Just 12km from the Spanish border in the striking Pyrénées-Orientales, Le Boulou is a tranquil destination for a relaxed rural break. Accommodation options include self-catering villas as well as characterful boutique hotels, with the best places to stay in Le Boulou promising a warm welcome, superb views and easy access to a number of outdoorsy attractions.

The town itself is a charming historic community with some lovely cafés and heritage landmarks. Admire the Saint Antoine Chapel, the stone Sainte-Marie Church, and the Quadrangular Tower as well as the Statue of the Little Drummer as you wander the winding streets. Culture buffs will adore La Maison de l’Histoire and the Espace des Arts, a gallery showcasing pieces by local artists. The Maison de l'Eau et de la Méditerranée is a futuristic science museum with some fascinating exhibits, bound to delight visitors of all ages.

Keen adventurers can discover the surrounding countryside on foot, bicycle or horseback, zipping along rocky trails and forested paths. Nearby Céret is well worth an afternoon trip. Cross the Spanish border for a sense of the interplay between these two cultures — also noticeable in the region’s cuisine, which you can sample at the best places to stay in Le Boulou.