning of the French Revolution of 1789, and against certain aspects of Catalan culture, language These yearly bullfighting festivals, led to the end of the monarchy, and the start of the and heritage, to force the Catalans to conform with with Bull Run through the streets, French Republic. the rest of Spain. market, bands, bodegas, and street The Bastille (from old French bastide, meaning Not for the first time, the speaking of Catalan was entertainment are not to everyone’s taste. fortress and the Provençal ‘bastida’ meaning built) banned. So was the Sardane as Franco believed If you are not into bloody bullfights to symbolised the absolute power of King Louis dancers were passing on coded messages with their the death, keep away from the slaughter XVI and his queen, Marie Antoinette. Not only feet. The banning served only to strengthen national arenas and just enjoy the partying. did it often hold political prisoners, including Que font deux brosses unity. The Sardane brought together the sexes, all Céret - 14th - 15th July the great writer Voltaire, who spoke out against à dents le 14 juillet? ages and classes, linked together, heads held high, as - 9th - 12th August the government, but it was also a weapons and they declared their ’Catalanité’ loud and proud. Collioure - 14th - 18th August Un feu dentifrice ! Today the Sardane is danced in villages and towns 12 13 Traditions&Events.....

...forms, open to anyone. Salsa, 5th to 7th July 19th July - 23rd Aug What’s on Around the Region string and steel bands, rock, rap, hip Festival Jazz à Perpignan Les Jeudis de hop, house and heavy metal pound Juhègues Perpignan Street theatre, jugglers, out from bars and cafés, streets, “Hommage aux légendes du Jazz” clowns, acrobats, , salsa, We hate sending people off on JUne squares and courtyards. Carnival 04 68 28 41 10 jazz, , reggae, hip-hop, wild goose chases, even in the atmosphere, food, drink, laughter sardanes, jazz, blues, late night hunting season! There are so 1st - 3rd June www.fetedelamusique.culture.fr Saturday 7th July shopping…. and it’s free every Thursday evening in the streets of many festivals, concerts, and events Collioure Les Musaiques de Collioure Céret Festival d’Havaneres Saturday 23rd June Perpignan. 04 68 66 30 30 to herald in spring and summer in the Festival of wine, art and music Collioure 04 68 82 15 47 Les Feux de la Saint-Jean French More lively sailor ’sing-songs’ in the Pyrenees Orientales, and sometimes Catalonia is set ablaze to celebrate streets, and a complimentary ‘ron 22nd July they are sneakily brought forward, Saturday 2nd June the Summer Solstice of St Jean cremat’, traditional rum drink Osséja Concours international around the 23rd June when Catalans 04 68 87 00 53 de Chiens de Bergers backwards, sideways, cancelled or Céret Festival d’Havaneres del from both sides of the Pyrénées meet (International Sheepdog Trials) changed. With this in mind, we bring you only a small Vallespir up on the summit of the Canigou Tuesday 10th July Sheepdog trials, regional market, Lively sailor ’sing-songs’ in the streets selection of main, confirmed events here. Detailed, and a relay of runners bring down weaving workshop, various crafts, accompanied by guitar, accordion and a Fête de l’Abricot up-to-date What’s On information will continue to be flaming torches to light the “Focs de food and music…...04 68 04 53 86 tot or two of rum! 04 68 87 00 53 Rivesaltes is not only famous for published on www.anglophone-direct.com and in la Sant Joan” in towns and villages its sweet fortified wine, the town all over the region. Fri 27th - Sat 28th our free weekly newsletter. Sunday 3rd June celebrates the fruit with a festival of tasting, jams, apricot eating Campo Santo, Perpignan Port-Vendres (Paulilles) Fri 29th - Sat 30th competitions and apricot drinking. Les Estivales de Perpignan Beach festival, Port Vendres Céret Les Querencias - Catalan Southern culture - Mediterranean, A family day at the beach at Paulilles to music festival with the accent Wednesday 11th July Catalan, Spanish, gypsy - in this BANK HOLIDAYS kickstart the summer season. 14th July - Bastille Day. firmly on flamenco music and festival of dance and music held on Bring your own picnic. Batacuda (samba Canet Foam evening. Slip, slide dancing 04 68 87 00 53 the open air stage of the Campo 15th August - Assomption style Brazilian percussion), free sports and slither to music Santo in Perpignan centre, the site of activities (kayak, canoeing, scuba diving.....), 04 68 86 72 00 Don’t forgot ... Saturday 30th June one of only two cloister cemeteries sardanes, tastings and sales of local Father’s Day - June 17th 13th to 21st July in France, whose graceful arcades produce, organised activities for the kids, Argelès beach Corso Nocturne contained the tombs owned by complimentary apero.... 04 68 82 07 54 d’été. Carnival parade with floats, Prades International Film brass bands…. 04 68 81 15 85 Festival The second longest wealthy burghers in the Middle Ages. 15th - 16th June running film festival in France, after www.lesestivalesdelarchipel.org Cannes, this year’s festival spotlights Maury Voix de Femmes 13th July - 19th Aug School holidays for our region Vibrant female artists, some well known, july British director, Stephen Frears, (My Maury Toutes Toiles Dehors others up-and-coming. Celebration of the Beautiful Laundrette (1985), The Tuesday 3rd July Queen (2006)….and a selection of A great drive out past shops and Summer Holidays - 5th July to 4th September female voice. 04 68 50 08 54 Château Royal, Collioure previews of unreleased films house fronts draped in paintings on Sunday 17th June Flamenco 04 68 82 15 47 www.cine-rencontres.org the theme of ‘La Vigne…le Vin’ 04 68 50 08 54 Canet Olive festival and parade of the giants • Not sure where to start ? English Speaking All things olive, music in the streets and d v g property consultants • Trying to manage your Hairdresser dance of the giants project from overseas? Ladies, Gents & Children 04 68 86 72 00 Whether you’re looking to build a new • Problems with the Styling for special house, refurbish a derelict rural mas or language barrier ? occasions - weddings, Thursday 21st June modernise a townhouse, we are here to help parties, communions... and guide you through from start to fi nish. Call today or see our National Fête de la Musique website to fi nd out more June: Mon 2- 7pm, closed Wed, Tues - Sat 9am - 6pm On this, the longest day of the year, July: Closed Mon, Wed 2-7pm, Tues - Sat 9am - 6pm amateur and professional musicians Mob: 06 84 53 12 03 Tel: 04 68 55 86 80 Aug: Closed 6th - 19th, Open Mon 20th & Mon 27th perform free concerts in venues throughout [email protected] France, in a celebration of music in all its 04 68 29 78 74 www.dvgpropertyconsultants.com 14 30 av Jean Jaures, 66330 CABESTANY specialists in property development and project management 15 Traditions&Events..... r detaile fo d informat ww.angl ion visit:- What’s on Around the Region w ophone-direct.com 26th July - 13th Aug Sat 28 - 29th July 29th July - 4th Aug Fri 10th - Sun 12th Friday 17th August Around Prades Festival Pablo St Laurent de Cerdans Vernet-les-Bains Le Canigou Poc Villelongue dels Monts Music Théâtre de la mer Canet Casals Fête de l’Espadrille à Poc A week of walks and activities festival. A variety of concerts Concert/show Blues Brothers Renowned chamber music festival, Market, various activities, visit the to help you to discover the Canigou, ranging from classical, jazz, This free concert takes us back to the with concerts in the beautiful abbey workshop Toiles du Soleil. Visite de ‘poc à poc’ (bit by bit). children’s concerts, to contemporary 80s with Jake & Elwood Blues. Jokes, of Saint-Michel de Cuxà and other l’atelier 04 68 39 55 75 04 68 61 60 59 and Brazilian music, will give music and great choreography. churches in the Prades area you the chance to watch great 04 68 86 72 00 www.prades-festival-casals.com Wednesday 1st August entertainment played out in local Rivesaltes La fête du Babau scenery. A treat for all the senses Sunday 19th August Wednesday 18th July The legendary monster parades August including heritage, regional culture Mont Louis Les Gegants Canet Théâtre de la mer, through the streets in search of tasty and Catalan gastronomy. d’Argelès Tribute to the Black Eyed Peas 6th - 12th August human flesh, and is finally put to www.musiques-dels-monts.com Procession of giant papier maché This excellent tribute band play all Amélie-les-Bains Festival death on the banks of the river Agly. figures with cobla through the streets the Peas hits since 2003. Folklorique International 04.68.64 04.04 of the pretty walled town of Mont 04 68 86 72 00 Amélie les Bains Palalda Friday 10th August Louis 04 68 04 21 97 celebrates the 70th Festival 3rd - 7th August Sorède ‘Sol Argentino’ 24th July - 5th Aug Folklorique International, the Palau del Vidre Festival des Arts Argentinian tango, malambo, base Friday 24th August , near Prades. oldest festival in the Pyrénées du Verre Glass blowing festival drums in this free, 40 artistes show of Place Méditerranée, Canet Opera: La Belle Hélène Orientales, with singers and 04 68 22 13 02 rhythm and colour. The final, free tribute concert pays Amélie les Bains Each year, the Mosset opera dancers who will light up Amélie Giant paella 04 68 89 31 17 homage to the Stones with ‘100% produces its own unique high with a kaleidoscope of colour Sunday 5th August Palalda celebrates Stones’. 04 68 86 72 00 standard version of a favourite Opera and rhythm. Vernet-les-Bains The Canigou Wednesday 15th August the 70th Festival in the Castle Courtyard The major Race. Not for the faint hearted, National L’Assomption Folklorique roles are taken by international Highlights competitors set off from Vernet-les- Bank Holiday. opera stars but the chorus, orchestra • Wednesday 8th: 17h Amélie International, Bains, to the summit of Canigo, and Many shops closed and all other parts are played by sings with other choirs, followed back to Vernet, some carrying a load The date when Catholics believe locals who also make the costumes by dinner dance of 8kg like the ice porters of old. that the Virgin Mary ascended into and build the sets. • Thursday 9th: 16h30 ‘Amélie en Night markets (July and August) www.courseducanigou.com heaven…..and a religious holiday 04 68 05 50 83 fête’ with all groups is always a good excuse for a bit These markets usually take place from around 19h – • Friday 10th: Catalan evening Wednesday 8th August Wednesday 25th July • Saturday 11th: Tahiti evening. of a knees up - parades, fireworks, midnight, but can start earlier and finish later Port Vendres Music Festival Anniversary party ’bals’, music and entertainment Canet Théâtre de la Mer, ’Hisse et Oh’ Free concert for charity. • Sunday 12th: Last night throughout the region. Canet Prades Tribute to Abba with Bodegas, bandas, paella, and some with all groups….Argentina, Check with your local tourist office Every evening (sea front) Every Friday ‘Abba Star’ great bands with both local and Brittany, Nice, Landes, for details. and every Saturday (port) This successful Abba revival band national artistes. All money taken Bulgaria, Komi Republic, the Torreilles faithfully reproduce the famous will go to o Cystic Fibrosis Research. Catalan dancers... Our personal favourite? Céret Tuesdays and Thursdays, foursome in both music and 04 68 82 60 99 Information and reservations: The ’setting alight’ of Saint Cyprien Every Tuesday Sunday costume in this free concert. port with firework extravaganza, 04 68 86 72 00 04 678 83 99 44 or 04 68 39 01 98 Wednesday 8th August preceded by ’sardinade’. Argelès Le Barcarès Canet Théâtre de la Mer, Parking is difficult and leaving after Sat 28th - 29th July Every Tuesday and Friday every evening ‘Tribute to Queen’ with ‘Cover the display even more so - but the (Port) Thuir Diades Catalanes Queen’. Vibrant and explosive, this firework display is well worth the Every night - craft (Parking Catalan gastronomy, traditions, queen revival band pays homage to hassle! des Platanes) street music and arts the great Freddy Mercury, just over 04 68 53 45 86 20 years after his death, in this free 16 concert. 04 68 86 72 00 17 Food&drink bottle. An excellent pichet wine is La Pierranne Restaurant also available at 7€50 per half litre, 21 Carrer de la Marinada Review as well as some fine Spanish cava. 66740 Villelongue dels Monts with Being Belgian, Peter and Anna, Tel: 04 68 56 83 01 . John Fairclough also regard beer as an integral part La www.lapierranne.com of the meal, with Jupiler draught, plus 13 other bottled examples Opening times are lunch and Villelongue dels Monts from all over the country on offer, dinner, Tues to Fri, plus Sat dinner to see more resto including some of the famous and Sun lunch. Closed all day Mon Eating reviews visit Pierranne www.anglophone-direct.com ones made by Trappist monks! Out Despite being the brunt of many cheap jokes over the years, the good people of Belgium have Of course, in addition to those Guide had the last laugh where food and drink are concerned. For example, Brussels has relatively more wishing to eat a full meal, anyone Michelin starred restaurants than either Paris or London. Chips, or ‘French Fries’, are, in fact a Belgian who’d like to just pop in for a wine, beer, a invention, and Belgium’s beers routinely win far more prizes than the output of UK or German nibble and a chat is equally welcome. breweries. In summary, I’d say that Pierranne offers something distinctly different on the local So when I discovered that the owners of the from 19, 26 , and 32€ . On our most recent visit, dining scene, particularly for lovers of Belgian new ‘Pierranne’ restaurant in Villelongue dels Monts the 26€ menu offered, amongst its starters, salmon cuisine and beer. All in a very welcoming and were Belgian, I was very optimistic. Having visited it tartare with a very interesting curry infused oil convivial atmosphere. The restaurant is small several times now, my optimism was not misplaced. dressing, mixed local charcuterie, and the ever- (max 10 tables), so, particularly at busy times, Well sited in a modern row of shops in the heart of popular moules gratinées. I’d recommend booking or phoning in advance the Albères village, it’s easy to find and park. Peter Mains featured a tender entrecote steak with to check. and Anna who, like all Flemish Belgians, speak choice of sauces, grilled fillets of red mullet with flawless English, are very friendly, welcoming hosts, lemon reduction and fennel, and a delicious osso and there is a warm atmosphere in the small dining bucco, done to Anna’s recipe, which she was rather room. cagey about divulging! O’SHANNON PUB During the summer, food choices surround Every day, on all menus, in addition to healthy fresh market ingredients. A 3 course set lunchtime Mediterranean and classic French fare there is formule costs 13€90, varied every day, and excellent a Belgian speciality. This time it was chicken vol More than just a Guinness Bar... value. au vent, but other regular ones are Carbonnade 7 Draught beers including There is a daily plat du jour at 9€50, available Flamande (beef cooked in beer) or Waterzooi (a our beloved Guinness lunch and evening, when the menu options range creamy chicken stew from Ghent). Sweets were varied, with the popular Belgian Now serving draught Cider chocolate Dame Blanche or Noire, and Apple Crumble with pain epicé ice cream worthy of mention. Cheese is also an option, and this varies from day to day, too. The 32€ menu runs very much along the same lines, but clearly features more expensive ingredients, such as foie gras and fillet of beef. 3, Rue de l’Incendie, 66000 Perpignan Wines are on a small, but well chosen list; the vast majority from producers in the local Albères Tel: 04 68 35 12 48 O’SHANNON Perpignan 18 region, and starting at a very reasonable 14€ a open 7 nights a week 7.30pm – 2.00am 19 Food&drink

