Argelès-sur-Mer CATALONIA

Transcription

1 Argelès-sur-Mer CATALONIA

2 WELCOME TO Argelès-sur-Mer Argelès-sur-Mer enjoys a wonderful location steeped in rich cultural heritage and nestled between a variety of walking landscapes, on France s east facing coastline. At nearby Banyuls, the Pyrenees tumble to the sea, providing wonderful green foothills dotted with charming villages, and the Spanish border is just a short drive or train ride away. Argelès itself offers a beautiful long beachfront, making it popular in summer with families, as well as an interesting old town further inland, all with a spectacular backdrop of mountains, wineries and châteaux, which we can explore on our walks. Although part of France, this region has a strong and passionate Catalan identity and was in fact part of Spain until the Treaty of the Pyrenees was signed in 1659 and it became part of the modern French department of Pyréneés Orientales. This proud heritage is best portrayed in local language, food and wines, which make for a fascinating and unique holiday location. Celebrating this Catalan unity with their southern neighbours, we will enjoy a day walking in Spain and we walk on part of the celebrated and truly stunning coastal route which runs from the Spanish frontier to picture-postcard town of Collioure. Argelès-sur- Mer makes an ideal base to access the region s variety of walks and also offers great sightseeing opportunities on your free day, you may wish to visit Perpignan or take a train into Spain to visit Girona or the Dali Museum. 2 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk

3 ACCOMMODATION Grand Hotel du Lido 50 Boulevard de la Mer Argelès-sur-Mer France Tel: This 3-star family-owned and run hotel overlooks the seafront in Argelès-sur-Mer and has great views across the beach to the Mediterranean Sea. It is located in a quiet residential area and access to the beach is across a pathway that leads into the centre of the resort and some interesting old villas, bordered by Mediterranean pine trees. This hotel is owned by Etienne and Pascale Lormand. Bedrooms: There are 66 rooms, all ensuite with air conditioning and balconies/terrace with side sea views. The rooms have telephone, TV, hairdryer, room safe, complimentary toiletries and mini-bar. Tea and coffee making facilities are not available in the bedrooms; however hot drinks can be bought from the bar. There is free WiFi. Facilities: There is a large outside heated swimming pool surrounded by garden areas with mature trees offering some shade, sun loungers and terrace with seating. Off the main reception area, there is a small lounge area. There is a small reserved area on the beach which can be accessed via a gate and following a boardwalk. Meals: All our holidays include breakfast and evening meal. This hotel caters for most dietary needs; we advise you to discuss your requirements with the restaurant staff on arrival. Breakfast: This is served from 7.30am until 10am as a self-service continental buffet in the hotel s poolside breakfast room. In good weather the breakfast room doors are opened back and you can eat on the terrace. Evening meal: A 3-course dinner will be served in the hotel s dining room area, with sea views. Lunch: You may be able to purchase a picnic lunch from the hotel. Alternatively it is possible to buy ingredients from local shops; your leaders will advise you of the options. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 3

4 Guided Walking Easier Walks: 5 8 miles (8-13km) on good paths with some rocky sections. Up to 1,500ft (450m) of ascent in a day. ITINERARY A unique feature of our Guided Walking holidays is the daily choice of walks. Each evening your leaders will give a short talk about the options for the next day and answer any questions that you may have. In Argelès-sur-mer you ll have a choice of two guided walks on each walking day. The cost of the transport to and from your walks each day is included in the cost of your holiday. Harder Walks: 7 10 miles (11-16km) on good paths with some rocky sections. Up to 2,300ft (690m) of ascent in a day. Please note that the itinerary outlined below is provisional and could be subject to change. For the most up to date information, please check our website. A finalised itinerary will be available at the resort and your leaders will talk every evening about the next day s walks. Day 1: Arrival day On arrival at the resort, you will have time to meet your fellow guests over the first evening meal. Day 2: Argelès and the Sentier du Littoral coastal path Today both walks will start from the hotel and follow a section of the Sentier Littoral, a long distance path that follows the coastline all the way to the Spanish frontier. The section we follow is known as the côte Vermeille (Red coast) because of the rock colour and both groups will visit the picturesque Mediterranean fishing village 4 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk of Collioure, set in a beautiful natural bay framed by the bell-tower of Notre Dame des Anges. Easier Walk: We will leave directly from the hotel to follow the level beach promenade path initially shaded by pines, passing the centre of Argelès plage. The promenade continues through the modern port of Argelès and on to a small beach resort of La Racou. From here the path becomes more rugged as it ascends clifftops where there are good coastal views at an orientation table and descends to visit remote beaches. We pass ruined clifftop fortifications along the way, before

