We have lived in the Alberes, since leaving the south of England  7 years ago. After spending many holidays here, we decided that because of our love for the sea and the mountains this would be the perfect corner of France for us to set up home. With the Pyrenees mountain range dominating the horizon coupled with the close proximity of the Mediterranean Sea  moving to this area was an easy choice. 
As you can see from the chart below the Pyrenees Orientales enjoys a very temperate climate with temperatures all year round some 10° higher than the UK. We enjoy approximately 300 days of sunshine per year with an average of 8½ hrs of sunshine per day during May to October.
The area is ideally placed for a wide variety of activities ranging from walking in the Alberes (or the Pyrenees for the more energetic) to the numerous pastimes available at the nearby beach resorts of Argeles & St Cyprien. 

Take the Little Yellow Train from Villefranche de Conflent high into the Pyrenees. This narrow gauge railway runs all year round and provides some of the most breath-taking scenery you will see anywhere in France. 
The small fishing village of Collioure, famously a favourite haunt of Matisse & Picasso, is truly a picture postcard setting, with spectacular defensive architecture and picturesque harbour. 
You can visit the medieval city of Carcassonne where the Robin Hood movie starring Kevin Costner was filmed (1½hrs drive). This famous walled city is said to be France's second most popular attraction, beaten only by the Eiffel Tower. It's many narrow, cobbled streets are home to an abundance of shops, bars & restaurants. 

Take your pick from the vast selection of restaurants in the area, ranging from simple cuisine to the best Cordon Bleu, or simply enjoy a coffee at one of the many village cafes .
We have over 13km of safe, sandy beaches (all blue flag award winners) providing all manner of water sports for young and old alike. Scuba diving, windsurfing, water-skiing, sea kayaking, fishing trips, sailing, jet skiing and pedalos are all available locally. And if you have children the Aqualand water park at St Cyprien is always popular.

We are only 2½hrs drive from the magnificent city of Barcelona, now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. It's coastal location, cosmopolitan atmosphere and striking architecture make it a "must see" while in this region.

In the winter the ski resorts of the Pyrenees are only 1½hrs drive away offering skiing for all levels but without the lengthy queues experienced in the Alpine resorts. After a hard days skiing you can relax and recharge in one of the natural,  thermal spas close by, or simply sample the 'après ski' in the many local restaurants and bars.