Between the Med & the Mountains
Casteil is a picturesque Catalan village, situated at the foot of Mount Canigo, just 5 minutes from the famous, historic Spa Town of Vernet les Bains and less than 1 hour from the cosmopolitan city of Perpignan - the home of both a Rugby Union and Ruby League team - USAP and the Catalan Dragons.
As well as enjoying both the Med and the Mountains you can also discover the regions rich history, art, architecture and culture . A visit to the nearby Abbaye Saint Martin du Canigou is well worth the effort as you are rewarded with the most incredible views.
Less than 1 hour from the Mediterranean beaches and the Pyrenean ski resorts (open in the summer for a wide range of mountain activities including hiking, cycling, karting, parapenting...) this is the perfect base for those looking for a sporting, relaxing or cultural holiday.
Just 15 minutes from the Hotel Mirabelle is the vibrant, historic town of Prades, with its lively market every Tuesday and Saturday mornings. Prades was the home of the renowned, exiled spanish musician Pablo Casals and the town hosts the world famous Pablo Casals music festival every summer.
Also nearby is the beautiful fortified town of Villefranche de Conflent - home to an array of individual shops, restaurants and artists. From here you can visit the breathtaking caves, the imposing Chateau Fort Liberia and take a trip on the "Little Yellow Train" - an unforgettable journey through the majestic pyrenean mountains, Art lovers will not be disappointed, with many of the truly great artists having lived in the region. Monet, Manet, Modigliani, Matisse, Dali, Maillol, to name just a few. A visit to the Modern Art Museum at Céret is a must, as is a trip to the Dali Museum in Figueras, Spain.
No holiday to the region would be complete with out a trip to the bustling cosmopolitan town of Perpignan,, described by Salvador Dali as the "Centre of the World"! Every Thursday evening throughout the summer season Perpignan takes on a carnival like quality with free live music and entertainment throughout the city.
A trip to the coast wouldn't be complete without a day at the unbelievably picturesque old fishing town of Collioure - once again home to so many famous artists.
After a long day of exploring why not relax in one of the regions near by natural hot thermal baths : Vernet-les-Bains (once home to Rudyard Kippling), St Thomas les Bains and Molitg-les-Bains.
