We were really lucky that there had just been a cancellation, enabling us to book Granary Palm View for a very last minute and much-needed
break. It is a light and airy space, stylishly decorated throughout -
and the kitchen is equipped with pretty much everything you could
possibly need. The views across the beautiful gardens - including 40+ year old granary palm - and the surrounding lettuce fields (with the Pyrenees in the distance) are stunning. A friendly greeting by James with a bottle of ice-cold beer for each of us was very welcome. Especially as we'd managed to get lost in Perpignan on the last stage of our journey - despite James's comprehensive directions. Our fault! There was a very friendly greeting from the Wallers' lovely children and chocolate labradors Woody and Mocha too! After a quick trip to the supermarket - Carrefour hypermarket very nearby & a small Spar in the other direction, both very handy - we couldn't wait for a dip in the swimming pool. It is bliss. Filtered spring water heated to the perfect temperature. The property is also a short drive to Canet plage with its sandy beach and clear sea. In the other direction, it is worth the drive towards Carcassonne past stunning Cathar castles, including Peyreperteuse, which we visited. A fairly exhausting climb in hot weather, but worth it for stunning views and the sight of birds of prey. Southwards towards the Spanish border, Collioure and Banyuls are both worth a visit too, and you'll see many beautiful vineyards en route. Perpignan itself is also worth seeing - including the Arab quarter and its market. Do not listen to the staff in the tourist office who may attempt to make you avoid the area! After visiting the market, we had a beautiful Sunday lunch at the restaurant next to the Cathedral of Saint Jean, where the very hospitable waiter gave us a glass of complimentary Banyuls at the end of our meal (although it is more usually an aperitif). Glasses of fizz greeted us at Bamboo House at Canet-Plage, a restaurant recommended to us and booked for us by James & Ilona. We weren't disappointed by the freshest of seafood dishes, prepared with an oriental twist by skilled chefs Olga and Richard. James has many other superb recommendations and he and Ilona are both very keen that the whole holiday experience in their adopted region of Languedoc-Roussillon is perfect, which it was!