CERET DIARY 2009:
Musee d'art moderne permanant collection plus 21/06 - 31/10 'Ceret: a century of sublime scenery * Winter 2009 -Spring 2010 Frank Bury Haviland retrospective * Every Saturday morning local market in centre of town * 30 June & 25 August Tuesday evening market * Sat 23 & Sun 24/05 Cherry Festival * Sat 21/06 Festival of Music * Fri 26 - Sat 27/06 Flamenco music & dance (quality stuff!)* Fri 10 - Sun12/07 Ceret de Toros Feria (one big party with fireworks, lots of music, bull fights and running of bulls through streets - fun, but noisy!) * 17 - 19/07 Festival de Sardanes (wonderful local dancing contest) * July Music in Catalonia Festival *August Music in Catalonia Festival *July & August: most Wednesday evenings locals really do dance the Sardane in the streets * Fri 15/08 town picnics up high on the hill at Fontfrede * Sat 12 & Sun 13/09 Ronde Ceretane (25th Round Ceret run with many serious runners alongside locals) * 18/09 Feast of St-Ferreol
SPAIN:
The Spanish border is about 15 minutes motorway drive from Ceret, and just over it lies the border town of La Jonquera - the spot where truck drivers stop to have amazing lunches for next to nothing (and its the place to stock up on food at Spanish prices!). Between the border and Barcelona (about 2 hours away) stretches the Costa Brava, with many charming small bays, as well as the larger well known (and less attractive!) resorts. Particularly of note is Dali's home in the fishing village of Cadeques, and Empuries with its Greek and Roman archaeological sites and the prettiest little beaches imaginable. Inland, Girona is a lovely town with a beautiful old quarter and good shopping. Besalu is a stunning medieval jewel of a town with an amzing bridge spanning a ravine. Figueres has the fantastic Dali museum. Spanish wine, tapas, and of course, endless pottery!
Walking:
Wonderful guided walks all year round organised by an experienced, charming and informative local guide will take you to places you may never get to on your own - into the mountains, by the sea or over the border into Spain. Some are half-day, and are graded from easy to 'sportif'. There are also full day walks, and even one to see the sun rise from the top of Canigou (local mountain). The weather is often fabulous for walking through autumn, winter and spring, and, in summer, the heat is avoided by walking high in the mountains.
For those who prefer to plan their own walks, the area is outstanding!
Ski:
Just two hours’ drive to the Cerdagne pistes: ideal for a day’s skiing.
North-facing Cambre d’Aze is perfect for beginners, with wide slopes and easy forest trails while for experienced skiers there are well-groomed challenges. A good cross-country trail runs between Cambre d’Aze and its sister resort St Pierre del Forcats.
Try Puigmal for a good variety of runs with stunning views to north and west. On the other side of the valley, sunny Font Romeu and Pyrénées 2000 at Bolquère link to give 54km of pistes, backed by 500 snow-cannons.
For Les Angles (making its name among boarders) and Formiguères, head north at Mont Louis, the highest fortified town in France. There’s another good cross-country trail down by the pretty lake.
Take another half hour to cross the Spanish border for La Molina (40 pistes/50km) or head towards Andorra (four hours from Céret) to Puymorens: 40km of pistes plus cross-country trails.
Prefer golf to skiing? Go try Snow Golf at Font Romeu!
Golf:
The nearest golf course is a small 9-hole course at Amelie-les-Bains, about 15 mins drive down the valley. However, there is a much more impressive course, Falgos, which is about 45 minutes away. A magnificent place pearched high up with wonderful scenery and full spa facilities for those who do not wish to play. Please check out the Falgos website, ask us for link.
Other Activities:
Painting. Bird watching. Castles to visit. Fabulous spas in the area.
