Tj

Re the posting by groslard on the Quartier St Jaques, Perpignan, made whilst I was formulating my last reply, the incident refered to by him, was as I mentioned one incident in the last five years.   I frequently visit the area as the best and freshest spices can be purchased in the shops.  The Mahgrebs, Catalans and French live in harmony.  I do not have knowledge of Beziers quartier.  

Sorry Clair,  you are right, I should not have got personal. My point was lost in my final sentence.  I believe that it is important for people to post based on knowledge.  Personal observations should be supported with evidence where possible.  The first two comments on this subject were  not correct and would have spoiled any anticipation for the future happy settlement in this region. For instance, Perpignan has probably one of the highest North African immigrant populations in France outside of Marseilles.  They reside in a quarter which is 90 per cent North Africans.  The only trouble in the past five years was when  gitane family fell out with their neightbours.  The weather in summer is similar to Languedoc,  generally sunny hot and reliable.  Summer starts in May and ends in October... admittedly 2007 did not have a heat wave but that was an advantage. Finally I would implore all posters replying to initial enquiries such as this thread,  do not be negative without knowledge......

Who is this groslard?  everything he or she says is negative.  I see the psotings stared on 26/12/07 and are already over a 100.  Probably all misleading, negative and incorrect.  I do not know of anywhere in France that fits the description.  Is it a wind up or am I  reading groslard wrongly as big fat....

Thanks for pointing that out clair,   I will pay more attention to the original posted dates in future, I assumed the new post would come before the archived post, silly me. 

Cat pointed out this post was four years old.  Until she mentioned it I had not checked the posted date times of messages, assumng that  they were new posts for the day they appeared.  Having looked at the thread on this subject it appears that most of the replies are four years old... Whats the point of this?

I am surprised that Quillan is suggesting renting out DVDs after making a big issue of the illegality of receiving Sky Television broadcasts in France.

Not so good news today.  Hot off the presses 'Le Independant'  the TGV between Barcelona has hit serious problems.  The Spanish government has suspended the building of the tunnels in Barcelona and Girona as unexpected geological stratum may cause subsidence and damage to buildings above the route.  One of those affected is the Sagrada Familia, Gaudis famous Cathedral still under construction.   This means that the earliest completion for the line in Spain has been declared as 2012. It is suggested that, between 2009 and 2012, the TGV may run between Perpignan and Figueres and that the journey will continue to Barcelona by their Express Alvia. Meanwhile no decision has been made as to the route between Perpignan and Nimes for the connection to Paris. The Mayor of Perpignan is not happy as he was not consulted prior to the Press Release

The station will be adjacent to the existing terminal at Perpignan in the goods yard area.  This is not near the airport at Rivesaltes.   The existing motorway exit at Perpignan Sud will be only ten minutes from the station by car and will not involve going into the centre.   It is hoped that there will be enough parking at the new station as the present situation is a nightnmare for both access and parking.  If you have google earth you will see the station and the goods yard just below on a north south alignment.

The tunnel enters The Alberes on the east side of a hamlet called Les Chartreuse which is near Le Boulou.    The twin tunnels are not two thirds complete.  From the Tunnels the route runs alongside the RN9 towards Perpignan. It crosses the motorway, the A9, and then arrives at a new station on the west side of Perpignan where a large goods yard is presently situated.  I hope this is of use. Tony

We live close to perpignan and visit Amelie occasionally for the mountain air and a bit of peace and quiet in the summer.  The spa is used 99 per cent by french visitors.  The summer visitors are mainly those who own their own properties as a second home.  I have not explored the rental side of the property market in that area but I have a friend who is brit and works as a freelance agent to the immobilieres in the region.  If you wish to follow this up I will forward his email address. 

Hi, We moved out here 4 years ago and live just 10 minutes south of Perpignan.  Quite a lot of Brits around and we have made a wide group of friends and lots of social activities.  There are English speaking doctors and dentists around but we would need to know which area you will be locating to -  i.e Coastal strip, The Alberes region. Thuir region, Prades, Ceret etc.  Either way I'm pretty sure you won't have a problem.  Just to help it has been a glorious day today, sun, sun, sun and 20 degrees.  We even ate lunch in the garden.  Another perfect day in Paradise ! If you want to send us a bit more detail we'll help all we can.  We have met several very nice people through this forum. Julie & Tony

We are just 8 miles south of Perpignan. I think some are referring to the weather last weekend when it was cloudy and very windy (The tramontane) and the temperature did go down. However it was just a blip and things are back to normal now, high 20's and sunny. We have been here nearly three years now and general the cold doesn't arrive until December. You'll love it !

So why do so many replies take into account the position in the hemisphere? I presume they are thinking that if you are east of the meridian then you must be in the east of the country.. So everyone in Germany lives in East Germany. I think a few years ago that would have caused a few raised eyes. A line from Paris to Montpelier defines the division between East and West France. Perpignan is most definately in South West France

We have heard of one in the Perpignan area. Is that close enough?