Visitor's Book - Unedited



December 2011 -January 2012 - A really lovely apartment, great location and stunning views.


Have been coming to PV for the last 6 years and it never disappoints.


Great weather, food and wine.



Had a great time, fantastic location and apartment. Would love to come back, only for longer next time.




September 2011 – Thanks very much Penny & Frank.


Our time here has been a once in a lifetime opportunity and a great experience.


Your apartment is very comfortable and relaxing. It's a great spot for window gazing and setting out on foot. The weather has been magical too.


We especially loved the walk through the vineyards past Fort St Elme and the Moulin de Collioure. The clear Med seaz was also fabulous and so warm!


Our forays to Prats de Mollo, our Yellow Train journey & Carcassonne have given us a good feel for the countryside & French villages.


We didn't eat out a lot as your kitchen is great and the supermarkets offer a good variety. Tasting the local wines has been fun too.


Thank you both again.



September 2011 – Your apartment is in a great location; had a fantastic holiday with our friends.


We would certainly recommend your spacious apartment to our friends and family.




August 2011 – Thrilled with apartment, spacious and met all our needs!


Inspired my dad to even greater artistic heights; he loved the views and he hopes you like the oil painting to remind you of England.


Great local restaurants for eating out, and brilliant traiteur (at top of ramp) for eating in!


A visit to the fish market is a must!


Many thanks.





August 2011 – We have had a lovely, relaxing week at your apartment.


Wonderful location and great views. Air conditioning really appreciated by our three young girls after long, hot days at the beach.


La Fringale great for moules and also very good spag bol for children!


La Tramontane also excellent and its location next to the merry-go-round meant it was also a hit with our girls!


Fab holiday all round.


Thank you.



August 2011 – We have just spent a lovely relaxing week in Port-Vendres.


The apartment is perfect, we especially loved the air-conditioning.


As we didn't have a car we made use of the brilliant €1 bus service. We went to Collioure on market day – pretty town but very busy. We loved Banyuls sur mer and spent time on the beach there. Our favourite beach was at Paulilles; there was something lovely about that whole area.


Super U was great, had everything that we needed – including fresh milk!


Overall a really lovely holiday; thank you.



July-August 2011 - Thank you for an excellent time.

The flat was terrific and easily accommodated six of us. The sun has shone and the sky has been very blue so we have had a particularly good time.

Recommendations - we have eaten well at Le Chalut, L'Archipel and La Tramontane. It was well worth the walk to Collioure to the bar and restaurant Les Templiers. And yes, of course, the bakery below served us very well, too!

The area has been great to explore - the coves and coastlines in both directions have been good for walking and swimming. The beach at Port Argelès, the fort at Prats de Mollo was well worth a visit into the mountains..... but much of the time the local atmosphere of Port-Vendres provided a splendid relaxing holiday.



July 2011 – Am I really the first person honored to make an entry in this (new) visitors' book!


I woke up this morning around 6.15am to see the most beautiful pink & purple sunrise over the water on this, the last morning of our stay here. A perfect ending to a perfect week, in a fabulous apartment.


Some of our highlights were:-


Thank you, Frank & Penny (and Oscar) for all your kindness & attention to detail, making this apartment not only worth its cost, but worth the cost of another plane ticket from the USA again someday.


We leave a little piece of our hearts in your apartment & town, our sad yet happy tears mingling with the crisp salty air and sea.


Merçi beaucoup pour tous, et à bientôt!


Port-Vendres – je t'aime!






July 2011 – As we live with the shore, sea and beach, this was one great holiday destination.


The apartment was a great home for us with a bedroom and shower for the children – they felt spoiled!


We visited the local beaches; Paulilles, Banyuls, Racou and Argèles Plage. We recommend the 1€ bus service; it takes you easily to Collioure without parking problems for the car.


The parents would love to stay, but the children prefer the next week campsite holiday for playing soccer, table tennis and swimming pool fun.


I am afraid we're going to miss your lovely apartment and the nice shops and harbour life.


When we're older and without children we come back to Port-Vendres!


June - July 2011 - We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this fabulous apartment.

We are now good friends with the proprietors of "le Boulangerie" below, the Proxi mini market, and the fruit & legumes ladies.

Our "sorties" included Elne, Carcassonne, Perpignan (the women left most of our meagre fortunes in the cash registers), Cadaques, Céret, Andorra.

The weather has been perfect.

We have enjoyed watching the comings and goings in the harbour, and the people "promenading" - altogether a fabulous time in Port-Vendres.

Thank you




June 2011 – We have had a wonderful time here in Port-Vendres in your lovely apartment. We loved coming “home” every afternoon after our excursions to Collioure, the plages, etc. We especially liked the small plage de Port-Vendres close to Alfred Nobel's factory.


Don't miss the fish market. Just walk behind the big houses. There you will find a fantastic fish and seafood market with EVERYTHING. And you can have a few oysters there before you walk “home” again.


Don't forget to take a walk in the harbour early morning to see the town wake up, the fishing boats arrive and the fishmongers start to sell their fish in the corner of the harbour just outside.


We hope everyone arriving here will feel as welcome as we did when we found the Welcome basket on the table.





May-June 2011 – Took a day to drive down the coast to Spain & then across to Figueres and back by the AP7 (Motorway A7). Turned off at Llança & stopped in Puerto de la Selva – just for coffee. But Selva turned out to have the best approach to small-scale tourism and stayed 2 hours & thought of stopping all day.


