"La pantoufle verte" is in the southernmost French region of Languedoc-Roussillon, on the Mediterranean coast. The Languedoc is the northern part; the Roussillon the southern with the Aude and Pyrenees-Orientales as its "departments". These stretch from the river Aude in the North to the Spanish border near Cerbere to the South. The Pyrenees-Orientales is the epitome of a holiday destination - sandy beaches, palm trees and pretty bays backed by fruit orchards and vineyards, foothills and dramatic mountains, and plenty of sun all year round. Winter is short, mild and blessed with sunny days. Summer is comfortably and reliably hot, and both spring and autumn offer lovely warm days.

Crystal clear rivers and streams fed by the nearby Pyrenees

La pantoufle verte is in the village of Montauriol in the Aspres, the foothills to the Pyrenees and wonderful walking, hiking or biking country. To the north east is the vibrant city of Perpignan, capital of the department.

To the north is the valley of the river Tet with easy access to the N116, the main east-west route between Perpignan and Andorra and the ski resorts of the Pyrenees. On the way west is Prades, where the Pablo Casals annual music festival is held. Regarded as Spain's foremost cellist, Casals lived in Prades while escaping persecution during the rule of Franco in Spain.

To the south, in the valley of the river Tech, is Ceret, home of the most prolific cherry orchards in France. Here you will also find the Museum of Modern Art with many original works by Picasso, Matisse, Chagall and Miro. For art lovers, there is also the Salvador Dali museum a mere 40 minutes drive away in neighbouring Spain.

The region is famous for its orchards and vineyards. Local specialities are the peaches and nectarines of both yellow and honey tasting, juicy white varieties. At harvest time you will see the little tractors with their open trailers bumping along the lanes and village streets. Also close by are apple, pear, apricot and kiwi orchards, and you are never far from a vineyard and handy tasting and buying opportunities. Montauriol is the home of the Golden Oriol and many other delights for the naturalist.

The Mediterranean coast offers long stretches of clean, golden, gently-sloping sandy beaches and also, a little further south. picturesque coves where visiting yachts are often anchored. All types of water based activities are available.