Imagine Roussillon
Canet en Roussillon, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
With the Pyrenees in one direction, the Med in the other, and 5 apartments for 2-4 plus a villa for 2-8 in child-friendly grounds, this is heaven for young families. Not only is the accommodation spotless and brilliantly equipped, but the gardens are enclosed and delightful: trampolines, a sand pit, a zip wire, a games barn, 2 heated pools and a free drop-in kids’ club that littl’uns adore. Initially set up by a British couple, it passed in 2022 to a delightful French family, Guillaume and Elodie, who live on site with their 3 (pre-)teenage children. You'll meet them around the pool; or at their sociable thrice-weekly dinners; or in the free fitness classes which Guillaume offers. He used to be a gendarme, but his approach to sport is, we're told, reassuringly relaxed.
This part-catered micro-resort is truly a place to relax and recharge. Breakfast is served every day; there are heavenly hot-stone massages; and, because it’s so small and so relaxed, you and your kids will have friends on tap. During school holidays those thrice-weekly dinners (paella, pizza or BBQ) are included in the rates; for the rest, each apartment has a well-equipped kitchen. Close by are safe sandy beaches - Canet Plage is an 8-minute drive - and there is beach kit to borrow. Picturesque Collioure and castellated Carcassonne are an easy drive, the Pyrenees mountains too, and Girona is not far over the border. And did we mention: 300 days of sunshine per year?
This part-catered micro-resort is truly a place to relax and recharge. Breakfast is served every day; there are heavenly hot-stone massages; and, because it’s so small and so relaxed, you and your kids will have friends on tap. During school holidays those thrice-weekly dinners (paella, pizza or BBQ) are included in the rates; for the rest, each apartment has a well-equipped kitchen. Close by are safe sandy beaches - Canet Plage is an 8-minute drive - and there is beach kit to borrow. Picturesque Collioure and castellated Carcassonne are an easy drive, the Pyrenees mountains too, and Girona is not far over the border. And did we mention: 300 days of sunshine per year?
Highs
- Combines every advantage of a family-friendly resort with an intimate, small-scale feel
- The opportunity for 'you' time, with free fitness classes, kids club and massages on offer
- A superb location: 20 minutes from Perpignan airport, 8 minutes from beaches
- The grounds are peaceful, charming and (being gated) very safe
Lows
- Prices rise significantly in the summer due to high demand (but they also include a few meals)
- The accommodation, though fresh, cheerful and excellently equipped, is not for stylistas
- You'll need a car for day trips and to reach restaurants
- Note the 4-night minimum stay
Best time to go
The private gardens and the close-by beaches make it perfect in spring, summer and autumn. It's normally open from April to December, but bear in mind if coming in November-December that the pool is not heated during those months, so will be very chilly; the apartments have electric heaters and reverse-cycle A/C. For school holidays, including May half-term, you'll need to book well ahead.
Our top tips
Get your groceries in Perpignan, head of French Catalonia. Its food market (open Mon-Sat till 1.30pm) occupies the Place de la République; on Sundays the market goes ‘bio’. Parents take note - all shops shut on Sundays at 12.30!