The roof terrace and garden are ideal for eating out or sunbathing. A little alleyway leads to the river, boules (petanque) area, and a rustic children's playground, or within 5 minutes’ walk is a series of natural swimming pools and waterfalls, where the valley narrows into a dramatic gorge. Great walking into the hills or cycling from the village, surrounded by orchards and vineyards. Finestret
lies between Vinça, with its swimming lake and beach, and Prades, home to the renowned Pablo Casals music festival. You can reach the Mediterranean within 45 minutes, or the Côte Vermeille towns and beaches – such as historic Collioure or Le Racou – and the Costa Brava in an hour. Alternatively, head inland for the mountain ski resorts around Font Romeu, by road or the Petit Train Jaune, the little train which winds its way from Villefranche up into the Pyrenees. The village is in the sunniest region of France (Languedoc-Roussillon boasts 300 days of sunshine per year), and there is generally snow on Mont Canigou and the Pyrenees from winter through to Easter. There are village events (often a Catalan Ball) during the year. Finestret itself is visited by a baker on six days per week - listen for the hoot of the van! Low cost flights are available via Girona (just over the Spanish border), Perpignan, Carcassonne, Beziers, Montpellier and others, and there are good road and rail links.
