A Catalan Experience

This holiday takes you to the furthest reaches of the French mainland, to a region perhaps less well known than other more traditional tourist destinations, but one with its own unique charm and character and which make this a truly fitting addition to the FTS portfolio of holiday ideas incorporating ‘great little train journeys’.

Our itinerary is based on three nights by the coast, followed by three in the mountains. Discover the contrasting charms of the rugged Catalan coast and the majestic mountain scenery of the Cerdagne National Park. Based respectively in the picture-postcard artists’ colony and chic, bustling seaside resort that is Collioure, and the more tranquil Saillagousse, amid mountain streams and pastures, where life unfolds at a more leisurely pace. And connecting the two, an unforgettable (return) journey through the spectacular landscapes of the eastern Pyrenees in the aptly named ‘petit train jaune’ (little yellow train).

	Collioure   Collioure nestles in the most dramatic part of the Catalan coast, where the Pyrenean foothills meet the sea. Generations of artists, including Matisse, have long been attracted both by this lovely setting and its vivid colours. Explore the warren of alleyways in the old town clustered below the imposing citadel and around the lively fishing harbour; relax on one of the town’s three sheltered beaches; spend an unhurried hour over an aperitif at one of the seafront cafes; take a short train ride to Cerbere or beyond into Spain. Saillagousse In stark contrast, high up on the Cerdagne plateau, Saillagousse makes an ideal base to explore this wild but welcoming region, as testified by the generations of visitors who have established its reputation as the finest walking country in the Pyrenees chain, with its many marked paths affording a unique opportunity to discover, each at his or her own pace, its rich flora and wildlife, including chamois, pine-martins, kestrels, vultures and eagles, even the occasional bear or lynx. Alternatively, simply relax by the hotel swimming-pool or in its peaceful orchard garden before sampling local specialities in its reputed restaurant.

What your holiday includes:

• Return standard class travel from Waterloo or Ashford to Collioure and Saillagouse
• 3 nights B & B and 3 nights half board accommodation (drinks not included)
• Hotels with en suite rooms, TV and telephone, one with swimming pool
• Travel on the Train Jaune between centres
• Option to extend in either destination.

1 Nov - 7 Apr: £419 per person
8 Apr - 15 Jun: £439 per person
16 Jun - 7 Jul: £449 per person
8 Jul - 15 Sep: £489 per person
16 Sep - 31 Oct: £449 per person
Single room supplement: £119/£129/£139/£144/£129 respectively.
High season, per person/per night in Saillagouse:
24 Dec - 7 Jan, 18 Feb - 5 Mar, 13 Apr - 8 May: £7
Reduction of £7, 8 - 15 Sep.

Extra nights can be added at any stage, please ask for details and prices.

See Travel Tips for supplements on Eurostar and TGV.

Please call French Travel Service on 08702 41 42 43
or email us at [email protected]