Sunday 31 May 2015

Lights in Perpignan

 Hello!


 I returned from Canet to see that Perpignan had undergone a transformation. It had become well and truly Christmas-fied!

 The castle and bridge were lit, icicle-lights dripped from the trees, snowflakes flashed beguilingly in Plane Tree Park, the big white tree by the river glowed silver and the Christmas Market huts pulsed with different wintry colours. It was amazing to step off a bus into a real winter wonderland.



























 I bought some roasted chestnuts from the little train.





 The bus took me back to Cabestany where again, I drank in the sight of the village's own mysterious, beckoning lights.



 It was a surprising and wonderful night and I would recommend Perpignan at Christmas to anybody.

 Thanks for reading,

 Liz x

Saturday 30 May 2015

Canet-en-Roussillon

 Salut!


 I had heard a lot about Perpignan's seaside neighbour, Canet, and as it was on the bus route I was keen to visit. I had viewed an apartment in Canet back in September but hadn't seen the town or sea. So one Monday in November I hopped on a bus to explore.

 I wasn't sure what stop to get off from to get to the beach - if I had only stayed on until we reached "Canet Plage!" - but I jumped off too soon and ended up at the marina.

 It was very pretty in its own way; the light was nice and the reflections in the water were lovely.











 I escaped from the marina where I had become somewhat trapped and wandered along the bus route in the hope that I would reach the beach. I encountered a sumptuous and unexpected view of the Canigou, dusted with snow.




 There is a lot of public art in Canet - in fact, I've noticed that there seems to be a lot generally around the Pyrénées-Orientales department, which I think is a good thing.




Poor person on their head!













Wavy streetlights



 I finally arrived at the beach where I was greeted by the beautiful Girl of the Sun and Sea, frozen in eternal dance. She really is the perfect welcome to the Canet seafront.









 It was bitterly cold but I was happy to see the sea. I have always been drawn to water and the sea especially.























 I hopped back onto a bus and left chilly Canet for hopefully-warmer Perpignan. I feel it was a good day's work - I discovered a new place that I really like, took some photos and learnt that the bus does stop at the beach!

 It was the first of many, many trips to Canet. I saw it in all seasons but that wintry first afternoon will always have a special place in my memories.

 Thanks for reading,

 Liz x