The Area

Sainte Marie la Mer is a small, quiet coastal resort in the heart of the Pyrenees Orientales, South France with over 300 sunny days per
year. There is a huge sandy beach running alongside the promenade and many bars, restaurants, pizza take away, supermarket, hairdressers,
cash point, bike hire, shops, wifi and internet cafes. More about Sainte Marie la Mer click here.

The resort is just off the modern road network ideal for exploring the many sights either by car or local bus. Activities include water
sports, sailing, tennis, biking, walking, mini golf and horse-riding. For golf enthusiasts there are golf courses at St Cyprien, Beziers,
Carcassone & Montpelier and Spain. For water lovers there are several Aquaparks. For shopping there are hypermarkets and indoor
shopping centres. The larger beach resorts of le Bacares, Torreilles, St Cyprien, Canet and Argeles sur Mer, offer superb beaches,
shops, markets, bars and restaurants. There is Perpignan, a sunny city, with palm-lined squares known as Paris of the south. Wander
through the stone streets and marvel at the medieval buildings. Narbonne, is a beautiful, tree-lined town with a huge Sunday market close to the
canal and a huge sandy beach. For a change of scenery towards the south are Banylus sur Mer with its picturesque harbour and Collioure
offering spectacular views along the coastal road. Spain is only thirty minutes away with a highly recommended visit stop off at Le Perthus,
full of shops selling alcohol, tobacco and leather goods, which are considerably cheaper than elsewhere in France; it is a good idea to get
there early to secure parking as it is extremely popular. For winter visitors the mountains and Andorra for skiing are about one hour's drive
from Sainte Marie la Mer. Find out more about the Languedoc Roussillon area click here

Getting to the region from the UK is easy via Stanstead and Birmingham (Ryanair), Southampton (Flybe) and Manchester (BMI Baby) to
Perpignan (20mins away). Alternatively, catch the ferry to France (Ferries) and drive down - takes about 12 hours or use Rail Europe
which transports you and your car overnight from Calais to Narbonne. For train lovers, take the Eurostar to Perpignan. Rent a hire car to
get (around Auto-Europe). More about the area click here.