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La pantoufle verte

La pantoufle verte (The Green Slipper after the comfort and verdant qualities of the surrounding countryside) is situated in the foothills of the Pyrenees in an area known as the Aspres, on the edge of the village of Montauriol near Perpignan. There are no close neighbours and you are assured of having a peaceful stay. Tranquility is the name of the game here.

Within a conveniently compact part of France you have access to the clean, unspoiled Mediterranean beaches (often delightfully empty out of the high season of August); the Pyrenean mountains and the delightful foothills; historic sites reflecting the main Roman route to Spain (Via Dolmitia), the centuries of border conflict, and the Cathar rebellion; many recreational activities; and both French and Catalan culture and cuisine.

Accommodation
There are three B&B rooms; two doubles and one twin - one double has an en-suite shower room, and the other two form a family suite sharing a large shower room. All the rooms are on the ground floor and have 'French windows' giving private, lockable access, so you don't need to feel that you are disturbing anyone if you come in late.

There is a free-form, solar-heated swimming pool, summer kitchen for outdoor dining, poolside furniture (towels provided) and a Jacuzzi with 360 degree panoramic views across the Plain of the Roussillon, north-east towards Perpignan and up towards the Massif du Canigou, standing at 2784 metres above sea-level. Truly breathtaking.

The cost is €76 per night for a double room; discounts are available for 3 or more consecutive nights. See our website for children's rates, and details of evening meals.

Breakfast is included in the price and will set you up for the day - much more than a croissant and a cup of coffee! Dinner is by request - and many guests choose this option because of the setting and a 'drive-free evening'. Meals are by the pool, when the weather permits or in the main house at a large oak refectory table.

We are experienced B&B proprietors, having run a 5-room establishment in England for the 17 years, and La pantoufle verte for a further 9 years.

The Area
The hills are laced with tracks for walking, cycling, riding, jogging, picnicking etc and are accessible to all, whatever your mode of transport.
The high mountains where you can down-hill ski, cross-country ski, skate, toboggan, go on a Husky-sled trip and in summer partake in just as many activities, such as guided walks, mountain-biking, quad hire, with or without a guide etc, are a 90 minute drive away. Easily manageable to take a day trip and be back in time for a swim in the summer or a Jacuzzi in the winter, before having supper.

The spectacular beaches of the Mediterranean are a 35 minute drive. There are the long, clean, gently-shelving, golden beaches of Canet Plage, St Cyprien and Argeles-sur-mer, with marinas of beautiful cruisers where you can sail, wind-surf, water-ski, scuba-dive, take bay-cruises etc. To the south, a little further, are enchanting coves where the 'toes' of the Pyrenees stretch down into the blue waters of the sea and create pretty, natural bays, used by fishermen for centuries. Here you will find Collioure with its lighthouse, fort, markets and atmospheric waters-edge cafés, Port Vendres, a larger port where passenger ships dock and Banyuls-sur-mer, famous for its name-sake aperitif, honey-golden, fortified wine.

Places to visit

Perpignan offers both a bustling modern city and an ancient quarter with traditional markets and historic sites such as the palace of the kings of Mallorca.

On the coast are the beach resorts with lively marinas, cafes and restaurants, and the vineyard-encircled Collioure, an enchanting fortified fishing village and former royal summer palace that continues to attract artists with the quality of the light and picturesque views.

Further afield are the fascinating Cathar castles of Queribus, Peyreperteuse and Pullarens and the perilously perched Abbey de Saint Martin.

The Little Yellow Train offers a unique excursion into the mountains to the west.

Spain is a mere 35 minute drive and is easily manageable as either a day or half-day trip. There are, of course, many sights to enjoy; the Salvador Dali museum, the town of Figueres and the city of Girona, to name but three.