South of France here we come (again)

'A' marks our holiday spot!  (click on maps to enlarge)

Well the holiday is booked and we shall soon be heading off for a villa we have rented in the South of France. This year we shall be close to the French border with Spain, near a village called Laroque Des Alberes. We'll be flying to Perpignan airport, picking up a rental car and then driving about 25km south to our villa in the foothills of the pyrenees, in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

The area seems a really interesting one due to its position close to the Spanish border and the Catalan influence, the pyrenees and the coast - so there should be plenty to do and see. Culturally and historically it is a fascinating area due to the competing interests of France and Spain - the area has changed hands a few times, culminating in the Treaty of the Pyrenees in  1659 which finally signed the area over to France. Though I have read a story (shaggy dog?) however, about how some inhabitants of the the area apparently only realised they were in France when they got their wartime 'call up' papers in 1914! 

We're especially interested in exploring something of the coastal towns of Collioure, Port Vendres and Banyuls along the so-called Cote Vermeille an area which has inspired artists ever since it was 'discovered' by the 19thC Fauvists. The inland town of Le Perthus also sounds interesting - the last town before crossing over into Spain. But is is also historically significant for being the place where, on 5 February in 1939, a column of 20,000 Spanish Republicans arrived at the border to seek sanctuary in France.

It would be wonderful to explore all this but with two young children I fear that the nearest Aquapark will be the highest item on their agenda!  That's it for now on the holiday - maybe more after we return. I'd be really interested to hear if you've visited or know the region and can make any suggestions, or just tell me what you thought.

My other posts about France: 
- French holiday villa with surprising extras!
- Outdoor swimming, castles and French horses' bums! (2008 visit to Carcassonne region)
- Back from South of France and "Hello from France, Cote D'Azur) (2009 visit to Lorgues, near Nice/St Tropez)

Dancing in the City (well, in Eltham actually)

Staying with matters Eltham for a little longer...I saw this notice today at the now-buzzing cafe in Eltham Park South (Glenesk Road, London SE9).

So anyone at home with children for the summer holidays can just go along (assuming you're not working / signed up to do something else / going away - delete as appropriate - lots of this applies to us at various times during the school holidays).

The notice reads:

Dance classes starting here Tuesday 3rd August
Every Tuesday and Thursday until Thursday 26 August

11am - 12pm 3-7 year olds
12pm to 1pm 8-11 years olds

£2 per child per class

For more information or to sign up email: emilysummerfun [at] hotmail.co.uk

What a thoroughly lovely idea for the park.