5 the final descent into the attractive colourful narrow streets of Collioure, where guests will have time to wander themselves and discover its charm before the short coach journey home. 5 miles (8km) with 500ft (150m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder group also leave directly from the hotel following the same route as the easier group passing Argelès plage and its port following the Sentier Littoral coastal path as far as Collioure. At Collioure we follow the promenade around the complete bay taking in the everchanging vistas of this pretty fishing port that so attracted painters like Matisse. Climbing to follow the clifftops along the Sentier Littoral again passing ancient fortifications and defences we have good views along the coast at the headland of Cap Gros. Finally the path descends to arrive in the large commercial harbour of Port Vendres. 8 miles (13km) with 1,000ft (300m) of ascent. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 5

6 Day 3: Walks in the hills above Laroque des Alberes A short coach ride brings us to the attractive medieval village of Laroque des Albères, from where many paths climb into the wooded slopes of the massif des Albères hills. Both groups will make pleasant but different circuits into the interior discovering some of its natural and man-made treasures along the way, before returning to the village. Easier Walk: This leaves the village on an ascending shaded path passing the old watermill and spring. A further steady climb through woods but on good paths allows us to discover the site of an ancient snow trap built to provide a supply of ice during summer, constructed in the 16th century but hidden in this wooded environment. Climbing higher we reach the highest point of today s walk at the Casot del Guarda refuge hut. From here we make our slow steady descent back to the village mostly on wide stoney tracks and with views down the valley. In the village there is an option to visit the ruined tower of its ancient castle for more views. 6 miles (9km) with 1,600ft (480m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The initial route leaving the village follows the same path taken by the easier group, but we soon branch off following a steeply climbing path, rutted in places by water erosion, up the side of the valley with some shade in places. At the top of the climb when the path levels we walk through woodland populated with chestnut and cork trees to arrive at the site of the Vernosa spring with great views over the plain of Roussillon below. Continuing our climb we arrive at the Casot del Guarda refuge hut, from here we descend to view the puits a glace (snow trap used for making ice in summer) seen by the easier group. Continuing our descent on a pleasant woodland path we eventually meet our outward path for the final return to the village. 7 miles (11km) with 2,100ft (630m) of ascent. Day 4: Coastal routes to Banyuls-sur-mer For today s walks we have a short coach journey to Port Vendres. The walks will start from different places in town and take different routes but both groups will have the opportunity to visit the museum at Paulilles en route finishing at the pleasant beach resort of Banyuls sur mer and perhaps sample the drink of the same name. Easier Walk: We leave Port Vendres passing the railway station and gently climbing to the fertile terraced slopes behind the town. Weaving our way on stoney paths through the vines we have good views towards the coast, before descending, passing under the railway to arrive 6 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk at Paulilles. The free open-air museum here tells the fascinating history of the former explosive manufacturing complex in a very attractive setting overlooking a small sheltered beach, where we will have time to look around. Leaving the museum we rejoin the sentier Littoral coastal trail which climbs and descends the clifftop all the way to Banyuls. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,100ft (330m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder group starts at a minor road on the far side of the large commercial port of Port Vendres. From here we pick up the sentier littoral again initially on a level path passing ruined port defences, but soon climbing to a narrow balcony path that takes us out to the remote headland at Cap Bear and its lighthouse. Our route continues to follow the undulating coastal path descending to visit small coves and climbing to remote dwellings perched above the sea before also arriving at Paulilles beach and its museum; where if time permits a brief visit should be possible. Our route from here continues along the sentier littoral, the same as that taken by the easier group, until our final destination at Banyuls comes into view and a well-earned refreshment is available. 7 miles (11km) with 1,500ft (450m) of ascent. Day 5: Free day Each week there is a free day when no guided walks are offered. This is an ideal opportunity to relax around the hotel, walk independently or visit local places of interest. Some options for your free day may include: Perpignan Discover this interesting city, the original capital of northern Catalonia. Visit the fortified 13th century palace of the ancient kings of Mallorca, the cathedral of St John the Baptist and the cloisters of the former convent, Campo Santo. Wander its many narrow streets filled with small shops and restaurants serving local dishes to discover the soul of a town still proud of its strong Catalan roots. It is possible to travel to Perpignan by local bus or train from Argelès. Figueres, Spain This was the home town of the surrealist painter Salvador Dali; his home in a former theatre has been turned into a quirky exhibition of his work complete with its own surrealist exterior. This small town has lots of interest. There is no direct train service from Argelès but train travel is possible via Perpignan, changing onto a faster direct service. If there is sufficient interest your leaders may be able to organise hired transport. A day relaxing in Argelès Relax with a leisurely swim on the beach or the hotel pool. For the more active discover all that Argelès plage has to offer, from mini/crazy golf to promenades by horse, or take a circular tour on the land train to discover the three areas that make up the resort of Argelès sur