COLLIOURE An unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Collioure e sympathetically converted 12th century building will be open all year round for lunch & dinner – dine inside or outside in the tranquil walled gardens Choose from a mouth watering selection of tapas, freshly caught sh, seafood and meat. Select your cut of sh or meat, the size you want – then decide how you would like it cooked – grilled, baked, salt crusted or ambé Why not try our traditional “Cargolades” – delicious barbecued snails or spit roasted suckling pig All of the wines on our menu come om our own domaine. Group bookings, weddings and parties catered for. Reservations recommended - 06 81 37 55 91 bulthaup b3 Located between the Cave Coopérative , Le Dominicain Timeless and classic. Cave and the Musée de Collioure Inspired by our convictions. 4 Route de Port Vendres 66190 Collioure Ample ee, private parking

A bulthaup kitchen combines the The passion for detail plays as important a role utmost individualism with precision. as the overall architectural concept. This is what makes every bulthaup kitchen unique. It repre- sents true, customized perfection tailored pre- cisely to the room and everyone that lives in it.

Tristano 4 rue de la République 66000 Perpignan T 04 68 34 09 22 www.bulthaup.com 20 21

b3_Alu_Bronze_0210_148x210_4c_C_EN.indd 1 21.05.12 15:52 Food&drink Free Aperos for all Las P-O Life readers Papallonas The ONLY place to eat in Port Argelès

Mr FulliquetFood with - full pagea View

Restaurant and Wine Cave Facing the marina our restaurant is located next door to our own wine domaine. Dine inside or outside in the garden under the shade of olive and orange trees. Franck and his team 3 courses from 11,90€ Specialities include tapas, grilled meats and look forward to Children’s menu 6,90€ freshly caught sh & seafood introducing you to their All of the wine on our menu come from our new summer menu. Something for everyone - freshly own domaine. caught fi sh, pasta dishes, vegetarian options always available. Menus starting from 14,50€ Our speciality: For those who like to eat by the sea, For further information or reservations: Gambas Papallonas but don’t like to eat seafood we 10 av du Fontaulé 66650, Banyuls-sur-Mer 1/2kg of Prawns cooked in a choice of off er an inspired range of mouth marinades, salad or fries for just 11,90€ watering meat dishes tel/fax: +33 (0)4 68 55 22 64 www.domaine-st-sebastien.com Fresh local produce cooked with ffl air and imagination 3 Quai Vasco de Gama, PORT ARGELES Tél : 04 68 56 85 23 Open until the end of September

