The region - and things to do

The village of St Jean Lasseille sits amongst the Roussillon vineyards of the Perpignan plain, overlooked by the beautiful Canigou towards the west, and the Albères to the south-east.

The micro-climate in this Mediterranean corner means that temperatures are higher than in the rest of France, and gives Perpignan 320 days of sunshine every year.

The area was well-loved by many artists, and it is only a short drive to discover the Dali museum in Figueres, the modern art museum at Céret, and the picturesque harbour towns of Collioure and Cadaques.

Lovers of medieval history will find plenty to explore in places such as Thuir, Perpignan, Elne and Villefranche de Conflent.

The glories of the Pyrenees are best seen by taking the “Petit Train Jaune” from Villefranche up to the highest fortified town in France, Mont Louis.

Click here to read about what one family managed to see during one week's stay at the house.