A lot of money has been spent in the last 2-3 years – new waterfront walks & pontoons. Yacht Club restaurant open to the public. Access to coves & viewpoints along new paths. Free parking & virtually deserted on a Tuesday morning.


Contrast to Cadaques – car park almost full. Do climb up to the church and have 1€ ready to illuminate the altarpiece. Narrow streets from here down to the cove. Popular boat trips but a busy place.


Brilliant sunshine but as we drove inland thunder and lightning curtailed our visit to Figueres. Extensive roadworks on AP7 out of Figueres – narrow lanes.


Day trip to Perpignan on 1€ bus – very good value. Get off at the supermarket & visit the Royal Palace (Palais des Rois de Majorque) – city bikes for hire also 1€.


Céret – a lovely town.


Great holiday despite poor weather.


Apartment ideal for us.


May 2011 - Thank you for looking after our every need for a fantastic holiday. Getting picked up from the airport was a great help and eased us into full holiday mode.


All the recommendations in this book are quite helpful.


Our train trip to Carcassonne will be memorable!


The facilities in the apartment make this feel like home from home with extra sunshine thrown in.


We've enjoyed absolutely everything and plates were cleared at every meal whether eating out or in.


Our only thought for future improvement would be to make the terrace more usable. It would be lovely to sit out and soak up the sunshine.


But we made the most of everything in Port-Vendres and hope to return one day!


PS enjoyed reading about CRM's time here – thanks for the info.



May 2011 - Our first visit to Port-Vendres; a beautiful relaxing time was had by all, the flat was well appointed and an excellent base for seeing the local area.


The upstairs at the Cote Vermeille is the best place for a superb lunch and excellent value – give it a try!




March 2011 - Only a brief visit and despite not seeing the best of things due to incessant rain, we both saw more than enough to warrant a return.


The flat had all one could wish for - spacious, airy, light and equipped to a very good standard.


Frank & Penny can be proud of themselves.



January & February 2011 - A superb apartment in the perfect location. Thank you Frank & Penny for making it available to us for such a long period.

On a practical level everything works as advertised. It took a little while to work out the TV channels but all was fine. A tip if you are working on your French - you can bring up French subtitles for many programs - press "i", select "langue" and then use the yellow button to highlight either "français" or "malentendant".

The little "Proxi" supermarket next to the Office de Tourisme is wonderful and very friendly. We used it a lot especially if you need the odd litre of milk or piece of cheese. Otherwise the Super U met all our needs together with the local markets. There's one somewhere almost every day of the week - Céret gets our top vote.

A la prochaine!



December 2010 - [French guests - translation by the owners!]


Vous avez un superbe appartement dans lequel nous nous sentrons comme chez nous. Il est spacieux, chaleureuse, décoré avec beaucoup de goût. Il est functionnel, nous avons tout sous la main. Chaque ustensile est à sa place. (You have a superb apartment in which we felt at home. It is spacious, warm and decorated with plenty of taste. It is functional - everything is right to hand. Every utensil is in its place.)


Toutefois, quelques petits soucis effectivement au niveau écoulement de la douche, volets roulants un peu "coinçants" - il nous a manqué des volets dans les deux chambres de fond. Le jour et la lumière nous obligent à nous lever tôt (surtout notre petit garçon). (However, some niggles with the draining of the shower, electric window shutters rather "jammy" - and we missed having shutters on the rear bedroom windows. The daylight made us get up early - especially our little boy.) [Owner's note - the Guide for Guests explains all these points, but is in English!]


L'intérieur des tiroirs de chambre ne sont pas très propre et le sol était plein de poils de chien. Heureusement,nous avions l'aspirateur. (The insides of the bedroom chest of drawers were not clean and there were dog hairs on the floor. Happily there is a vacuum cleaner.)


Attention, parfois, l'eau de rinçage du lave-vaisselle ne s'écoule pas bien (çela dépend du programme). Le chauffage n'en fait qu'a sa tête - il est dur à controller, peut-être n'avons pas bien compris. ( Careful - sometimes the dishwasher doesn't empty fully - that depends on the programme. The heating does what it wants - it is hard to control, perhaps we didn't understand it.)[Owner's note - the Guide for Guests explains all these points, but is in English!]


Nos parents sont ravis et nous vous remercions chaleureusement de votre gentillesse et de votre petit panier d'accueil. (Our parents were delighted and we warmly thank you for your kindness and for the welcome pack.)


Peut-être à bientôt. (Perhaps we will return soon.)


We have spent a nice holiday.




October/November 2010 - It was great to be back in Port-Vendres again; the flat was just as lovely as ever and we had a really relaxing two weeks. The sun shone most days and the little terrace at the back seemed to be sheltered from every direction of wind.


Spent a really nice day in Girona, only about one and a half hours away. It is a lovely Spanish city and not too big to walk around.


The old beach at Paulilles looked a bit rough; however the one at the dynamite factory was well maintained and much nicer at this time of year, though the sea is on the cold side for swimming.


A really great holiday. Hope to be back soon.



September/October 2010 - We have very much enjoyed our stay in Port-Vendres and especially our base here on the 2nd floor.


From your very informative home page we got the impression that your apartment would be perfect for us and we were not disappointed.


We have enjoyed visits from three other couples of friends and family; have walked the mountains, swum the blue ocean - before it turned grey and wild - played golf, been shopping several times in Perpignan (very nice city centre) and have been forced by heavy rain to stay indoors and read.