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9 mer. For information on Argelès-sur-mer and the area please visit information. Day 6: Spanish hills around Llanca Today we will travel over the border to walk in the Spanish part of Catalonia around the coastal town of Llanca. The journey of just over an hour allows us to see the changing landscapes of this coastline and appreciate the natural barrier that the Pyrenees mountains have provided between these two neighbouring countries over the centuries. Easier Walk: The easier walk starts just outside the Catalan resort of Llanca and initially takes a fairly level coastal route passing the headland and lighthouse of Cap de Bol. From here we turn inland to enter the natural park of Cap de Creus and climb a valley path to the small medieval village of La Vall de Santa Crus. After a further steeper climb we reach the highest point of the walk at the col del Perer, where there are magnificent views along the coast. Our route now descends to the edge of Llanca for a short road walk into the centre of this ancient historic town. 6 miles (9.5km) with 1,200ft (360m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder walking group travels further down the coast before starting their walk and initially follows the same valley path taken by the other group arriving in the small medieval village of La Vall de Santa Crus. From here we take a different direction as our path follows in the footsteps of pilgrims as it climbs steadily towards the monastery of St. Pere de Rodes. The Romanesque monastery sits on a naturally protected ledge with commanding views towards the coast. Leaving the monastery we pass the ruined St. Helena s church before joining a wide level track affording good views in the distance of the Pyrenean range. Our path descends to reach the col del Perer from where we take the same descending track used by the easier group to finally bring us into the ancient and historic centre of Llanca. 7 miles (11km) with 1,800ft (540m) of ascent. Day 7: Foothills of the Pyrenees Both groups will discover the hinterland behind Argelès on today s walks. The easier group will walk directly from the hotel, while the harder group will start with a short coach journey. Both walks explore paths in the wooded slopes of the foothills that form the final part of the Pyrenees as they meet the sea. Finishing at the pristine white exterior of Château Valmy, a slightly incongruous sight in this region, provides a fitting end to today s walks. Easier Walk: Walking directly from the hotel a level path beside a small stream takes us into the centre of Argelès village where a small artisan market has occupied the streets below the bell tower and church for centuries. It is tempting to linger but not for too long as we must continue our route along quiet lanes across the fertile plain behind the town. Our path starts to climb the wooded slopes, and after a steeper climb we are rewarded with great views across the plain below towards the coast. We arrive at the remote chapel of St Laurent in a wooded clearing. From here our route descends on wide rough tracks to arrive at Château Valmy with time to visit the botanical park perhaps while awaiting our return transport. 7 miles (11km) with 1,400ft (420m) of ascent. Harder Walk: The harder walk starts on a track just above Château Valmy, from where we ascend the track used by the easier group on their return, however we soon leave it and climb steadily on narrow paths to reach the Roc de Grill. The path levels briefly before a further climb towards the tower of Massane seen ahead on the horizon. The final ascent to the tower is above the tree-line and the commanding views are spectacular. From here you can appreciate why this defensive signal tower was constructed, and we have seen it all week on the skyline from the hotel. Leaving the tower we descend the same way to start but soon a different narrow path is taken that brings us onto a wider track. Our descent is rough and rutted in places passing a pre-historic stone tomb and good views of the château below where we finish, and await our return transport. 7 miles (11km) with 2,500ft (750m). Day 8: Departure day In the evenings In Europe, our walking holidays continue into the evening. Enjoy a glass of wine or local beer whilst listening to your leaders outlining the next day s walks. After a leisurely evening meal, you may like to join your group for a walk along the beach or have a nightcap in a local bar. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 9