22 avoid disappointment – reserve a table 23 Food&drink Herbs, Spices and Oils (Les herbes, les épices et les huiles) explains, in excellent english, the picking and Hmmmmm, it’s barbecue time. Check out production process - then grab a bucket, a stick and these herbs and spices to make sure that you a plastic sheet… and go pick your own! From June have a spicy, sizzling summer! to October, this can be a fun family afternoon out. aneth - dill La Maison de Ring Christine on 04 68 89 11 53 or email her on genièvre - juniper berry basilic - basil [email protected] to check that the almonds laurier - bay leaves cannelle - cinnamon l’Amande.... are ready. menthe - mint ciboulette - chive Depending upon the weather, almond trees noix de muscade - in a nutshell clou de girofle - clove blossom in late February, early March. In April/ nutmeg coriandre - coriander May, they go through nature’s own sorting process, oseille - sorrel ‘C’est la nature qui décide’ cresson - watercress and bad almonds drop off the trees, leaving only romarin - rosemary curcuma - turmeric Dusky, dark eyed Catalan, Christine Llense is carrying on the tradition of a family the healthy. Interestingly, 80% of the flowers never persil - parsley estragon - tarragon business which dates back generations. become almonds. sauge - sage fenouil - fennel At the end of June green almonds are picked thym - thyme Surrounded by 500 ‘amandiers’ her tiny shop the press, or as Christine melts brown sugar in a manually, with softer skins and a different taste to Huile…… and factory in Laroque-des-Albères has absolutely copper pot, stirs in hand broken almonds, and rolls the almonds that most of us know well. In July and ...végétale - vegetable oil nothing to hide. Almonds are pressed into oil, the mix out on a marble top to produce mouth August, the ‘vendange’ proper begins. ...d’arachide - peanut oil or chopped, broken up, baked or stirred into watering nougatine ‘à l’ancienne’ according to her Almonds do have fat in them, but it is mono ...de tournesol - sunflower oil nougatine, almond butter, flour, cream, powder…. grandmother’s recipe. saturated fat, which is great for your heart, and there ...de noix - walnut oil It is all completely natural, it is all produced on The full process for many of these hand made is solid evidence that including a handful of almonds ...de ricin - castor oil site, in front of you, by Christine herself, according products is long, such as almond butter where in your daily diet can have a significant impact on ...d’amande - almond oil to recipes that have been passed down from powdered almonds turn slowly in a mixer for 24 heart health. Eating two or three almonds before ...d’olive - olive oil generation to generation. It is fascinating to watch hours, but the end result is truly scrumptious. meals has been shown to decrease after-meal ...de colza - rapeseed oil and delicious to taste! Start off by tasting. Garlic almonds, chili Visitors to this almond paradise can watch as almonds, wholemeal or skinned, almond butter, surges in blood sugar, lowering the risk 4 kilos of almonds spit just one liter of oil out of nougatine….. Watch and listen as Christine Simple Amandine tart of developing diabetes. Healthy and A teatime treat baked on rare rainy days by delicious! Kate’s husband, Olivier! Shortcrust pastry for base (pâte sablée) 150g almond powder (poudre d’amande) 100g brown sugar 1/2 tsp almond extract (amande amère) 2 eggs | 50g butter 1-2 tspoons cognac, rhum etc (optional) sliced almonds (amandes effilées ) Preheat oven to 180°C (Thermostat 6). Mix softened butter with sugar, stir in beaten eggs and almond powder. Add almond extract, and cognac if required. If mixture is too solid, add a little cream until good pouring texture, not too liquid. Grease a cake tin, line with pastry base, puncture with fork, and spread on a thin layer of raspberry jam. Pour in mixture, sprinkle on sliced 24 almonds and bake for around 30 - 40 25 mins. Food&drink Tuesday 10th July Rivesaltes Apricot Festival with apricot eating competition Visit this famous ancient Lintel in the nearby church in Saint Genis des Fontaines Auberge des Albères Apricots (and peaches)... Restaurant, Wine & Tapas Bar just sing out summer here in the P-O. 3 course mid week lunch Members of the ‘Prunus’ family (along with menu from 14€20 plums, cherries, peaches and almonds) it is The Real Taste of generally agreed that the apricot originated Apricot chutney. 2 courses from 15€50 the Mediterranean in China and was introduced into Southern 2 lbs fresh apricots, stoned and halved Plat du Jour 10€20 Europe by Alexander the Great in the 4th 10 oz brown sugar Using only the fi nest local, seasonal century BC 1 onion ingredients we offer a mouthwatering High in vitamins A and C, with a good amount of 1 tblsp salt For a “lighter bite” why range of varied, inspired dishes 1 cup cider vinegar potassium, the intense orange colour of these feisty not relax with a glass of Dine inside, or outside on our little fruits reflects its high content of beta-carotene 1 tsp coriander seeds 3 cloves garlic pleasant covered terrace and lycopene, two antioxidant compounds which wine and a selection of Reserve now for Mother’s Day! promote heart health and have anti carcinogenic Slice onion and garlic thinly and place all home cooked Tapas qualities. ingredients into a heavy pan. Boil until Book now to avoid disappointment Two to three apricots per day provide you apricots are very soft. with as much as 50 per cent of your daily vitamin Remove apricots from the pan with a slotted spoon and place in clean, dry jars. requirements. Just 10 Minutes from the tourist Apricots ripen early (their Latin name Boil the remaining liquid until a thick syrup, ‘praecoquum’, means early matured) and need pour the syrup into the jars, seal and allow to hustle & bustle of Argeles Sur Mer cool before storing. specific climatic conditions for successful Ample free parking cultivation. Our P-O weather, fairly cold winter followed by moderately high temperatures spring 78 avenue Maréchal Joffre 66740 and early summer, is pretty perfect! SAINT GENIS DES FONTAINES If you’re not lucky enough to be able to reach out and grab an apricot from a tree in your garden, look out in the shops for a well-defined crease, a slight give to the flesh, avoid fruit with green For Reservations : around the stem or with shrivelled skin, and most importantly, the smell should give you a preview of 04 68 89 88 38 26 the taste. www.auberge-des-alberes.com 27 Food&drink Le Château de Riell **** Florence, Franck Fulliquet and their team look forward to welcoming you all year round Stunning gourmet restaurant in a breath taking setting. A truly memorable dining experience & day out for the whole family. Enjoy a relaxing swim in the pool after your meal Special offers and promotions available via our website www.chateauderiell.com 04 68 05 04 40 PujolRestaurant Poissonnerie Choose your fi sh from the freshly caught catch in our “fi shmongers” then decide how you would like it cooked - grilled, baked, salt crusted, fl ambé ... A truly unique seafood dining experience Extensive à la carte menu also available including a wide selection of meat dishes Seafood platters Dine outside on the covered terrace overlooking the Port or to eat in or to inside in our large panoramic take away dining room 04 68 82 01 39 Open 7 days a week for lunch and dinner www.chezpujol.com 16 qu. Pierre Forgas 66660 Port Vendres Le Grand Hotel *** LE TRÉMAIL - Collioure Restaurant “Le Café Casals” Cuisine d’Appétit - Elegant, inspired healthy dining in a beautiful “Spa” setting Un vrai bijou au coeur du Collioure Using only freshly caught fi sh & seafood our Special offers and promotions available via our website specialities include: mariscade, parillade, www.grandhotelmolitg.com 04 68 05 00 50 bouillabaisse, fi sh “à la plancha” Open all year round 1 rue Arago, Collioure 04 68 82 16 10 Just 5 mins 20m from the sea front www.restaurant-letremail.fr 28 from Prades29 Food&drink

Cave & Bar Wine, Whisky, JAZZ RESTAURANT & BAR Rum & Beer Relaxed dining experience in the heart of Perpignan Open for Brunch, Lunch, Afternoon Tea, Aperos and Dinner Drinker’s Heaven! • Inspired cuisine • A La Carte & “Grillades Plancha” • Vegetarian options always available • Award winning wines from around the world Rum and Whiskey “discovery” Dine out on our terrace overlooking the Place de la Cathédrale Beer Machine boxes Not sure which one’s The perfect place to enjoy “Les Jeudis de Perpignan” the best - try them all... To avoid disappointment reservations are strongly recommended Rental 04 68 66 88 74 | [email protected] Throw the Perfect Party 2 Rue Fontfroide, 66000 Perpignan (near the Cathedral) with our Perfect Draft Around the world in 350 Beers! maquette pub AC FRwww.loftcafeperpignan.com v3.pdf 1 03/03/11 15:41 beer machines British, German, French, Canadian, Dutch, Tahitian...

Don’t forget Dad this Father’s Day! We have an exciting range of gifts & accessories It's FIESTA TIME at the Asia Center Unique Cooling Stones for All the ingredients you need to those who like their drinks create your own Mexican feast.

chilled but not watered down The region’s very best international Beer “crates” & tool boxes supermarket – mouthwatering For the person who has everything!! ingredients from Asia and beyond An unrivalled selection of unique gifts, perfect for those who enjoy a good tipple! 22 rue Michel Carré 66330 Mas Guerido, Cabestany 04 68 86 36 68 Bringing you the tastes of home and abroad 30www.VandB.fr L’abus d’alcool est dangereux pour la santé, à consummer avec modération 31 Outfortheday... Gargling gargoyles Sculptors used to create angels and demons to direct accumulating rainwater away from the walls of cathedrals. As water spewed from their mouths, they were named gargouille (old French for throat), and translated into English as gargoyle

Le Boulou to Argelès……. in the slow lane

If you’re in a hurry to get to the beach, the This tiny village also boasts a 12th century of the original village. When the monks left the village in the department to introduce electric ‘voie rapide’ from Le Boulou will whiz you Romanesque church with ornate oak and priory in 1538, they left a key with a family in nearby lighting in 1897! As well as medieval chapels, 14th onto golden sands in the blink of an eye. If you metalwork door and ancient bell tower, the ruins of Laroque des Albères, and over the years, the priory century flour mill, and natural rock pools, the old prefer life in the slow lane, the pretty villages an 11th century medieval castle, destroyed by King became a sheepfold. Four hundred and fifty years part of the village is a maze of ancient narrow along the foothills of the Albères just beg to be Louis XI in 1475, and a small museum of private later, in 1994, the same family handed back the key, streets and pretty village houses built into the explored. collections and objects, recording the history of the and the building was restored and opened to the ancient ramparts of the original castle fortification. Heading from Le Boulou towards Argelès, turn off village. public. Most Saturdays throughout July and August, Refuge for kings, the chateau was an important first towards Montesquieu-des-Albères and look out At the top of the village, passing well signed the ‘Festival International Lyrique et Médieval’ stronghold in the defense of the territory, along for Mas Rous on the left. Michel Bizern produced botanical and mountain walking trails leading takes place in these beautiful surroundings with with Perpignan, Salses, Elne and Collioure. From the fortified wine and olives and was known as Miquelo off into the heart of the Albères, turn left towards magnificent acoustics, songs both religious and remaining tower, at the top of the village, the views Ros (Michel the blonde) due to his mop of blonde Villelongue dels Monts, a short, delightful drive profane from the fifth to the twelfth century. are stunning. hair. When he built his house on the land in 1850, through shady forests of chestnut and cork oaks. www.prieureduvilar.free.fr At least 12 well marked walks lead off from the villagers called it ‘El Mas del Ros’ which evolved In Villelongue, cool down in the 12th century Don’t forget to check out our ‘Festivals and Laroque, taking in dolmens, ancient ruins, mineral over time and language into ‘Rous’. Today, his great church built in Catalan Roman style, visit the tiny Events’ section to find out about the Villelongue fountains, ice wells, nature, history and heritage. grandson, José Pujol, carries on the tradition, with museum of village history, or wind upwards into the Music Festival in August. Visit the Maison d’Amande (see page 24-25) or eleven different wines on offer in this cool wine mountains and visit the priory Santa Maria del Vilar Back at the top of the village, head towards the Moulin du Llevant, olive oil mill. Tucked away cellar and tasting room. built by Augustinian monks in 1083 at the centre Laroque-des-Albères, small, vibrant, and the first in a pleasant residential area, husband and wife,

32 33 Outfortheday...