The "Guide for Guests" is very informative too, and of great help - especially when the apartment went dark.


The Internet works just perfectly!



September 2010 - After a very long light from NZ, we were thrilled to find that our apartment was everything we could have wished for - and more!


Absolutely ideal for two couples - splendid separate accommodation and space.


Being met at Perpignan airport by Frank and transported to Port-Vendres was a special touch and much appreciated.


In the two weeks spent here, we have covered a huge amount of ground - highlights included a guided bus tour to Barcelona - booked at the local Information office (6.30am pick-up at Port-Vendres and return 7.15pm); a hair-raising trip in our rental car around to Cap Béar followed by the coastal route to Cerbère.


A launch trip to Collioure (visit their village market) and a return trip a day or so later on the Petit Yellow Train around the coast and back through the vineyards with fabulous elevated views over Collioure.


Best seafood was from Criée auxPoissons at the entrance to the Port-Vendres harbour which we brought back to the extremely well-equipped kitchen to prepare and cook.


Many thanks, Frank and Penny for the excellent standard you have achieved. As former hoteliers, we appreciated that enormously.



September 2010 - An excellent apartment. Well situated, spacious and with a wealth of personal and practical touches.

We have spent many holidays in the south of France and have never stayed anywhere comparable.

We quickly fell into a daily ritual of huitres et crevettes roses at the fish market (Past Côte Vermeille restaurant, ignore "acces interdit" and press on as with the French. Go inside for oysters - Bouzique are best. Enjoy - we did) with a glass or two and enjoyed cooking huge dorades and a giant sea bass chez nous, with that fabulous view to look out on.

Avoid Côte Vermeille restaurant, which is overpriced and possesses the surliest waiters we have encountered anywhere.

The other restaurants are perfectly adequate, but better when serving simple dishes.

This area is awash with very good wine. There is a friendly cave (Claire Mayol) a few yards from the apartment (red better than white) and an excellent wine shop called Cave de Roussillon by the old harbour. Undoubtedly the finest wine is made by Coume del Mas - the winery is a few miles towards Banyuls and Andy, an Englishman, will be delighted to show you round.


September 2010 - Exceptional accommodation and location.

Thoroughly enjoyed. Do walk around the area.


Use the kitchen after a trip to the fish market!

Many thanks to Frank & Penny


August-September 2010 - Great apartment, lovely location. Weather very good.


The Petit Train to Colioure good value, but far better views on return journey through the vineyards.


Anyone wanting to take the Train Jaune (Yellow Train) from Villefranche de Conflent we suggest getting there early. The village itself is well worth a look as it is officially one of France's best.


In our experience the best fish on offer was at Les Poissoneries de la Côte Catalane - out of apartment, turn left and follow the quayside all the way round as far as you can go - situated in Zone de Carénage la Criée. Also has a great seafood counter for lunch.


Unlike the previous comments we found the Tramontane restaurant excellent with food and service. Maybe it helps to speak some French or maybe they had an off-day.


The dynamite factory on the Banyuls sur Mer road also well worth a visit - also excellent beach.


August 2010 - A superbly located and well thought-out apartment. The owners Frank and Penny are most helpful and friendly. Appreciated the free WiFi and telephone, the utility room and a well equipped kitchen which, unlike most self-catering places, is a joy to cook in.


We travelled up from Barcelona by train. This is a bit of a bore but we are told will be replaced by a high speed service in the near future. We had a public transport holiday which largely worked, although I would prefer to use a car next time to visit the mountains.


Things we loved about Port-Vendres and the surrounding area:-


Things we didn't like so much:-


All in all, we enjoyed our time here very much and highly recommend Port-Vendres and this apartment.




July 2010 - We spent the greatest two weeks of this year here in Port-Vendres!


We did a lot of nice trips around here, even to Spain (Cadaques, Figueras, Barcelona).


The weather within this two weeks was always great, it rained only on one day and we were thankful about that.


The little bay located between Port-Vendres and Collioure is a lovely place on hot days, there is a lot of wind and waves; the best place to refresh on these hot days.


Our boys even enjoyed it at night. At least, best of all... this flat here! We all love it! Equipped with everything you need. Especially thanks for the air-conditioning in the night!


We enjoyed eating fish and pizza at the pescadeur (Owner's note - Le Pescatore?) very often, we can't count it.


Thanks for everything! Looking forward to our next time here in Port-Vendres. Maybe 2011 or 2012?!?

(Owner's note - a family of four from Germany)



July 2010 - A very enjoyable visit. The apartment is very well stocked and thoughtfully designed.


We were all particularly grateful for the air conditioning!


We had lovely meals at the Tramontane (as usual) and inside at the Copacabana on the front in Collioure to which we enjoyed the boat trip.


All in all a very "Bon Vacances".



July 2010 - Spent a very pleasant week here in Port-Vendres and found the flat to be light, spacious and most importantly cool!!! Indeed far better than our initial reaction may have been upon sight of the entrance and staircase!!


Appreciated the little touches like dishwasher tablets and free phone and it is clear that Frank and Penny have added a personal touch to the accommodation.


Loved the beaches at Paulilles and our personal favourite Le Racou, together with some fond memories of Collioure where we had a wonderful time - just wandering around the harbour and eating in the restaurants (30 minutes walk - including our 3 year old walking).


