Over the last couple of decades, France has been a much loved holiday hot spot for brits. According to the Office of National Statistics (ONS), 8.8 million British nationals visited France in 2014, for both business and leisure purposes. The sheer love for the country from our wonderful nation has resulted in France being home to one of the largest British-born populations outside the UK. By 2013 there was estimated to be around 40,000 British citizens living in France. Regions with the largest number of British expats, are located in the South of France and include: Aquitaine; Languedoc-Roussillon; Midi-Pyrenees; and Corsica.
And it’s not just the brits that love the country so much, according to statistics the rest of Europe love it too. Official statistics reveal that Europe accounts for more than 80 per cent of visitors to the country with the UK not accounting for the highest, this achievement goes to Germany. Figures from 2013 show that 13 million German’s flocked to the country, with Belgium close behind on 10 million.
Languedoc-Roussillon region
Languedoc-Roussillon is a commune in the South of France at the foot of the Pyrenees. A hot spot popular with Caravans in the Sun who have recently opened three new parks in this region. With a great range of new and resale mobile homes available, all three parks will have something for everyone.
Sometimes referred to as the ‘Real South of France’, Languedoc-Roussillon feels very traditional French, with its mostly unspoilt countryside and Mediterranean pace of life. The three new parks are located in Angeles-sur-Mer, Beziers and Perpignan, all within the Languedoc-Roussillon region. The parks are ideally located to offer superb views of the surrounding landscapes in the heart of the South of France.
Beziers
The Beziers park in particular is set in quiet and peaceful countryside and is a friendly family run park situated just 20 km from miles of wonderful Mediterranean beaches. The park boasts facilities such as an outdoor pool, bar, restaurant and laundrette service and even is in close range to a ski resort for those winter sport enthusiasts – with 9km of slopes less than 2 hours away.
The park offers a wide range of mobile homes, new and resale starting at £26,995. The city of Beziers – one of the region’s most beautiful cities is less than an hour’s drive from the park, with narrow streets overflowing with historic sights and culture to enjoy. Also just an hour’s drive away from this park is the Haut-Languedoc regional natural park with is rolling hills covered with chestnut and pine forests, fast flowing rivers and pretty villages. If you’re lucky you might also find some flecks and tiny nuggets of gold in the bed of the River Orbiel, left over from the gold mine at Salsigne.
Perpignan
The Perpignan park is located closer to the Spanish border and a mere 25km from the nearest airport. Set at the foot of the eastern end of the Pyrenees and the Alberes Mountains, the park is set in the peaceful borders of Catalan country. It has all the facilities you would want from a family friendly park, including a children’s play area and sports, such as, volleyball; billiards; ping-pong; and bicycle hire also available.
The park is located in an area favoured by those who love the outdoors. Cycling and hiking trails are close by, along with fishing spots and an abundance of space for horse riding. The highlight of Perpignan is said to be the stunning Palace of the Kings of Majorca, which was built in the 13h Century. With its medieval centre, Perpignan will definitely give you that Catalan feel.
The park is open 12 months of the year and pets are more than welcome as well as subletting- should you not wish to stay in your home all year round.
Argeles-Sur-Mer
The town of Port-Vendres is also just a few miles from Argeles-Sur-Mer, which is a typical Mediterranean fishing port renowned for its numerous fish and sea food restaurants. With less than a 10-minute drive to 7km of sandy Blue Flag beaches, this park offers all you could want from a holiday home, including 300 days of sunshine each year.
Argeles-sur-mer is the only east facing coastline in France, with a mixture of never ending sunny beaches and the backdrop of the Pyrenees. The town includes an interesting harbour, good shops and an excellent selection of restaurants. The park itself boasts a seasonal swimming pool, bar, restaurant and take-away; laundrette and sports facilities. Most of the on- site facilities are open all year round as is the park.
With the Pyrenees as a back drop and the nearby town situated on a long sweeping bay, what more could you ask for? Homes start at £22,995, with all makes and models available, including: Delta; Trigano; and Victory.
If France is your location of choice, then why not go for the South of France and one of these wonderful parks. With so much beautiful scenery on offer, it’s easy to see why so many people choose this country as their holiday destination. With Caravans in the Sun it’s could not only be your next holiday destination, but also your new home.
For further information on all the parks mentioned, contact the sales team at Caravans in the Sun on UK free phone: 0800 6 44 45 46 or email sales@caravansinthesun.com. International free phone: 0044 (0)1782 90 80 70 or mobile: 07939 123 345.