Se construire des châteaux en Espagne (il se construit des châteaux en Espagne) To make plans which are unlikely to come to fruition During the occupation of Spain by the Moors, it was not worth building a castle as it would have been attacked by the Moors

Christine and Philippe, farm and press olives, and you enter the village, look out for signs on the right in 1987. Michel, english speaking worker, will take the Corbières, with Romanesque sculptures and grow a variety of fruits, all organic, on 7.5 hectares towards the Vallée des Tortues. Did you know that great pleasure in giving you a free guided tour of tombstones of monks and local notables. of land. They invite you to visit them from 15th June 200 million years ago, giant tortoises, weighing up the whole process from wood to finished product, Or just a little further towards the coast, in Saint to 30th August, no appointment necessary, and to 300 kg, roamed the land that is now Perpignan? and a film in the roomy cinema will fill in any gaps. André, the Ferme de Découverte awaits you, offer a free, guided tour of the process from tree Children will love this tortoise park, one of the last A great cause to support and some fabulous and with 300 farm animals just waiting to be cuddled, to jar along with the chance to taste the oils and European tortoise sanctuaries for giant, domestic original presents on sale in the factory shop. and fed. An excellent lunch is to be had at the related products. Check out their new ‘figue-olive à and wild tortoises. www.lavalleedestortues.com www.catlesmicocouliers.pagesperso-orange.fr Table de Cuisine, small, quality restaurant near l’orange’. Sounds delicious n’est-ce pas? Arriving in Sorède, why not start off with a visit to And did you know that over a hundred years ago, the Romanesque Abbey Church with its marble www.moulindullevant.com the ‘ESAT les micocouliers’ behind the tourist office? Sorède was a pioneer village where solar energy sculptures, and gallery of Roman art. The Festival Pop into the tourist office for exact directions, or This fascinating ‘whip’ factory provides work for 88 was concerned? The original site up in the hills, Européen de Théâtre from 1st to 6th July is a great to pick up some of the excellent village trail sheets youngsters and adults with learning difficulties, and remains of one of the first solar furnaces in the opportunity to watch drama beneath the stars. for children, created to teach and entertain. And who hand make whips and crops for riding and world can still be seen at the ‘Coll del Buc’ Natural frontier between France and Spain, don’t leave the tourist office without a visit next hunting, as well as walking sticks, bracelets, and Saint Génis des Fontaines beckons next, with dominated by the Pic du Neoulous, the ancient door to café restaurant, Café des Artistes, where wood products… Made from the branches of the a chance to combine lunch or dinner at the signal towers of Massane and Madeloc keep a Fearghal and Melanie await you with a delicious very flexible micocoulier (hackberry tree of the Auberge des Albères on the main street with a watchful eyes over the pretty little Albères villages, lunch on their shady terrace, draught guinness, or elm family) this production is unique in the world. visit to the ancient 12th century cloister, built from which have become home to a pot pourri of dinner beneath the stars. They are proud to have presented one of their different coloured marble, white from Céret, pink different nationalities. Follow the route now for Sorède, but just before ‘cravaches’ (riding crop) to the queen of England from Villefranche-de-Conflent and black from

34 35 Outfortheday... the new owners, offering free advice on how to look after their donkey. Mostly, they are bought by organizers of donkey ballades or, as they have healthy appetites, for keeping land clear. They are the friendliest donkeys you could wish to meet, difficult to photograph, as they are so interested in the photographer and camera… Milking requires patience and skill as the mares need to have constant visual contact with their foals or they become stressed and produce no milk. They are milked two or three times per day giving a maximum of 250 ml of milk per day per mare. Not much compared to a cow’s 20 litres. But asses’s milk, as Cleopatra knew well, is rich in vitamins and minerals and brilliant for human skin. She is said to have bathed in it every day to embellish her beauty and preserve her youthfulness needing the milk from 300 donkeys to fill her daily Donkey day out with Jane Mann bath. We could not help noticing that the women of we encountered seemed to have At the far, far end of the Pyrenees Orientales is the river Désix and just visible from the road, is an benefitted from the Cleopatra effect. Céline herself the tiny village of Rabouillet. There, surrounded by ancient, Roman, double-donkey-backed bridge. and several others we passed had a youthfulness rich pastureland, beech and pine forests and the Through , follow the signs to Rabouillet, and beauty not found in every village in the P.O. freshest cleanest air imaginable, Céline Noguer and, as you exit the village, on the left, is a sign to The Rabouillet Asinerie Asses’s milk soap is made raises her donkeys. Ring 06 26 54 73 38 for an Arsa. Well worth the detour for a drive through from natural ingredients to an old artisanal recipes appointment to visit her Asinerie de Rabouillet and spectacular country, the little village of Rabouillet using wheat germ, avocado, argan and almond oils, buy some asses milk soap or often visible on the right hand some unscented and some perfumed with natural to join a day long walk with a side. Arsa is just a farm and a scents of lily of the valley, honeysuckle, passion fruit, donkey to carry your picnic or ruined Roman castle. A small strawberry and blackberry. the ingredients for a grillade in stream, the beginning of the Désix You may also pass grazing flocks of distinctive the countryside. River, wanders through farmland “Rouge de Roussillon” sheep, white coated with From Ille sur Têt, take the meadows that, in spring, are full rusty coloured faces and bellies. In summer they D2 and follow the signs from of orchids and cowslips. The move to the high pastures above Formiguêres, Montalba le Chateau to Sournia. road brings you to the far side of coming down to Rabouillet to lamb in the autumn. The countryside is dramatic, Rabouillet where Céline Noguer They are bred for their meat that is top quality huge granite boulders rear up will meet you. and totally organic, reflecting the quality of their out of the garrigue, vineyards In her twenty hectares of breeding and surroundings. give way to farming country, donkey paradise Céline has been With or without a donkey the area is rich in fact so prolific is the production that each autumn forests appear on the skyline. raising her donkeys since 2008. walking trails. Perfect picnic spots abound and the in an ambiance of carnival a Foire de la Noisette After Trevillach, on the right, She is very particular about their views are vast, from the mountains to the far away is held there. Yet another good reason to take the the D2 is joined by a road well-being and who buys them sea. 45 minute drive from Ille sur Têt to the end of the from , and, spanning and remains in contact with Rabouillet is also well known for its hazel nuts. In Pyrenees Orientales. 36 37 Outfortheday...