Enjoyed the wonderful architecture in Perpignan and overall found the location fantastic as a base for short trips in the car to surrounding area.


Found La Tramontane very good and "Menu du Jour" good value yet Le Pescatore disappointed - overall best restaurant for mussels and warmth of service was La Fringale at end of quai.


Thanks


June/July 2010 - Port-Vendres - what can one say! Perhaps a poor relation to its neighbour Collioure? Collioure is certainly prettier but as a result is a lot busier and we found more expensive.


We found Port-Vendres a good place to stay; quieter and friendly. Did I say quieter? Whilst we were here there was a music festival (the Fête de Pêcheurs), the entire road along the quay was resurfaced and one morning, at 6am, a shooting of a young man on the quay!


Seriously though, we had a great time in this lovely apartment where everything we needed was provided.


Recommended restaurants

- La Tramontane, which our predecessors seem to agree on.

- Le Pescatore - ate there twice, but not as good, we think.

- vineyard "les Clos de Paulilles" (on way to Banyuls) - ferme auberge type food, but good, and came with one of their wines with each course. Caught the bus there and a taxi back.


Beaches

- we went to the beach at Site de Paulilles which suited us very well. Free parking, walk through the nature reserve. WARNING - don't go on Sunday as the car park was full - lots of locals must use it at weekends.


Visits

- Figueres (Spain) to Salvador Dali museum. Well worth it.

- Céret (France) - pretty placeand Museum of Modern Art.




June 2010 - Lovely apartment, well equipped and clean. Ideal location for shops and restaurants.


We would recommend Chez Pujol - excellent food and friendly, but professional, staff. The Tramontane was closed for most of the time we were here, but we had one meal there, the night we arrived, which was good.


We loved popping down to the bakery below every morning for our croissants.


The Côte Vermeille is over-priced and pretentious - the view was of the dockyard and there were cars parked outside!


Collioure is lovely - we walked the way that the "Petit Train" goes which took us nearly two hours! There is a quicker route, allegedly!


Lovely beach at Paulilles - would highly recommend this. It's situated within a managed nature reserve, on the site of the Nobel Dynamite factory. It's a very clean and well-managed site. Next best beach would be Le Racou. Both of these beaches are within 15 minutes drive from the apartment, but in different directions.




November 2009 - A wonderful holiday. The flat was all we could ask for, and the weather, apart from a few days of the wild wind, mild and pleasant. We even managed to swim on a couple of days.


The coastal trip to Cadaques was lovely, the roads at this time of year very quiet. Lunch at Casa Nun very good - very friendly folk.


The old dynamite factory at Paulilles is worth a visit; there is also a very nice walk along the coast, much easier than Cap Béar.


Collioure is much closer than I thought by foot, however if you go there do not eat at Le Puits. We had one of the worst meals ever. Côté Patio, rue Doct Coste, used to be good but it was closed for the holidays.


As Glaswegians we loved the idea that one of our heroes, Charles Rennie MacKintosh, spent his last days just along the road.


It has been a really relaxing two weeks.


Thanks a lot Penny & Frank.


November 2009 - Nice apartment, well furnished, lovely location and wonderful weather... that's the perfect recipe for a friendly weekend in Catalunya.


We enjoyed these four days - climbing the coast footpath, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea (twice!) and discovering the beautiful countryside.


A nice place to recommend to friends!

(Owner's note - three couples from France)


October 2009 - The previous remarks leave nothing to be said!


If obliged to make any reservation we would be bound to sound a warning with respect to the quality of some of the available pizza, but seasoned travellers will find this unnecessary - a quibble!


This was a superb holiday experience for which we shall be forever grateful to the Parkinsons. Au revoir!

(Owner's note - two couples from France and Canada)




September 2009 - With the throw in there was a dash to enjoyment. The scrum led to a pass to climb the many Pyrénées peaks - fortunately no tackles on the uphill climbs to fantastic vistas. No penalty kicks following nighttime drinking & feasting on the harbour views; although there were numerous tries in claiming the best times ever in Southern France.


We both agreed that the visit provided a winning drop goal for much-needed rest.


September 2009 - Perfect weather, perfect location, perfect accommodation! Our guests (Owner's note: the couple renting had two sets of guests to join them at various times during their two week stay.) were very pleased.


Great walks on either side of the harbour or up the hill. Good marché on Saturday, fish sold off the boat aacross the street, 3 lovely dinners at La Tramontane (and one very bad one at L'Archipel).


Our hiker guests dragged us up to Tour Madeloc.


Oh - Andorra, yes - or rather, no!! Our shopping guest says it's not worth the trip. Steep (and beautiful) climbs on the French side but relatively flat on the Spanish side. Nothing of interest other than the stores and, I suppose, skiing in the winter.


The flea market at Marseillan Plage, the beach at Cap d'Agde, lunch at Capestang on the Canal du Midi, Carcassonne, Limoux, the Gorge and Queribus - then home for dinner. A visit to Thuir and the small but beautifully situated Castelnou on our way to a long languid lunch at the Parkinson's. Several trips to Amelie les Bains (large marché) with stops in Céret and Le Boulou.


We did the drive along the length of the Costa Brava on our way to the Barcelona airport. Beautiful drive along the coast road but "touristy" from Tossa south. From previous visits we recommend a picnic at Empuries.


Thanks for a lovely time Frank & Penny - we hope to see you one day in Washington!


