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The regional capital of Perpignan, 34km, is bursting with historic sites including the Palace of the Kings of Mallorca (above), plus many intriguing museums, local shops and markets. The shopping area by the river opposite the ancient city gates (Castillet) has a lovely selection of cafes and bars. The African Wildlife Reserve at Sigean, north of Perpignan, contains as much big game as you could wish for. If shopping is your thing then you can easily drive up into the high Pyrénées and shop in tax-free Andorra. |
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Apart from its excellent climate (300 days of sunshine a year), the area boasts a wide range of attractions including the lively resort of Argèles, the pretty medieval fishing port of Collioure and the charming and historic artists' village of Ceret. |
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If you prefer hiking or biking, then mountain bikers will enjoy the trails in the local hills, or for a more leisurely outing the easy cycling on the plain allows you to explore many fascinating old villages or visit the coast. The GR10 coast-to-coast footpath crosses the head of the Vallee Heureuse just a few Km away. For the more energetic, it is even possible to walk over the hills into Spain, have lunch, and walk back again!. The area is famous for its therapeutic Spas, as the names of several local villages such as Thermes du Boulou and Amélie Les Bains attest. |
Sorède itself is a small traditional village with origins dating back to 981AD, but has several tourist attractions, including a Valley of Tortoises, a train museum, the hill-top ruins of the Castle Ultrera and a unique whip-making factory!. An open-air cinema in summer, boules competitions and many other lively events are organized by the local Mairie. Horse-riding, bike rental, windsurfing, water-skiing and paragliding are available at Argèles (see below), and the nearest Golf Course is at St-Cyprien just 20km away. |
| | | Further afield, there are the numerous 11th century castles including Castelnou (pictured) just north of Ceret, and the famous Cathar castles such as Quéribus and Peyrepertuse perched dramatically on the Limestone outcrops in the Corbières region, where you can also visit the stunning Gorge de Galamus.
The walled medieval city of Carcassonne is well worth a visit. The Water Festival at Sête, and the Pablo Casals Music Festival at Prades in August are not to be missed, and village fêtes abound where everything stops for such attractions as the cooking of a giant Paella!. |
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This is a land steeped in centuries of history, from Tautavel Man to Picasso. A land of clear sunshine, pure mountain breezes, fertile earth and healing water. A land of varied diversions and activities, fine wine and delicious food - all set against the majestic mountain backdrop of the 2784m high Pic du Canigou. |
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Collioure
 This picturesque medieval fishing port is only 16km away and offers a castle, lighthouse, art exhibitions, boat trips, kayak rental and even scuba diving.
Enjoy a huge and delicious paella outside on the harbour front, chased down with a wonderful glass of chilled Muscat Sec in the evening. After dinner go for a walk along the cliff path eating an exotic ice cream cone so large it comes with a spoon!. |
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Ceret The charming and historic artists’ village of Ceret (with its colourful market, numerous fetes, bullring, and museum of modern art with Picasso exhibition) is just 25km away. Wander through the ancient streets lined with massive plane trees, or sip your coffee at a table in the street and decide which art boutique to visit next. 
|  | The lively seaside resort of Argelès (9km), offering windsurfing, bicycle rental, fishing, horse riding, paragliding, mini golf, go-karting and a water park. The lively night-life of the marina and beach resort contrast with the historic and traditional village centre, with its markets and small friendly restaurants. |
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 The charming Laroque des Alberes is the closest village to Sorède, and its ancient castle and walls speak loudly of its proud Catalan history. Laroque des Alberes web site | | |
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