Flowers of the Pyreneeswith Mike Rhodes Up here in the Capcir and Cerdagne, we are at as you can. PLEASE record these with a camera and over 1500m and with temperatures generally do NOT pick them. Not only are most of the flowers 10 - 15 degrees less than in the ‘low-lands’ our protected by law, but people coming after you plants have adapted to this more difficult should have the same joy in finding them. climate. As an International Mountain Leader, I love taking The end of May/start of June is a popular time for clients into the mountains and seeing their delight Just past the lake you will find the rare Pyrenean and in the rocky areas the distinctive Alpine Toadflax, visitors, as the fields around Lac de Matermale turn on discovering beautiful Alpine gardens. Lily as well as the tall yellow Wolfsbane and the bluish with two orange tubes. white with Pheasants Eye Daffodils. The fields look As you climb higher, the vegetation and plant life poisonous blue/violet Monks-hood who’s root One of the best natural alpine gardens can be as if they are covered in snow, and by the lake, changes dramatically. Walking through the Scots extract was used to tip arrows. It is still used to found on the standard walk up Madres from the Col the surface looks like an Impressionist painting Pine forests the most stunning sight in late spring is treat neuralgia. I find it quite fascinating that many de Sansa and I would recommend this walk to all with bright yellow Globe flowers, Bistort, Wood the profusion of Hairy Alpenrose which covers the flowers/herbs are now being re-discovered by the flower lovers. Cranesbill, Tufted and Wood Vetch, Wood Scabious, forest along with Juniper, Gorse and Broom. (Broom medical industry. If you see a plant ending with Visiting the mountains, together with a good Marsh Marigolds in the wetter areas, Carthusian is the one that does not prickle and Juniper berries “wort” you will find that it always had a medical or flower guide book is like opening a window in to a Pinks and their showy cousin Superb Pinks. can be used to flavour your Gin!) practical use in days gone by such as Lungwort, new dimension. Have a wonderful day! Closer to the ground you can find Tubular One of my popular, flower finding walks, which helps to restore elasticity to the lungs. Gentians, Hairy Yellow Rattles, plants, Alpine traverses the belvedere above Lac de Balcere before The delicate and rare St Bruno’s Lily can be seen Mike Rhodes is an International Mountain Leader Trefoils, Wild Thyme, Cowslips and if you look really following the path leading to Etang de Balmette. on the road up to Lac de Bouillouse and I have seen / Accompanateur de Montagne, lives all year in carefully Heath Spotted Orchids. The valley leading to the lake has superb displays Martagon Lilies near to the Gorge de Caranca. Les Angles and specialises in guided walks in the high mountains and Snowshoe trips in winter. It is great fun, especially if you have children with of Alpenrose and Broom, Bellflowers, Giant Yellow As you climb above the tree line the true alpine He can be contacted on +33 (0)4 68 04 37 28 you, to take a picnic down to the fields and have a Gentians, prized for their roots which are made into plant life predominates with flowers rarely more [email protected] - www.pyrenean-trails.com competition to find and identify as many varieties a liquor, Willowherb, Asphodel and Heleborine. than 20cm above the ground. In these cold, thin air 38 regions you will find Alpine Clover in abundance 39 TestyourFrench 1 - P Pour Parachute! 3 - Find the meanings for this pot pourri of useful words and expressions À vos souhaits 1 a pet hate Match up these words, all beginning with P, with their definitions. b a little bird told me a paillasson A la bonne franquette 2 (Why not try to work them out first withoutDésordre looking at 1their equivalents?) c we’re even b peau Remets-toi vite. 3 2 d It’s simple Petit tapis devant la porte c pagaille Canicule 4 3 e beat about the bush Gros fruit jaune d pensionnaire A poil 5 4 f bless you Petit pont pour piétons e pésanteur Tourner autour du pot 6 5 g broke (money) Long bateau à fond plat f pissenlit Dégage! 7 6 h heatwave Blessure qui déchire la peau g plaie Mon petit doigt me l’a dit. 8 7 I to be in hot water Partie extérieure du corps h passerelle Cul sec! 9 8 j eat pot luck Elève qui dort et dine à l’école I péniche C’est du gateau! 10 9 k fuss about nothing La force qui entraîne vers le sol J pamplemousse fauché 11 Fleur jaune 10 nous sommes quittes! 12 l get well soon c’est du chichi 13 m On your bike! être dans de beaux draps 14 n in the nude bête noire 15 o Down in one! Tongue twister (Virelangue) (Répetez trois fois) Language tip Mon père est maire, Penser à / penser de – both mean ‘to think Définition bébête mon frère est masseur. Left holding about’. …but with slightly different senses! Facebook : Le seul endroit Penser à - to consider, have in mind où tu parles à un mur sans Useful expression Je pense à ma mère. the baby? être ridicule. I’m thinking about my mother. Figure-toi As with many languages, French has Je pense à ce que je dois faire demain. Get this, imagine that its fair share of ‘baby talk’ Test some I’m thinking about what I must do tomorrow. of these out on your partner if you Blague Bebête Test your idiomatic French can’t find a baby nearby!! Penser de “to have an opinion about.” Un monsieur très radin 2 - (Often used in a question) dit à ses enfants : 1. Si ‘j’appuie sur le 4. L’expression ‘perdre la 7. L’expression ‘poser un lapin’ un doudou – favourite teddy Qu’est-ce tu penses de mes cheveux ? “Si vous êtes gentils ce soir, champignon’ je… boule’ signifie… veut dire… What do they think about my hair? un toutou – doggy a) …fais la cuisine a) …être gros a) …aller à la chasse Que penses-tu de ce beau temps? je vous montrerai la photo de b) …me promène dans b) …devenir fou b) …ne pas aller à un les joujoux - toys What do you think about this beautiful weather? quelqu’un qui mange de la glace.” les bois c) …perdre un jeu rendez-vous faire caca – to have a poo c) …roule très vite c) …manger un ragout (radin – mean) 5. Si vous vous creusez la tête, faire pipi – to have a wee 2. Si vous avez ‘les dents vous… 8. Si quelqu’un ‘te prend la le cucu – bottom longues’, vous êtes… a) …allez à l’hôpital tête… Isabelle & Christophe Cô - Agence des Albères a) …malade b) …réfléchissez a) …il t’énerve un bobo - a wound, a poorly bit Comprehensive “Top-Up” Health Insurance b) …ambitieux c) …travaillez dans le b) …il te coiffe un dada - horsey No medical questionnaire required c) …un vampire jardin c) …il te frappe faire dodo - go to sleep Assurance Vie - savings plans 3. Quand vous avez ‘la chair 6. L’expression ‘filer à 9. Si ça coûte ‘bonbon’… tonton/tata – uncle/auntie Up to 30% discount de poule’ vous avez … l’anglaise’ veut dire… a) …c’est sucré with this advert Car Insurance Worldwide Travel Pet Insurance le zizi – willy a) …froid a) …partir en vacances b) …c’est cher Home Insurance Insurance Internet Banking b) …honte b) …courir après les filles c) …c’est gratuit miam miam – yummy BP 7, 84 Avenue des Albères 04 68 89 72 75 c) …faim c) …partir sans 66740 Saint Genis des Fontaines [email protected] permission Ample free parking 40 For advice in English & details of special offers & promotions speak to Christophe ORIAS No 0701386 et 07013871 41 TestyourFrench 4 - The following French expressions all use the verb ‘tomber’ Can you Bodily functions! Roter (rott-ay)- to burp Cracher (crash-ay) - to spit work out their meanings in English? (Grammar: note that tomber uses ‘etre’ to form the (You never know “Excusez-moi, j’ai roté!” “Eloignez-vous! (keep away) Il crache past tense eg Je suis tombé) Baver (bav-ay) to dribble quand it parle ! when you might Laisse tomber! 1 a It’s heaven sent “Attention! Vous bavez!” Avoir les hoquets (ockays) need them!) Éternuer – (ay-ten-you-ay) to sneeze – - to have hiccoughs Il est tombé dans le panier 2 b I dropped it. « Ah…ah… ah… je vais éternuer! » « Ah non! J’ai les hoquets! » Je suis tombé dans les pommes 3 c That’s lucky Il est tombé du ciel 4 d I fainted Il est tombé juste 5 e Forget it, never mind 5 And talking of bodily functions, can you match up Je l’ai fait tomber 6 f He fell for it! these useful phrases which all involve body parts? Ca tombe bien 7 g He hit the nail on the head C’est tombé à l’eau 8 h It fizzled out/fell through Mettre le pied dans le plat 1 a To have lots of influence Je suis tombé en panne 9 I I knocked it over Rester bouche-bée 2 b Get out on the wrong side of the bed Il nous est tombé dessus 10 j I broke down Avoir le bras long 3 c To put your foot in it Prendre ses jambes à son cou 4 d Yeah, sure (disbelief) Se lever du pied gauche 5 e Up yours! Motus et bouche cousue 6 f To leave quickly Une Deux vis regardent avec admiration C’est le pied 7 g Mum’s the word blague un grand tournevis rouge et beau Donner sa langue au chat 8 h To give up trying “Oh celui-là, il nous a bien fait Mon œil ! 9 I It’s great bête tourner la tête! Faire un bras d’honneur 10 J To be speechless (vis – screw tournevis – screwdriver) Useful Tailor made classes Verlan expression & lessons to suit all Coming from the word ‘l’envers’, (the reverse), payer/régler en espèces - Verlan is a well-known form of French slang which to pay in cash needs, levels & abilities involves reversing the syllables. Many words of (Vous me faites une verlan are used quite regularly in everyday French, reduction si je paie en Get back into French! Fed up and frustrated and not just by the kids! especes?) Relaxed conversation classes because you can't say Here are a few popular words used often at Céret & Perpignan what you want to say? in verlan chelou (louche) - shady, dodgy Setting up a business & need to Dread having to write une meuf (une femme) - woman, wife improve your French? letters in French? ouf (fou) – crazy Language Tip relou (lourd) – heavy Nouveau and neuf both mean new With a range of flexible programs, intensive course and une reum (mère) – mother Nouveau - new to you but may be second hand conversation classes we can help you overcome the un reup (père) – father Quel est le fruit le plus végétarien ? language barrier and enjoy life in France to the full. Eg J’ai achété une nouvelle voiture une teuf (fête) – party La ‘pas steak’ zarbi (bizarre) – strange BUT (pasteque - water melon) J’ai acheté une voiture For further details call Tracey on FREE TEST ONLINE neuve (brand new)

04 68 62 20 20 or 06 25 22 00 90 Conversation classes held at Test your french - answers

21 bis, av du G. de Gaulle - Perpignan Café De France 15a 14i 13k 12c 11g 10d 9o 8b 7m 6e 5n 4h 3l 2j 1f - 3

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42 www.alfmed.com [email protected] 10f 9e 8d 7b 6g 5i 4h 3j 2a 1c - 1 43 AméliorezvotreAnglais Ouch! ‘Ing’ versus ‘ed’ 1. We hope you find P-O 4. I was very Trouvez le français pour ces mots et phrases utiles 1 - Facile à confondre Life interesting/interested. disappointing/ 3 - en anglais That disappointed with the 1 A Tout, mais vraiment tout! 2. I am so tired/tiring of I get the picture English I am boring result. 2 B Un coup d’essai waiting for you. humour! je suis ennuyeux He is all fingers and thumbs Attends! We’ll see about that! 3 C What do I am bored 5. The joke was not very 3. Winter can be quite amused/amusing. A lone wolf 4 D Je comprends you call a je m’ennuie depressed/depressing in He talks rubbish 5 E Un solitaire shortsighted the north. A dry run 6 F Il raconte n’importe quoi dinosaur? G Elle est préoccupée par qch All but the kitchen sink 7 A Do-you- Thought for the Day Hang on! 8 H On verra bien! think-he- You don’t stop laughing because 9 I Il a repris le dessus saw-us! Vary your language She’s got a bee in her bonnet Ne dites pas you grow old, You grow old He’s back on his feet 10 J Il est maladroit! simplement… YES. because you stop laughing. Soyez original et dites…. Ces ‘faux amis’ anglais ressemblent à des mots For sure Silly Joke Useful word 4 - français, mais ont un sens totalement différent. I went to the doctor’s last Aye (Scottish) Feisty Les connaissez-vous? Aye aye captain week with a sore throat. He told me to stand Adjective pour décrire une 1. A grave 3. A lecture 5. A bribe Indeed by the window and femme forte ou courageuse a) tombe a) lire un livre a) une rumeur You bet b) accident b) un pot-de-vin stick out my tongue. Mot mignon b) une conférence Certainly I asked if he thought 2. A Conductor 6. An affair higgledy-piggledy - 4. To cry Absolutely I had tonsillitis. a) chef d’orchestre a) Bon business en pagaïe, pêle-mêle a) Pleurer Of course He said “No, I don’t b) chauffeur de b) Liaison b) crier Yep! like the neighbours”. voiture (amoureuse) tonsilistis - angine 5 - P - is for Park Trouvez les définitions des mots suivants, qui commencent tous Trouvez l’équivalent en américain pour ces mots anglais avec la lettre P 2 - AMERICAN ENGLISH pain 1 a regular shapes or colours BRITISH ENGLISH b sweet, juicy fruit lorry 1 a sick pip 2 Virelangue parrot 3 c film for any age autumn 2 b yard (Répetez trois fois) pattern 4 d press tightly caravan 3 c truck e shellfish Six slimy snails sailed pear 5 dustbin 4 d fall f feeling of hurt silently south pebble 6 pavement 5 e sidewalk pinch 7 g thin, sharp piece of metal.

condom 6 f gas prawn 8 h small fruit seed petrol 7 g eraser PG 9 I bright tropical bird garden 8 h trash can pin 10 j small stone