September 2009 - Glad to have trodden in Charles Rennie MacKintosh's footsteps, both in staying in such an inspiring place and walking the paths from which he painted (Tourist Office will book guided walks).


Fantastic weather, glorious location, outrageously seductive accommodation - so we really enjoyed ourselves and wished we had come for longer.


If you want to cook visit the fish market at the entrance to the port - eye-wateringly expensive but magnificent fish.


More economical is the relatively new Carrefour just off the by-pass in Argelès which seemed to us the best supermarket by some way. Liked the wine shop opposite the top car park. Good wine from Rouissillon and at reasonable prices.


Didn't really eat out other than at the Tramontane - basic but good value. Previous visits suggest the Côte Vermeille is the best restaurant in the town but we also ate well in the Llagut (hotel at end of bay) in Banyuls. Still these are all rather marginal in the light of the superb setting and delightful weather.



August 2009 - The position and facilities of this apartment would I think be hard to beat! Great to have such a store of bath and beach towels.


La Tramontane restaurant definitely offers "best value" within Port-Vendres.


Collioure great for early morning swims and early breakfast - a nightmare any other time due to crowds and parking difficulties.


Best beaches to be found north of St Cyprien - crowds and traffic die down considerably.


August 2009 - Another great week in Port-Vendres and the surrounding area. Whether it was luck or not (depending on how you like it!) the weather was superb, with clear blue skies and temperatures ranging from 30° to 36° during our stay.


We chose to drive down to Spain for a day, to visit L'Escala and La Bisbal d'Emporda, the former for the beaches and ice cream, the latter for ceramics - leaving with well-stocked cars full of pots and plates. One word of warning, the traffic can build up on the closest junction on the A9 as you pay 60 cents to join the motorway heading to Spain; if you're lucky the drive can take an hour, if you're unlucky, like we were, it took 2 hours!


Common thoughts on the restaurants and beaches - we found the first beach past the port in Argelès sur Mer to be the best.


Many thanks once again!



August 2009 - We've had a great time in Port-Vendres! The apartment was exactly what we were expecting, with a big dining room that was the best for our children to play with their toys!


We've visited so many places and we've been to the beaches in Argelès sur Mer; great for the children! (Despite the wind, but we'd find every place round here windy!)


La Tramontane was great, went there twice! Good menu for children and great fish.

Le Pescatore; great pizza you can take away.


Thank you for everything, we've really felt like home these days!


Moltes Gràcies!


July 2009 - Ditto all of the above, we especially enjoyed watching the locals folk dancing display.


A truly memorable week.


The buses were great value for money, always on time with friendly drivers; much easier than looking for a parking space.



July 2009 - We had a great week in beautiful Port-Vendres.


The location of the apartment is excellent and everything we needed was supplied. The attention to detail added greatly to our comfort and enjoyment!


All you recommendations were excellent.




July 2009 - Thanks to Penny & Frank's wonderful apartment, we have all had a glorious 2 week's holiday.


Whilst our primary aim was to play competitive golf between ourselves ie "The Last of the GB Summer Wine Tour", the location, aspect, quality and facilities of the apartment far exceeded our expectations.


The area is vibrant, colourful, busy and the scenery very photogenic.


We found the locals very friendly and understanding towards four seniors whose knowledge of French left a lot to be desired.


One to be remembered and recommended.


July 2009 - We have had a great stay in this most comfortable and well-appointed apartment. The "Welcome Pack" was most welcome, especially those lovely biscuits.


We agree that "La Tramontane" is a great restaurant, and as I write this (Friday 3rd) am eagerly waiting to see what "Le Pescatore" has to offer tonight.


We were pleased we noticed a comment from a previous guest regarding the bus to Perpignan for only €1 each way. This was a good day out although there was a thunderstorm in the afternoon. Luckily we managed to get our lunch over before the heavens opened.


Went to Collioure a couple of times - once by foot - then by bus (€1 again) - far too hot to walk (36°.


Loved the area - we will be back!


June 2009 - Lovely week, great apartment.


Our top tips:-

1. Bus to Perpignan (0900) takes 1 hour and costs €1, goes through pretty villages

2. Traiteur here does excellent meat and good salads, etc

3. Rosé from wine shop up the hill very good

4. The French sales started this week so highly recommend tip 1!!!!


Don't do's: Ernest pizzas unless you like tasteless food


Don't miss: the artisanal ice-cream at end of quai (towards obelisk square) - actually that's perhaps a don't do as once you've tasted it you'll be back for more & more & m......


Peter's top tip: sitting in the bar downstairs with a beer while surfing the Internet using the Wifi in the flat.


June 2009 - Exceedingly light, airy comfortable apartment. Beautifully appointed and we couldn't ask for anything more. Great views and position and Frank and Penny go the extra mile including a welcome pack and fresh flowers on arrival. Tried most of the restaurants - La Tramontane wins for friendliness and quality. Had a lovely meal at L'Archipel although the surroundings reminded us a little bit of hotels in Bournemouth in the 1960's!!
Thanks again and all the best, Bob and Maggie

May 2009 - Dear Frank and Penny, thanks so much for our stay at your wonderful apartment. It had everything we could have wished for!!


Thank you also for the fresh flowers and gift basket.


I will certainly recommend your place to my friends in the USA.


April 2009 – We really appreciated the fresh flowers on our arrival (after a long day's travel via Stansted) and the extensive welcome pack.