10 Your Walking Leaders: HF Holidays leaders are a pivotal feature of our walking holidays. During the day they will guide you on the walks in a caring and considerate way, showing you places of interest on the route. All our leaders have been selected on an intensive residential course so you can relax and enjoy your holiday knowing that you are in safe hands. Our leaders welcome your comments on the holiday survey; constructive suggestions are very helpful. We take pride in the quality of our holidays and work closely with all our providers to ensure our holidays meet your expectations. If for any reason you are not satisfied our leaders are the best people to help. Local interest guides: In some of our resorts we may employ the services of a local interest guide who will accompany you on a walk to enhance your enjoyment of the area by giving you an insight into its history and culture. Tips for local guides have not been included in the price of your holiday. This is at your own discretion and we invite you to do this directly with the local guide. Maps: Your leaders will of course carry all the maps and detailed walk instructions needed for the walks. The best map for the area is the IGN 2549OT Maps can be obtained by mail order from The Map Shop, Tel: or visit Children: We welcome unaccompanied children of 14 or over on our walks on the basis that they can take full responsibility for themselves. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult. WALKING SAFETY Hydration: In warm weather it is very important to keep hydrated. You will need to carry water with you on walks, more during hot weather or on more demanding walks. One good way of hydrating is to use a hydration pack which allows drinking without constant stopping. This can then be filled up from water sources as required. Insurance: Insurance is a condition of booking. Therefore if you have not already arranged insurance, it is imperative that you do so, and advise us of the insurance company and policy number. We have negotiated special holiday insurance and full details of this cover can be found in our brochure or at hfholidays.co.uk. There is no extra charge for preexisting illnesses. If you would like to purchase insurance from us please call us on or holidayservices@hfholidays.co.uk. Even with an EHIC card, medicines and out-patient treatment normally have to be paid for at the time and the costs reclaimed afterwards details are available at dh.gov.uk/travellers. Therefore insurance is extremely important, as is access to emergency money, preferably a credit card. 10 Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk WHAT TO WEAR & BRING To enjoy your walking comfortably and safely, it is essential that your footwear, clothing and equipment are suitable. Changeable weather is possible throughout the year, so our advice is to come prepared for all eventualities. You will need: comfortable outdoor clothing waterproof jacket and overtrousers ankle supporting footwear with non-slip soles small rucksack water bottle (at least 2 litres, more for hot climates) and a thermos flask if you wish sunhat, sun cream and sunglasses The following are recommended to all walkers, and are essential for mountainous and hilly areas: walking boots spare pullover or fleece hat and gloves spare high-energy food e.g. chocolate bar or Kendal mint cake torch You may also wish to consider bringing: walking pole(s) many guests find these useful, particularly for descents camera personal first aid kit Footwear: We recommend wearing walking boots on all our walks, as these provide the best ankle support and grip. Modern approach shoes offer appropriate levels of grip and may be worn on some low level walks, but users should be aware that they offer less ankle support. Lightweight trainers, denim jeans and waterproof capes are not recommended for any walks. HOLIDAY TIPS Language: French Currency: Euro Money: There are several ATM machines in Argelès where you can obtain money. Electricity: 230 Volt AC with round two pin plugs; you will need an adaptor for any appliances brought from the UK. Tap water: Is considered safe to drink, but if you prefer, bottled mineral water can be purchased from the hotel or local supermarkets. Telephone code: If the international number you wish to call starts with a 0, you must drop the starting digit when dialling the number. To dial a UK number 0044 To dial a French number 0033

11 linger a little LONGER If you enjoyed your holiday in our destination of Argelès sur Mer, we recommend our other holiday at our new destination in Catalonian Spain, Roses. Two weeks or more Make the most of your break and enjoy a longer holiday either two weeks of walking at one resort or by combining complementary holidays, such as Sorrento on the Neapolitan coastline and Altamura, in the undiscovered TRANSFER INFORMATION If you have booked your holiday with flight you will arrive at Barcelona Airport. From the UK, we offer flights from London Heathrow and Manchester. Please note that meals are not provided on most European flights, although some airlines may offer a small snack. Where possible you will be met as you enter the arrivals hall by an HF Holidays leader at Terminal One. Your leader may be on the same flight as you or may already be at the airport. Occasionally we will ask our transfer coach company to meet you. The driver will be in the arrivals hall holding an HF Holidays sign Please note that where possible we combine our airport transfers and you may have a short wait at the airport for the rest of your group who will be arriving on a different flight. You will be notified of this in your final confirmation letter. The onward journey to Argelés-sur-mer by coach takes approximately 2½ hours. For independent travellers: For guests who have booked their holiday without flight HF Holidays can help you to reach the hotel in the following ways: HF Holidays transfer coach from Barcelona airport. These are timed to meet the HF Holidays flights (provisional HF Holidays flight times can be found on or call (0) ). Cost per single journey is Please note that HF Holidays is not responsible for your onward travel if you fail to meet the transfer coach under any circumstance. Our Airport Taxi service is available on request. Transfers and taxis must be pre-booked. If you have not already booked your transfer or taxi please call +44 (0) Airport parking and accommodation If you require airport parking or accommodation before your flight, we recommend our partner Holiday Extras. Call and quote HX031 or book online at holidayextras.co.uk/hfholidays region of Puglia. We arrange the transfers between the resorts so that you don t have to. See our brochure or website for more information. Self-guided Walking For those who prefer to explore independently, we recommend our Self-guided Walking holidays. In selected European destinations you can discover unspoiled scenery, historic sites and the local culture at your own pace by following our carefully planned walking routes. Leisure Activities We offer a range of Leisure Activities holidays at some of our European destinations, including Discovery or Garden Tours, Photography, Painting, or Yoga. Worldwide From Alaska to Australia our Worldwide Journeys invite you to explore world famous destinations, and some lesser known gems, on six continents including Europe. Call or visit hfholidays.co.uk 11

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