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OvertheBorder... Reasons to visit 9Girona with The electrical experts! Girona has all the charm and feel of a bigger city but without the bustling crowds. It’s a perfect size for a day trip, an overnight or a weekend break. During the TV, HiFi, Multimedia, day, stroll the ancient streets of the old city and La Domestic Appliances. Rambla, visit the Cathedral, browse the shops on the streets around the Carrer de Santa Clara, or have tapas Supply and installation in one of the many fine restaurants on the magnificent Plaça de la Independencia. of TV aerials and satellite Southern French towns and cities are typically very dishes quiet after 8pm but Girona comes alive in the evening to a cacophony of the sounds of people socialising and enjoying themselves. Steeped in Catalan culture and Speed radar detectors traditions, Girona has plenty to offer at night with a very now in stock active theatre, lots of festivals throughout the year and busy bars, restaurants and cafes. All installations, repairs & after sales With Frogbus’ special return fare of ONLY €9* and 6 return services daily, hop to Girona city from Le Boulou/ services are carried out by our Perpignan in just over an hour and enjoy a relaxing day out own team of experienced, English or short break without the hassle and expense of driving, paying for parking or needing to appoint a designated speaking technicians driver! (*Standard online return fare) Operating instructions fully explained in English Did you know? • There are 6 museums in Girona city Unrivalled range of all leading brands at the very best prices • Girona has 2 of the world’s top 10 restaurants and 6 in the top 100 • Tuesday and Saturday are market days in Girona with a fantastic mix of locally produced Catalan food and exotic fare • Girona’s famous cathedral took 7 centuries to construct. Frogbus’ €9 return fare is less than the price of the motorway tolls (€15.20) never mind the cost of fuel and parking! Don’t Forget ! Frogbus continues to serve Girona airport and has recently added routes to Andorra from Barcelona, Toulouse & Girona 04 68 83 19 62 [email protected] 46 Zone commerciale E. Leclerc 66160 Le Boulou 47 P-OLife... Ari Hantke DPLG Lets us help you Member of the French Ordre create your own A welcome des Architectes since 1976 Building Design | Interior Design alternative Survey and Feasibility | Building Permits to Kennels... Building Site Management There are some very good kennels around, but Consultancy, Advice, Assistance www.ari-architecture.com standards do vary considerably, and most of us 18 Place Belieu · 66660 Port-Vendres find it upsetting to leave our beloved pet in a [email protected] | Tél: 06 74 81 11 43 cage. After all, tempting as it might be sometimes, we would never do it to our children, and our Based in uir furry friends are very much part of the family! Total Property Management Having ran a successful pet sitting and training TêteEnglish Speaking à MobileTêt Hairdresser service in the US for many years, Orlando Londres, • Bilingual organisation of renovation english speaking Cuban American animal lover, has Let the salon come to you! hopped across the pond to our rescue. Orlando will and decoration projects Fully quali ed hairstylist for look after your pets in the comfort of your own home • Property & project management Ladies, Gents & Children and his service is tailor made to meet yours and their Appointments can be made To make an • Planning permission Tuesday, ursday & Friday individual needs. So, no more snuffling as you drive [email protected] appointment call Kay on www.tpm66.com +33 (0)6 75 46 93 65 9am -12 noon, 2pm- 6pm away from the kennels, to spend half your holiday Saturday 9am to 1pm 06 71 32 90 56 feeling guilty... Give him a call to find out more... Better Pet Products at Better Prices Cheminées Professional Pet Sitting la Gaieté du Feu & Dog Training Service The Region’s Heating Stove Experts Over 20 yrs experience We offer a tailor made pet sitting service BIO-ETHANOL HEATERS - The stylish, aimed at minimising stress and disruption clean, ecological way to heat your to your pet, whether they be cats, dogs, horses ... home & patio. So if you are planning a trip Plus an unrivalled range for just a night, a weekend, Protect you pets against harmful Heartworm, of traditional log and week or a month give us a Ticks & Fleas this Summer pellet burners. call to fi nd out more about We have an unrivalled range of safe, eff ective products how we can help.

Ample free parking An unrivalled selection of food & accessories for all your pets: fi sh, hamsters, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, tortoises... To fi nd out more visit our showroom 2480 Av Julien Panchot We also offer house sitting, Mas Guerido 04 68 66 02 21 For expert advice in English talk to Geraud KM 3, route de Thuir 66000 PERPIGNAN dog walking, pet transporting 04 68 54 13 33 and dog training services 48 www.gaiete-du-feu.com 07 86 48 03 69 49 Letsgetphysical... going out - but the return leg is a breeze and you Oh papa, regarde le beau bateau! get to take in the beauty of the Cote Vermeille framed by Les Albères. In the distance, the odd Mais non, fiston,c’est un ce yacht.n’est pas un bateau, coastal train clatters gently by bound for the Ah bon, et comment ça s’écrit papa ? Spanish border at Cerbere/Port Bou. On a clear blue Euh... ah oui, tu as raison, c’est un bateau. day, it really doesn’t get much better than this. A kayak has zero moving parts to fail, there are no mooring fees and fuel costs are limited to an extra Weetabix breakfast. Kayaks can winter in the garage, or in the garden, and in summer I leave mine on the beach at Le Racou secured (gratis) to a post alongside sundry canoes and dinghies, though space is at a premium during August so I by Simon Newman really should be keeping this quiet. Despite doubts as to whether I was up to it (age Up the creek WITH a paddle and assorted body parts not what they used to be - or ever were) kayaking turned out to be much Looking for something new to do this summer? on the engine - that’s you. easier and more enjoyable than I imagined. It’s also Ever thought of kayaking? Me neither until As luck would have it mine sprang a leak good exercise without needing to be super fit to last year when I decided to take the plunge, and on taking it back the retailer pronounced it start with - and all this at minimal cost. In fact I’d go jumping in as I did at the deep end and going unrepairable (and discontinued) so I was duly given as far as to say the bang-for-your-buck factor is hard with the flow, if you get my drift. Any watery a credit voucher in refund. A result or what? And full to beat. metaphors I’ve missed? marks Decathlon. This time I went for a solid kayak Now, first of all let me make it clear I’m not talking which at under three metres long and weighing Do’s and don’ts about the white knuckle end of the spectrum. More around 18 kgs sits easily on the roof rack of a small • You don’t need to be a great swimmer, but a gentle walk in the park, only on water - though car. a confident one, yes not actually walking on water, obviously, that’s a I chose a surf kayak - very stable and easy to • Take some tuition - an hour’s lesson gives completely different skill-set. remount in the (rare) event of a capsize. Initially I the essentials, 25 Euros The whole thing started when I realised that confined myself to the lakes at St Jean Pla de Corts • Always wear a life jacket and sun although I like the whole beach vibe and swimming and Villeneuve de la Raho, both safe places to protection in the sea, I don’t really enjoy the lying around bit. practice and get your sea legs (lake legs?) Then it Rigid kayaks start at 250 Euros new, much less And I’d increasingly noticed people taking off on was off to Le Racou beach where fortunately the used - try les petites annonces water-borne diversions in all sorts of contraptions prevailing wind is onshore so you work hardest that looked fun. Kite-surfing is the king of cool, no Photos non contractuelles question, but kayaking looked the easiest to be honest, so I started out by hiring one at Argeles’ north beach. I quickly got the bug. From there I bought an inflatable type thinking the ease of transport (a large sports holdall) would outweigh any limitations. Wrong. Inflatable kayaks, as I soon found out, are simply not rigid or heavy enough to glide properly (too little momentum and too much drag) so they come to a halt almost as 50 soon as you stop paddling, placing greater demand 51

  Letsgetphysical... What’s new on the Wine and quads do mix! When quad biking was suggested, I was a little activity front? apprehensive to say the least. My kids did it and Tucked away below the picturesque village of Eus, loved it, but they are young. I am not! However just outside Prades is a company with a mission - to when the words ‘leisurely’ and ‘wine tasting’ Cave (a stunningly converted old cave co-operative constantly bring new, exciting activities to the P-O. were included in said suggestion my spirits in the picturesque village of Bélesta) for a wine Kapoupaskap. This play on words, capable ou pas lifted. I was assured this was to be ‘quad biking tasting to remember. capable, able or not able, is really a french equivalent with a difference’. No burning round a field at A more fun way to arrive at a ‘cave’ would be of “I dare you...”) . This year they introduce Devil lose-your-lunch pace over unfeasibly large hard to imagine. After a thoroughly enjoyable Mountain and Disc Golf – both unique to the PO. bumps (though AccroQuad do offer this). No, degustation we left, happily clutching our ‘cadeau this was to be ‘doux et agréable’ - quad biking maison’ - a delicious bottle of Riberach wine. Devil Mountain – qu’est ce que c’est? Et Disc Golf – c’est quoi? for grown ups And what a fantastic day it turned Descending back to Rodes by quad, I couldn’t A fun new alternative to VTT (vélo tout terrain) Looking for fun for the whole family, but prefer out to be. help thinking what a truly unique, memorable or off road biking. These ‘scooters’ are specially to give the adrenaline a miss? Then Disc Golf is for After a safety briefing and initiation by Fred, a way this had been to discover the ways, wines and designed to go off road, down mountain sides, over you. You play a 9 ‘hole’ round of ‘golf’ using a frisbee fully qualified, experienced, instructor, I gingerly wonders of our beautiful region. bumps and jumps. Much easier and comfier to instead of a club and ball, the aim is to ‘toss’ the mounted my quad...... and we were off! Nerves For lovers of grain not grape, AccroQuad have handle than off road bikes but without losing any frisbee into the specially designed nets. Just like in quickly faded and the leisurely pace allowed me similar ‘tasting randos’ to a local independent of the sense of fun or adrenaline. All excursions are real golf, every hole has a par. At just 4€ per person to appreciate the breathtaking scenery. Up into beer producer – ‘Alzina’, and renowned bakery ‘Le accompanied by a fully qualified english speaking in these current economic climes this is a great the hills below Canigou we rode, above Ille Sur Têt Couvent’ at Ille Sur Têt. Quad trips to a local olive oil instructor. value day out. and Rodes, en route to the luxury Riberach Hotel & mill and snail farm are also available.

Fun filled activities for all the family Experience The Fun Of Quad Biking Open all year round - suitable for all ages

Two unique, safe, courses set in three hectares of stunning countryside Explore stunning scenery with an accompanied excursion, or choose from one of our unique ‘themed excursions’ - wine tasting, beer tasting, bread tasting at a traditional local bakery and olive oil tasting at a local mill – a truly memorable day out! Special off ers available on presentation of P-O Life

DiskGolfLess than 1 minute from McDonalds & SuperU at Prades Sit back, relax in our snack bar with covered sun terrace and enjoy excellent views of all the excitement!

06 12 46 43 94 | 06 20 17 09 55 RN 116 – RODÈS (66320) www.accroquad.com 52 20 min Perpignan - RN 116 - Direction Prades/Andorre [email protected] 53 Letsgetphysical...