December 26th 2008 to January 3rd 2009 – Thank you so much Frank and Penny for providing for us so well. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay and our friends have admired, with some envy, your well-appointed apartment.


Everything has been splendid, although we did find the dishwasher a little 'hit and miss'!


Thanks again. What a wonderful way to see in the New Year!


October 2008 -Thanks so much, Penny and Frank. You really have a wonderful setup at your apartment in

Port-Vendres.


The town is also very quaint. Found a sport area near the primary school where we could kick the ball with our almost 5 year old, Nathan, a few times. A good way to meet a few local kids and parents too.


Thoroughly enjoyed the environs which French Catalonia offers – Collioure, market in Céret (Saturday morning), beach at St Cyprien Plage ( although must say we're very spoilt with the Ozzie beaches). Nathan asked why it's so rocky. A trip to Figueres to see the fantastic Dali museum. A day exploring some great wineries. A stroll through Elne – although haven't quite got the hang of “siesta” time when all closes.


Anyway, thanks for the week here and the lovely basket of goodies. We hope to be back one day for another visit!


September 2008 – Like all the other writers – we too found the apartment, views, location, restaurants and general ambience of the area very appealing.

We also found that the washing machine got the better of us! (Owner's note – the washing machine was replaced following this problem)

Frank asks (inside front page) for recommendations and warnings. Jenny and I caught the 07.59 train (for a day out in Barcelona) this is an “overnight sleeper” service from Paris and the only 2 “seated coaches” are at the front (south end) we found ourselves running along the side of the train to eventually clamber aboard!

We highly recommend Barcelona - a beautiful day out in a fabulous city.

A more local recommendation would be a 40 minute walk to Collioure – a busier, more touristy place than Port-Vendres – nice harbour/beach area and lots of eating choices.

An Internet café (more a shop than a café – closes for lunch 1200-1400) can be found directly across the harbour.

All in all a super/relaxing week's break - we'll be back!


September 2008 - The welcome pack was very welcome! Love the wonderful location. Good quality linen and towels much appreciated. However the washing machine and how it works remains an enigma!


If you like seafood this is the place to be. We all thoroughly enjoyed our week and will be recommending your lovely apartment to friends and family.


Excellent situation overlooking harbour . Views from balconies fantastic. Good time had by all. We will return one day.



August 2008 - Lovely place to come for a week or so. The local people are very friendly and accommodating. The Ban? (owner's note - couldn't read this name!) vineyard is also a great day out and the food is super.


Really enjoyed this part of the world - makes a nice change from the hustle and bustle of Antibes.



August 2008 - Great week following a week in Carcassonne.


Apartment was great (air-con a blessing!) as was location - Port-Vendres has some bad press in some "guides" but we found it an ideal base. Argelès and Collioure were much explored and for 8-10 year olds a trip to Aqualand was all they had expected - tip, if a really sunny day the place becomes overcrowded and detracts from the fun.


Made it to Spain, where Roses/Figueras/Le Bisbal are just 90 minutes away.


Would echo comments about la Tramontane, although also found the retaurant directly below the apartment reasonable value.


BBQ on terrace was all we could have expected!


As for parking, guess we were just lucky and found spaces every day.


Thank you again for an enjoyable week.



August 2008 - Nice flat, nice town, nice area!


Re restaurants, we recommend "la Tramontane" - good food nicely priced. Unimpressed by l'Archipel.


A trip to Collioure is worth it (if you can park your car) - otherwise take the "petit train" - the return journey through the vineyards and via Fort St Elme affords some fabulous views and saves the legs of the faint-hearted.


Favourite beach - Le Racou; the boys enjoyed lunch at the "El Coco Loco" where they offer a good children's menu.


We've made good use of the apartment, particularly since the boys were ill with high fever - air-conditioning was greatly appreciated.


Many thanks - we would love to come back at a less "touristy" time of year.


My favourite meal - grilled sardines bought direct from the fishermen on the quayside.



August 2008 - Lovely week but a fight for parking on the days we went out. Washing machine is a bit tricky, need to slightly lift the door to close and sometimes the programme would stick so washing never finishes without clicking the dial one notch.


Pizza frrom the end of the quay is gorgeous!


Thanks


July/August 2008 -Fabulous 2-week summer break in a very comfortable apartment. View on Port-Vendres harbour wonderful. Drawn to area because of the work of Charles Rennie Mackintosh and it was fantastic to visit the places he had painted.


Favourite meal - BBQ on terrace of prawns, cuttlefish and salad washed down with local wine.


Favourite beach - Le Racou at Argelès-sur-mer - but hang on to your hat!


Hope to return and will promote this area and accommodation on our website www.theglasgowgirls.co.uk


Merçi à bientôt! or is it au revoir? In any case thank you again.



July 2008 - A week of amazing sun in a lovely apartment with lots of good, cheap, red wine - who could ask for more?!

The nearby beach (Argeles-sur-mer) was our definite favourite, the people at the café are very friendly the chips and ice cream are especially welcoming after a hard li-lo session!


Great walk to Cape de Bear, near lighthouse; you'll find a small secluded cove with the clearest sea-water; perfect for snorkelling.


The restaurant downstairs is excellent; fantastic fish and helpful staff.


We don't recommend SuperU! ED or Carrefour are far better.


We adored the terrace - perfect spot for an al fresco meal.


We loved it here and can't wait to return in the not too distant future.


