Beach-lovers paradise with watersports & medieval streets that proves south of France holiday can be done on a budget
Until the 1700s, Saint Cyprien was part of the Spanish region of Catalonia which is evidenced most in its cuisine
WITH four miles of glorious wide sands fronting the Mediterranean, Saint-Cyprien is a beach-lover’s paradise.
And it’s proof that a holiday in the south of France need not cost the earth.
The lagoon resort, 20 minutes’ drive from Perpignan, cultivates the art of “good living” which revolves around sport, culture, nature, well-being and of course food and drink.
And for a great value place to stay, Pierre et Vacances luxury self-catering complex Résidence premium Horizon Golf is a 15-minute walk to the beach.
Set on an 18-hole golf course and nature reserve it also has a heated outdoor pool, playground, wellness area and good-value restaurant.
The 42 four-star apartments sleep between two and six and feature all you could possibly need.
When the sea calls, take the shady tranquil trails to the beach, where there are all kinds of nautical activities, including hydro-biking — like cycling a penny-farthing over the surf, but on foils.
It’s the closest you’ll come to walking on water.
Check out for details on the activity as well as more traditional watersports including kite and wind-surfing, paddle-boarding and sailing.
And if you want to admire those amazing beach views from the comfort of your apartment, Pierre et Vacances hotel and self-catering Residence Les Bulles de Mer is right on the beachfront with one-bed apartments from £128.25pp a week.
Stand-out was its beachside restaurant, Ganivelles, serving organic, local produce and lovely spa.
The star of the show is obviously the beach and the vibrant marina, both of which are well-served by lots of restaurants and bars.
But we headed to the old town for a stroll around the quaint medieval streets.
Until the 1700s, St-Cyprien was part of the Spanish region of Catalonia which is evidenced most in its cuisine.
We tucked into innovative takes on tapas-like dishes but with a French twist at La Pub a la Francaise ().
The region has ideal conditions to cultivate grapes, so be prepared to sample some special wines, or tour a vineyard ().
Restaurant Saint-Cyprien Can Paco () will boost your energy levels with gourmet specialties ahead of a visit to the nearby botanical gardens.
The Jardin des Plantes des Capellans is a hidden paradise of thousands of species of plants, flowers and trees and well worth a wander.
Whether you use St-Cyprien as a base for the region or just to experience the Med without the cost of Cannes, it’s worth the visit.
GO: Saint Cyprien
GETTING THERE: Return flights from Stansted to Perpignan are from £35 with Ryanair.
STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ self-catered at the Premium Residence Horizon Golf is from £397pp based on two adults sharing.
Seven nights’ self-catered at the Residence Les Bulles de Mer is from £294pp based on two adults sharing.
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