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PARK MONT OZ’ ARBRES

OURS BRUN OURS A LUNETTE OURS MALAISIE THAT’S : THE COURSES OURS BLANC OURS LIPPU For all your insurance needs 2 FLYNG TYROLIENNE 80 m from a name you can trust VIA FERRATA + FOXES TYROLIENNE 400 m +VIA FERRATA WORLDWIDE TRAVEL Great discounts available OURSON for families, no medical HOME & BUSINESS CHILDREN COURSES OURS DU TIBET questionnaires or age limits. ASSURANCE VIE + For policies designed to meet PET your individual needs and budgets, CAR chat with our English speaking OFFER A LIVING GIFT

HEALTH advisors today. from THE TREEHOUSE 55 euros Get the Aviva Deal! NIGHT + BREAKFAST Dimitri Simone from CÉRET - 17 av Clemenceau PRADES - 7 Rue Jean Jaurès LES HAMACS euros 04 68 87 04 83 04 68 96 38 73 23 54 GIFT IDEA NIGHT + BREAKFAST + PARK 55 Things you might need to know... If you are a victim One euro train of crime in Spain... On the same principal as the hugely successful 1€ bus It’s strappyra dresslà andlà bikini B ! .... call 902 102 112 to make initiative throughout the region, the train line weather ladies, but if you find a ‘denuncia’ (police report) to Villefranche-de-Conflent will now be the same ’prix yourself staring in horror at bra or visit the Spanish Police’s unique’ of 1€, whether travelling to St Feliu d’Avall, sizes in the 80s and 90s, don’t website at www.policia.es/ Millas, Ille-sur-Têt, Vinça, , Prades, Ria panic! You won’t make a boob denuncia (English version or Villefranche-de-Conflent. if you use this easy conversion available) Most insurance For 2013, Christian Bourquin hopes that this table! (Cup sizes the same as policies require you experimental initiative will be in operation throughout the 1 800 km of railway track Britain) to have some sort of of the -Roussillon. This does not count the ‘Train Jaune’ crime number from the local 32 = 85 42 = 110 police 34 = 90 44 = 115 Carte européenne French 36 = 95 46 = 120 d’assurance maladie Inheritance 38 = 100 48 = 125 Hang on to those trollies! Don’t forget your CEAM if you are Law Changes 40 = 105 50 = 130 resident in France but travelling Proposed new laws by the Unscrupulous tricksters are making themselves quite a abroad. It will ensure free or European Parliament, expected few quid in the large supermarkets by swapping your trolly subsidized medical treatment to take effect from 2015, will (before it is too full of course) for one with a ‘jeton’ (token), (depending on the country visited) and is free give Brits living in France the thereby pinching your euro. and easy to obtain. Simply ring or visit your local CPAM at right to apply the inheritance least two weeks before travelling. The card is valid for one year. If you laws of their home country. are leaving in less than two weeks, your CPAM can provide you with a This means that they can will temporary document - un certificat provisoire – valid for three months.. their estate to whoever they On the road 08 and see! wish, according to British law. Many French companies use premium rate this summer? numbers. Watch out in particular for numbers Try to avoid Saturday 4th August which is beginning with ‘08’. Although some are free, (0800, Wibble wobble! the only ‘black day’ (circulation extrêmement 0805 0809 08088....) and others are local call rates, If you are stung by a ’méduse’ (jelly fish) do not scrub or wash with fresh difficile) and Friday 3rd which is classed ‘red’ (0810, 0811...) some are unreasonably expensive (0820, water but rinse immediately in (jellyfish free) seawater and remove any visible (circulation très difficile). Most Saturdays 0821, 0825, 0826....). The worst baddies to avoid are tentacles remaining with tweezers or similar. The pain can be eased by a throughout July and August are also classed red. 0892 – 0899, which tend mainly to be used for games, vinegar rinse….. or urine, which neutralises the toxins ,so make sure you take - Check out other periods and hotspots to avoid competitions etc a friend with you to the beach! at www.bisonfute.equipement.gouv.fr or ring 0 Calls from mobiles or broadband lines will cost 800 100 200 for real time info. (0033 892 68 78 88 more than calls from landlines, and even the ‘free’ from abroad) numbers will charge a fee, depending on the provider. www.english-builders-66.com Internet service providers and businesses are • Extensions • Roofi ng obliged to provide a non-premium rate number for L • Renovations • Tiling calls but it may be well hidden, as they make money • Plasterboard and more from premium rates. Check out Geonumbers at www. D 2nd generation family business geonumbers.com/fr, where you can find alternative 04 68 96 08 01 or 06 26 72 32 51 ‘géographiques’ numbers (local and national calls [email protected] on 01, 02, 03 and 04) for the majority of large French R No SIRET 442-069-142-00028 businesses, and save yourself a ‘joli centime’l 56 Reliable builders you can put your trust in 57 P-OLife... Private Who to contact Property Sales in an Emergency

Mas Pujol Del Mitg – Vallespir SAMU (medical emergency) 15 Peace & tranquility in the heart of the countryside Police emergency 17 Superb sympathetically restored Catalan farmhouse with family home and 3 successful gites Fire service emergency 18 650,000€. Details & Photos: www.maspujol-delmitg.com tel: 04 68 95 75 68 European emergency line 112 SOS Doctor 24/24 08 20 20 41 42 Emergency vet 04 68 55 55 83 donnez des ailes à la recherche House for Sale Near For all your DIY, building Perfectly located just 10 minutes fromCéret Anti-poison centre 04 91 75 25 25 & decoration requirements the centre of Céret ask for one of the 10+ Perpignan hospital 04 68 61 66 33 english speaking assistants • Perfect semi-detached home Pyrénées Languedoc Roussillon • 5 Bed, Study, hall, lounge, kitchen, utility CPAM (English spk serv) 0811 36 36 46 www.enfantsetsante-plr.com Opening Hours room, bathroom. Cancer support France 04 68 69 01 37 Combating childhood cancer and leukemia Main Store • Mature gardens with BBQ, fountain, canal Le Mas Galté Monday to Saturday and covered patio Directory enquiries 118 008 Cure more - Cure better Centre Commercial Auchan 8h00 - 20h00 non stop Price 220,000 euros Route d’Espagne Perpignan Building Materials International Help us to save lives English speaking phone No: Monday to Saturday Call 06 05 09 02 51 for further details directory enquiries 118 700 www.enfantsetsante-plr.com 04 68 98 47 41 7h00 - 20h00 non stop International Mastercard 08 00 90 13 87 Local weather forecast 08 36 68 02 66 GDF (gas problems) 08 10 43 30 66 Cancer Support France EDF (electricity problems) 05 56 17 40 70

Sud de France (11,09,66) You can use the The European emergency number 112 in any EU country from any telephone. You do not need a Supporting those whose lives card or money to ring this number from a pay phone. 112 may also be used from a mobile to connect you with all have been touched by cancer emergency services. DROP IN FOR COFFEE AND BISCuITS. TWICE MONTHLY informal Qualifi ed Electrician Drop In Groups with Book Exchange in Céret & Prades. Emergency repairs Standard upgrades Palais des Congrès, Perpignan CancerDrop Support in centres coming France A warm welcome awaits everyone regardless of nationality Security check Air conditioning organises events, exhibitions, salons, concerts Sud desoon France to Perpignan (11,09,66) – check CÉRET : Pablo’s Bar, Place Picasso PRADES : Café Alchimie Rue Hospice and conferences throughout the year. out our website or the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of every month 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month Wiring & rewiring Renewable energies PO Life Newsletter for between 10am and 12 noon between 3pm and 5pm Check out their website on Free estimates, meticulous worker. www.congres-Perpignan.com details. For further details or to fi nd out how you can help “Cancer Support France – Sud de France” or how we can support you and those close to you - contact: English spoken Great selection of English Please call Stéphane: books available for a Penny on 04 68 38 81 28 Maggie on 04 68 96 55 46 OR small donation [email protected] [email protected] 06 13 24 87 47 485 131 577 Siret: www.cancersupportfrance.org Throughout the region [email protected] 58 CSF - Sud de France (11,09,66) Association no. W 112000594 59 Englishspeakingservices...