June 2008 -

What a fantastic holiday. The apartment is great and the views of the port are lovely. The beaches were good to visit as we swam most evenings and the sea was spectacular. We also went to Collioure and had a walk round there followed by a nice cool beer. The banana splits are great here too!! Had a lovely time. Hope to come again!! Robyn

Had a lovely holiday; accommodation has been great! Been lucky enough to have a full week of good weather. Thanks very much. Hannah

Fantastic accommodation and setting, a lovely holiday. Tried lots of the restaurants and all have been excellent.

Sharon and Tony


June 2008 - A lovely apartment with a great view in a stunning area. Many thanks - we hope to return.

It's not often that something Peter Jenkins (owners note - a previous renter) says comes true - but he was "bang on" about your place at Port-Vendres. "Parfait!"


May/June 2008 - Had a very pleasant stay. The apartment was every bit as you described it and more. Hopefully one day we will find the time for another visit.


May 2008 - We have enjoyed our stay in this beautiful area. Plenty of good wine and seafood - a snack lunch at the bar in the Fish Market was a delightful experience. Touring through the vineyards and relaxing on the beaches - weather permitting.


We found the apartment spacious and extremely convenient.


Thank you.


April 2008 - So glad you were clever enough to buy this lovely apartment and alter it so perfectly to provide such splendid accommodation. We simply love it here and will undoubtedly be back as soon as possible. It is even worth subjecting yourself to "PaddyAir" to get here. (Owner's Note - second time renters)


April 2008 - A lovely stay. We enjoyed the "business" of Port-Vendres and found plenty to do in the area. Lots of pretty little coves, amazing trips through the vineyards and the Pyrenees.


We enjoyed the harbour at Collioure in the early evening - great for Happy Hour!


Great fish down at the dockside outlet. Tried several restaurants, all good quality; particularly enjoyed the one downstairs and the Tramontane.


We found the apartment very spacious and comfortable and appreciated the little touches like there being some good basics here.


Thanks a lot, a good holiday.


October 2007 - A wonderful short break in your superbly appointed apartment. Lots of room, wonderful layout and everything we needed. We didn't venture far as Port-Vendres had everything we needed.


Beach at Le Racou was good, very quiet and clean.


Good walks around the rocks toward Collioure.


Sad to say we must be on our way, but will be back.


Thanks once again.


October 2007 - Thank you for a splendidly comfortable apartment in a wonderfully scenic location. CRM's original choice was inspired. The artists amongst us were very complimentary.


October 2007 - A great week has been had by all of us; whether just relaxing in the apartment or on the many trips in the area. We ate out all the time and the verdict of the Leicester jury is as follows:-


Chez Pujol (down the quay) - ok but some of the dishes were disappointing - especially the paella - didn't go back.

Le Chalut - better but the fish soup was like sea water and the house wine was tasteless.

Restaurant Claude (Banyuls-sur-mer) - food very good indeed but when Claude realised that we couldn't speak perfect French we were assigned to one of his underlings. Claude rubbed Joan up the wrong way, so to speak, was very small and wore a wig (we think)!

La Tramontane - excellent! Consistently good food (we ended up eating there most nights), friendly and helpful staff and inexpensive. Our favourite. It was also open when others weren't ie Sunday and Monday.


We also had a cruise liner and a large cargo/container ship visit the port - we were told that the last time anything that large visited it was the "Bismarck".


August 2007 - Just to say what a lovely week we have had. We couldn't have hoped for a better apartment. It is fantastic and you have provided for our every need. It has been wonderful to stand on the balcony first thing on a hot sunny day and look across the harbour and watch the world go by. We have enjoyed some wonderful days out and tried a few different beaches. We have also enjoyed shopping in the Supermarché's and bringing home lovely food to try. We have also succeeded in getting one of our sons to go next door and buy croissants for breakfast.

Thanks again for enabling us to have a wonderful week and we will certainly be telling friends and family all about you.


I just wanted to say how much of a pleasure it has been staying in this amazing apartment. I couldn't have wished to stay in a nicer apartment during my holiday. The view is amazing and you have catered for my every need. I hope to stay here again.


August 2007 - We have had a lovely week in your apartment, the air-con was much appreciated during the hot weather, although that said, most of our time was spent on the beach. Port-Vendres is a lovely small port, Archie (2 3/4 years) loved watching the boats coming and going from the balcony. Thanks again for allowing us to stay in your great apartment.


August 2007 - Beautiful apartment, town, part of France. We've had a fantastic 2 weeks, and yes, throwing open the windows every morning and looking out at the harbour made even the cloudier days look full of promise. Tried several of the local beaches - particularly liked Paulilles, on the road to Banyuls - sheltered, good facilities, sandier than most, walks leading from it, backed by a vineyard, and the best snorkelling we found. All our younger people - aged 3, 13 and 16, have loved it and had plenty to do. As well as local wanderings - Argelès in the north to Banyuls in the south, we've ventured further to Aqualand (had to peel Edward off the slides at the end) Céret (beautiful French town, impressive art gallery) and we took your advice and drove down to the Olivieda cave, to stock up on delicious and inexpensive rosé and cava.

Hired a small "cat" from Banyuls beach for half a day's sailing. Took the boat round to Collioure on a day that was very breezy - a fantastic almost roller coaster ride. Ate fantastic food, even got to do a little sketching and painting.

Thank you for providing everything we could have wanted (including Nina Simone and P. J. O'Rourke).

