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The
Region: Languedoc-Roussillon
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The
village of Claira is located in the Roussillon region of southern France,
on the coastal plain between the foothills of the Pyrenees and the
Mediterranean beaches. Mont Canigou dominates the
coastal skyline and is snow-capped for more than half the year. |
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Claira is an excellent base for
a wide range of
activities and sightseeing in the region. Whatever
your preference there will be something for you in the area. |
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If history is
your interest be sure to visit some of the ruined Cathar castles that
perch on the rugged mountain tops to the west of Claira. All can be
reached from Claira, and a day trip that takes in the chateaux of Queribus
and Peyreperteuse, maybe with a visit to the village of Cucugnan for
lunch, is recommended.
Puilaurens is another Cathar castle which has
dramatic views from its 700m peak and is less than an hour's drive from
Claira. The approaches to all of the Cathar castles are quite steep so
sturdy walking shoes are a good idea |
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There
are a number of beautiful religious buildings in the region, some in
spectacular locations.
The Abbey of Fontfroide is located just inland from
the A9 autoroute just short of Narbonne and is well worth a visit with its
restored cloisters and chapter house.
The partly ruined Abbey de Lagrasse
is also nearby. |
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St Martin de Canigou is an abbey built on a
remote and spectacular
site on the lower slopes of Mont Canigou.
Also in the area are the Prieuré
de Serrabone and the Abbey of St Michel de Cuxa.
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The
lovely walled village of Villefranche-de-Confluent, less than an hour from
Claira, offers restaurants, craft shops and regional specialities. High above the village
is the Fort Liberia offering magnificent views of the village and the
surrounding mountains. |
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Of course Villefranche is also the starting point
for the famous "petit train jaune" which takes a leisurely 63
kilometre narrow gauge railway journey through 19 tunnels and across
several spectacular bridges. |
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Only a
few kilometres further inland is the town of Vernet-le-Bains which is an
excellent starting point for many mountain walks, from easy and short
walks to all day excursions requiring a higher level of fitness and
experience. |
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The
beaches of the Mediterranean are within 10 kilometres of Claira and there
is a range of towns scattered along the coast offering varying degrees of
sophistication and charm. To the north the emphasis is on sandy beaches,
water sports and holiday living, while further south the coastline becomes
rocky with former fishing villages nestled in the inlets. |
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Collioure is a
charming town with its harbour, castle and beautifully maintained old
town. Matisse came to Collioure to paint in 1905 attracted by the
light and the colourful fishing boats and village houses. It is possible
to follow the 'chemin du fauvisme', a path which identifies the site of
paintings by Matisse, Derain & other artists. |
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The major city of the
region is Perpignan, a lively centre with a population of more than
100,000, and only 15-20 minutes away by car. Perpignan has many restaurants and an extensive shopping area in
its old quarter, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
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The Castillet is an old
fortress in the centre of the town and houses a museum of Catalan arts and
traditions. There are good views from the top, across the town and towards
the Palace of the Kings of Majorca, and its citadel, on the highest part of
the town.
And remember that you
can be in Spain in an hour, and in Barcelona in two hours.
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