Acupuncture & Natural Medicines P.O. Interiors ...... 06 72 42 07 04 Drain Clearance Hair & Beauty Elisa Jarry ...... 04 68 88 84 47 Renovation, refurbishment and carpentry MSB Property Services...... 04 68 51 80 46 Sam’s Salon ...... 04 68 29 78 74 registered practitioner of natural medicines ...... or 06 88 85 18 87 Interior / exterior drain clearance ..... www.msbpropertyservices.com Hussell Building...... 04 68 98 03 24 Tête à Têt - Mobile hairdresser Call Kay...... 06 71 32 90 560 Stéphanie Jaeghers ...... 06 67 67 29 75 www.hussellbuilding.com Education & Translation Traditional Chinese Medicine Health & Well Being Alfmed - Perpignan & Céret...... 04 68 62 20 20 Elisa Jarry ...... 04 68 88 84 47 or 06 88 85 18 87 Accountants Carole Howarth - Perpignan...... registered practitioner of natural medicines AT & Associés...... 04 68 66 06 06 Roofing ...... 06 01 93 55 04 English speaking accountants Language training- [email protected] Perpignan Chiropratique ...... 06.01.75.97.98 Scaffolding Christian Labau - English speaking Chiropractor Carole Cassoly - admin help / translation Architects Heavy Structural Building Prades area - [email protected]...... 06 11 44 15 95 Stéphanie Jaeghers ...... 06 67 67 29 75 Traditional Chinese Medicine Ari Hantke Architecture ...... 06 74 81 11 43 & Renovation Works Louise Sayers - Med & Mountain...... 04 68 56 54 22 Registered & Insured Translation & administrative service ...... 06 20 03 54 46 Hearing Tests Arts & Crafts Supplies [email protected] PromoLangues - Céret ...... 04 68 87 48 10 Optique CIote Vermeille...... 04 68 85 12 92 Tricot Créations ...... 04 68 51 80 46 Roussilangues- French Classes - Bélesta, , Ille-sur-Têt English speaking hearing tests ...... Port Vendre All things arts, crafts, sewing & knitting ....www.tricot-creations.com +33 (0)4 68 98 03 24 www.roussilangues.com ...... 06 76 22 49 50 or 09 62 58 05 41 hussellbuilding.com Heating & Insulation B & B - Hotels Estate Agencies La Gaieté du Feu Stove specialists...... 04 68 54 13 13 Le Château de Riell ****...... 04 68 05 40 40 SARL Roussillon Developpements ...... 04 68 96 08 01 Canigou Country Molitg Les Bains ...... www.chateauderiell.com English-builders-66.com Fiona Beazley ...... 06 77 74 47 15 Help in France Le Grand Hotel ***...... 04 68 05 00 50 Tryba Doors, windows, conservatories...... 04 68 550505 Med & Mountain Properties ...... 04 68 56 54 22 Molitg Les Bains...... www.grandhotelmolitg.com Eve’Solutions...... 04 68 88 46 34 www.medandmountain.com Ease your life in France...... 06 70 70 62 10 Mouli del Riu...... 04 68 04 15 30 Catteries & Kennels P.O. Property Shop...... 06 60 36 25 20 B&B & year round activity holidays Le Palais Des Chats...... 04 68 96 40 80 REAL Estates...... 04 68 83 19 50 Home & Decoration Pyrenean Trails - Les Angles ...... 04 68 04 37 28 www.lepalaisdeschats.com...... 06 16 60 37 15 www.real-estates.fr Aubergine ...... 06 25 18 18 10 B&B, Gites & Mountain guide made to measure curtains, upholstery ...... [email protected] Mike & Jenny Rhodes ...... [email protected] Charities Garages & Car Mechanics Bulthaup...... 04 68 34 09 22 Cancer support France ...... 04 68 38 81 28 Stunning contemporary kitchens - Perpignan British Produce John Bret...... 06 22 95 94 49 www.cancersupportfrance.org English speaking mechanic - All makes/models. Prades area The Asia Center Mas Guerido ...... 04 68 67 59 07 Emmaus...... 04 68 54 59 60 Insurance Donate any unwanted items fr.gaiadir.com/emmaus-pollestres Garden Services Allianz Céret...... 06 43 80 73 51 Building & Renovation R.Estebe-Rigall...... [email protected] Enfants et Santé...... www.enfantsetsante-plr.com 2G Paysage ...... 06 12 99 25 52 Fighting childhood cancers gardens Regine Estebe Rigall and her Les Restos du Coeur ...... 04 68 85 04 53 Garden Services ...... 06 3468 1619 team, off ers expert advice to Provides food packages & free meals to the poor & homeless, organised throughout PO - [email protected] meet your individual needs. & served up by volunteers. email: [email protected] La Main Vert...... 06 77 03 04 46 Gardening, Landscaping & Tree felling throughout the PO Car, motor home, Assurance Vie – boat, motorbike... Savings Plans Chimney Sweep MSB Property Services...... 04 68 51 80 46 or 06 43 22 86 15 Home & Contents Worldwide Travel Est. 24 Years Fabrice Delpech...... 04 68 63 51 79 Property Services 66...... 06 33 06 51 55 Insurance Insurance Fully insured service throughout the PO ...... 06 86 12 54 58 Perpignan & coastal areas Registered in France Business Health Insurance Insurance Repairs & Restoration TPM - Maureillas...... 06 75 46 93 65 We speak Cleaning Services www.tpm66.com 04 68 95 62 49 | 06 45 38 82 88 Angie Nettoyage...... 04 34 10 29 06 Home & office cleaning...... 06 34 64 22 70 or 04 68 87 00 84 Gift Ideas 28 Place de la Liberté, 66400 Céret [email protected] Ample free parking nearby No ORIAS: 070222237 Aubergine...... 06 25 18 18 10 Computer Help & Maintenance Soft furnishing, curtains, upholstery& unique gifts Done & Dusted ...... 04 68 84 55 36 Patrick Boyle...... 04 68 87 17 35 Allianz -Prades, Vernet, Rivesaltes...... 04 68 96 31 50 Broadband installation, repairs, upgrades, advice www.les-alberes.net/ Créatif Impression...... 06 31 52 99 71 www.allianz.fr/charcos Ian Rye - builder - Elne ...... 04 68 39 75 45 Photos printed onto canvass [email protected] systems AVIVA ...... Prades 04 68 96 38 73 Tricot Créations ...... 04 68 51 80 46 .Céret 04 68 87 04 83 Jamie Price...... 04 68 94 62 49 All things arts, crafts, sewing & knitting ....www.tricot-creations.com Building and Renovation...... 06 45 38 82 88 Dentists AXA Insurance Collioure ...... 04 68 82 06 01 Dr Armin Wachsmuth...... 04 68 54 28 50 AXA - St Génis - Cô...... 04 68 89 72 75 60 English speaking – based in 61 Englishspeakingservices...

Opticians Property & Project Management continued Sky TV Installation Port-Vendres ...... 04 68 85 12 92 Electrical | Bathrooms British TV in France...... 04 68 69 83 76 Kitchens | Tiling | Air Con 06.82.10.55.35 ...... www.british-tv-in-france.co.uk PTIQUE –AUDITION For owners of Skydigi...... 04 68 87 18 30 Second Homes: CÔTE VERMEILLE in the Perpignan and Coastal Opticians and Hearing Test Centre areas English Spoken 06 80 34 45 17 • Property Management • Pool & Garden First Examination Free 02 97 93 07 48 & Maintenance Maintenance Unrivalled range of frames [email protected] • Key Holding • Handyman Services Feel free to call Alan on: Hearing aids & accessories – free trials available www.morleyrenovation.eu +33 (0)6.33.06.51.55 11 Bis Quai Forgas 04 68 85 12 92 PORT VENDRES VNelec - Stephan ...... 06 13 24 87 47 [email protected] Walter v.d. Hoogen ...... 06 25 24 00 81 Pest Control English & Dutch speaking Electrician Removals Fabrice Delpech...... 06 86 12 54 58 Van with human ...... 06 3468 1619 Fast elimination of unwanted guests ...... 04 68 63 51 79! throughout PO - [email protected] Print & Design Transport Places of Worship Blyth Spirit ...... www.blyth-spirit.com Websites, brochures, flyers, Signs & Vehicle graphics Britannia Sandersteads Frogbus ...... www.frogbus.com Anglican Church 00 44 (0)208 669 6688 Perpicat...... 04 68 80 69 98 Property & Project Management www.perpicat.com Vernet-Les-BainS Fortnightly around France - Free quotes Home, Pool and Website Design & Hosting 04 68 96 24 58 Restaurants & Bars Blyth Spirit ...... 04 68 05 86 71 Garden Maintenance. Websites of all size and complexity...... www.blyth-spirit.com Service Every Sunday at 10am Fully registered man, Auberge des Albères...... 04 68 89 88 38 We look forward to seeing you with a van that can! ...... www.auberge-des-alberes.com Pool cleaning & testing, Chez Pujol...... 04 68 82 01 39 Wine & Beer covers supplied & fi tted Port Vendres ...... www.chezpujol.com V&B - Mas Guerido...... 04 68 86 36 68 Riverchurch Garden clearing, Le Château de Riell ****...... 04 68 05 04 40 .Wine & Beer Cave & Bar (All services available all maintenance & tidying Molitg Les Bains ...... www.chateauderiell.com year round) 04 68 64 97 09 General handy work & repairs Le France...... 04 68 87 11 27 Woodworm & Termite Treatment International English Ceret Contact Mark on Drain Clearance speaking church Le Grand Hotel *** ...... 04 68 05 00 50 Tel/Fax 04 68 51 80 46 or 06 43 22 86 15 Molitg Les Bains ...... www.grandhotelmolitg.com Woodworm, Termite & Pest Control www.riverchurch.com Email: [email protected] No Siret 479 317 620 00025 LE TRÉMAIL ...... 04 68 82 16 10 Wood Preservation & Treatment Pools Collioure ...... www.restaurant-letremail.fr Safe, eff ective elimination & treatment of all APS - [email protected]...... 06 80 88 80 72 Loft cafe – Perpignan ...... 04 68 66 88 74 Property Services 66...... 06 33 06 51 55 Keyholding,Cleaning,Maintenance manner of unwelcome bugs, insects and vermin. Perpignan & coastal areas To get rid of unwanted guests Eve solution...... 06 70 70 62 10 Surveyors TPM...... 06 75 46 93 65 Port-Vendres fast call Fabrice cleaning, maintenance, accessories...... [email protected] Les Jours Heureux 66...... 06 38 73 15 62 English Speaking Property Surveyor MSB Property Services...... 04 68 51 80 46 or 06 43 22 86 15 Property management & marketing 06 86 12 54 58 Buying, Selling or Renting a Property? Property Services 66...... 06 33 06 51 55 04 68 63 51 79 Plumbers & Electricians Fully registered and insured Perpignan & coastal areas We provide all diagnostic reports necessary Termites & parasites Languedoc Electrics...... 04 68 42 37 97 English Spoken TPM - Maureillas...... 06 75 46 93 65 to ensure a smooth completion: Damp Robert Morley ...... 02 97 93 07 48 www.tpm66.com Lead www.morleyrenovation.eu...... 06 80 34 45 17 For expert, independent Electricity & gas advice call Nicolas on safety 04 68 57 82 68 Asbestos ADVERTISE IN OUR DIRECTORY 06 86 03 06 82 Energy performance From ONLY 90 EUROS (HT) per year - contact Michelle on 62 63 06 12 22 23 70 or email [email protected] [email protected] www.dei-expertises.com Properties of charm throughout the Roussillon

Our Property Gallery is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 6pm, Sundays and Bank Holidays by appointment We look forward to welcoming you.

Céret: Cute house in the centre of Céret offering a small courtyard and a roof terrace. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom (possibility to create a second). Small but with huge potential. Fully renovated and ready to move in. Energy rating: C. Ref 626 136.000€

Amélie-les-Bains: This 1920’s house with 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms is a gem - 900m2 of land, covered pool and quiet location. Great rental, part-time or full time home. Lots of character throughout. Energy rating: C. Ref 635 292.000€

Saint Jean Pla De Corts: Stone-built barn converted by an architect to become a 4 bed house plus gite. A light and bright family home with lovely green garden running down to a stream, set in a countryside location. Energy rating: C. Ref 601 599.000€

If you are looking to buy or sell a property contact:

Real Estates SARL +33 (0)4.68.56.94.54 1 Place de la République www.real-estates.fr 66400 Céret [email protected] Carte Professionnelle: 66-2010-30-T • Caisse de garantie: QBE France 110.000 euros