The teapot, however, is a serious leaker!


August 2007 - We've all had a great week and seen lots in what has become our favourite part of France. The sea, harbour and Pyrenees are a fantastic combination and hard to beat. Your spacious apartment has been an ideal base with many of the little extras we usually need to bring, which has been a great help.


July 2007 - We just wanted to say how much of a lovely time we had staying here in the apartment! It's absolutely gorgeous and that's not jut including the beautiful view! We have enjoyed all the local delights especially the food and wine!!! We will all be back again!!!


July 2007 - We truly enjoyed our stay, the local wines, the food, the view. We especially enjoyed the comfort of your apartment and its spaciousness.


May 2007 - One of the more relaxing and enjoyable places have ever visited on the coast of the south of France. Typical locals French harbour, exquisite French food - beer and wine.

What a lovely, cosy place! Beautifully coloured, good choice of books, very relaxing. Thank you!


May 2007 - We have had a wonderful time in your very tasteful apartment. Kitchen very well equipped - great for cooking and easy to keep clean. The coast and surrounding area is stunning; we will certainly be back. Thank you.


May 2007 - This has been the best holiday we have ever had. Perfect accommodation for us and our English children and their partners, fabulous walks, easy access to Cathar castles and the Tech and Tet valleys, little forays into Spain and wonderful food!


April 2007 - Enjoyed staying in the flat, very spacious with all mod cons you could wish for. Port-Vendres is a busy port with some large container ships coming and going. We discovered that the locality immediately in Port-Vendres is mainly a "grown up" venue with little or no entertainment for our two younger children (15 yrs and 12 yrs). Having said that there are many attractions a reasonable drive away, depending on the contrariness of the weather. As the rear of the house was being re-furbished, the outside rear balcony was not usable and would obviously be a boon for the sunny days. Overall we had a good holiday and on the sunny days it was a delightful place to be.


April 2007 - A super hol in a super place in super accommodation! It's been lovely to be here - Thank you!!

March 2007 - A fantastic week with Port-Vendres as our base. A beautiful town steeped in history with doorstep street café culture and nearby outstanding walks. The apartment is superb with first class amenities throughout.

Enjoyed a pretty coastal walk to Collioure (3k) and a 4 1/2k walk to Cap Béar with breathtaking views throughout. Drove to Spain along the N260 - great for mountain scenery and an adrenalin rush! Banyuls-sur-mer very pretty - but it's also good to simply stop, do little and relax. Thanks for everything - we'll be back......!


October 2006 - A wonderful location - lovely apartment and great weather - we had a terrific week. Thanks for everything.


September 2006 - Fabulous apartment. We've had a wonderful time. Port-Vendres is an excellent place to stay and relax and watch the world go by. The beaches were perfect for our 21 month old daughter. Thanks.


September 2006 - Fantastic; opening the shutters onto the quay with the sun streaming in. especially with a trip out to El Port de la Selva (Spain) for tapas lunch in a small restaurant/bar which has an unequalled view of the Port. Followed on to Cadaques for a bottle of wine in a pretty spot by the beach. Such decadence!!

We had an interesting trip to Elne and the cloisters, really great carvings - a "must" if you are"arty". There we had lunch at a pretty (hidden) little restaurant "Au Remparts" (place Colonel Roger) not expensive, v. French and good food.

Restaurants we particularly like in P-V:- the Tramontane and below the Pescatore.


August 2006 - We have had a wonderful week in your apartment and have really enjoyed Port-Vendres. Thank you very much for the warm welcome we felt.

We hope we will be able to come back sometime and repeat this marvellous experience we had.


August 2006 - Fabulous, spacious flat. We've had a lovely time!

It was fun despite the bad weather!!

Thank you for spacious flat. It was a good base for our holiday. Excluding a few woefully weathered days, the holiday was thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing! Thank you!!

Great luxurious towels and showers that really made it feel good and special. Thanks.


August 2006 - What a glorious location. We have had a most enjoyable week in your spacious and gracious apartment. How restful to be overlooking water. Le Pescatore fed us very well. Many thanks.


July 2006 - We have spent a week in your wonderful flat, and have been more than grateful for the air conditioning in this heat. You have done a very nice job renovating the flat; tastefully coloured etc.

We are very pleased to have chosen Port-Vendres instead of the very crowded Collioure - this is a peaceful and friendly harbour. Many thanks to you.


July 2006 - Beautiful flat, really comfy and cool! Thanks for letting us all stay we've had a great time both here and at your home. Boys have enjoyed the sea and pool (if you hadn't already noticed!) Come and visit us soon but we'll be back!


June 2006 - We have had a wonderful two weeks in your lovely apartment, thoroughly enjoying Port-Vendres and its community. The whole area is beautiful and we have felt very fortunate to have become part of Languedoc Roussillon, if only for a short time. It has been a delight to open the windows each morning to see the sun on the sea and the day to day activities of the port. This is such a good centre for sightseeing and a pleasure to return to each evening. Thanks so much for a memorable experience we hope to repeat soon.



May 2006 - A wonderful few days with great weather. The apartment is lovely. We're just getting used to having a harbour view, but guess the Leicester skyline will have to do. Collioure is beautiful and we also enjoyed a trip to Mont Louis - scenery was breathtaking as was driving round the hairpin bends.

Enjoyed sitting outside the bar opposite in the evening catching the last rays. Tim has eaten more fish this week than he has in his life so far.