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New arrivals to Port Vendres

Posted: Thu 21 Nov 2013 12:18
by Justef
Bonjour everyone!
We are a couple who have just moved to Port Vendres. Previously living for 8 years in The Tarn department, it has always been our dream to live by the sea - and we've made it!
We have left all our dear friends behind, and would love to meet some new folks and learn all there is to know about this beautiful area.
Stephanie and Julian.

Posted: Thu 21 Nov 2013 14:08
by Kate
Hi Stephanie and Julian,
A warm winter welcome to Port Vendres. It's a reminder that dreams do come true! :lol:

Don't now how old you are but if you're into Kris Kristofferson, Donovan, Leonard Cohen, Mark Knopfler, you might enjoy this - usually every two weeks on a Fri - friendly atmosphere and good fun…
http://www.anglophone-direct.com/Vocals ... rt-Vendres?

Posted: Thu 21 Nov 2013 14:25
by Justef
Brilliant! We'll be there on the 29th Nov.

Port-Vendres

Posted: Thu 21 Nov 2013 16:32
by alan
Hello

Good luck in your new home.

We've had a second home in Port-Vendres for about 9 years now and get over as often as possible.

We have never regretted our decision to buy and hope to spend even more time there in future.

Unlike some other places locally, it is almost always possible to find a restaurant, supermarket or independant shop open and there is a wide choice. There are cultural activities, beaches, lovely walks and, of course, a busy port to watch.

If you need any particular advice or suggestions, please send me a pm.

Alan

Posted: Fri 22 Nov 2013 13:41
by mikeandsue
Hi Stephanie & Julian,

Congratulations on moving to PV!

We are an English couple with two apartments in PV (one bought in 2008, the other, a studio, in 2012) and come out on a fairly regular basis. We will be in PV in January as we are working on and overseeing a refit on the studio kitchen.

We just love being in PV and we're sure you will too!

We would love to meet up - please get in touch.

Regards

Mike & Sue :D :D

Posted: Sat 23 Nov 2013 01:50
by Santiago
Sound like Port Vendres is the place to be.

Port-Vendres

Posted: Sat 23 Nov 2013 08:20
by alan
PV was once described to us as being, "a bit rough round the edges" and it is sometimes compared unfavourably to Collioure, its closest neighbour.

It's not as pretty as Collioure but visitors will always find somewhere to park, which is certainly not the case with Collioure.

Like Collioure, it has a railway station and quite a frequent bus service to Perpignan. Most times when we are staying at our house, we walk into Collioure, usually via Fort Elme, have lunch there and then walk back along the coast road. Otherwise, we frequently have dinner at one of the several very good restaurants in PV and just stroll back to our house.

Of course, PV has one of the best fish markets you will come across, an extremely good butchers and greengrocers where you can buy good produce. There is a a Saturday market as well.

On the downside, we find that the tourist office does not provide as much information as it might and we are frustrated by having to go into Argeles for full banking facilities - the PV branch of our bank does not even accept cash deposits! Also some dog owners might be more considerate in cleaning up after their pets, but that is pretty much the same throughout the region.

Posted: Sat 23 Nov 2013 08:59
by PatrickF
A must for everyone that enjoys Port Vendres is the book title 'Monsieur Mackintosh' by Robin Crichton.
We were lucky to be there this time last year for the unveiling of the plaque for CRM.
The parade up the road to the famous hotel - drinks - all singing with a great Catalan/French/Scots spirit!
Great part of the P&O and a great part of the world!

Monsieur Mackintosh

Posted: Sat 23 Nov 2013 12:36
by Justef
We have already bought "Almost All You Need To Know About The PO" and are working our way through it. Enlightening!
Can we buy "Monsieur Mackintosh" locally? If not, I'll start scouring the internet. We have yet to visit the museum, but it's on the list of "to-do's".

Posted: Sat 23 Nov 2013 14:08
by Kate
Here's a bit about the book. You can buy it on Amazon. Ashamed to say that I've written about it but havent actually got round to reading it yet!!! :oops:
http://www.anglophone-direct.com/Monsie ... h-by-Robin?

Posted: Sat 23 Nov 2013 14:34
by alan
It's very well researched.

PV also gets mentioned in another recent non-fiction book by Rosemary Bailey called "Love and War in the Pyrenees: A story of courage, fear and hope 1939-1944", an excellent account of the Spanish Retirada and the French experience of Occupation and Resistance.

this will also be available on Amazon.

Posted: Sat 23 Nov 2013 14:52
by Sue
I have Love and War on my Reader. I got halfway through and had to stop reading it as its so sad. I will read it right through one day. Excellent book.

Posted: Sat 23 Nov 2013 16:01
by Santiago
I must admit that while Collioure is undoubtedly very pretty, there is something a bit more real about Port Vendres and I also reckon the average restaurant in Port Vendres is a much better deal than Collioure, which, other than a few notable exceptions, are pretty poor.