[Originally published on November 2020]
One of my favourite trips ever was last autumn, before I started this blog. Maybe I even thought about starting a blog back then as I was inspired by this journey. Our first time in France and I’m so happy we visited the Pyréneés-Orientales, the Eastern Pyrenees.
There is all the charm of France, the countryside, little towns, Mediterranean beaches and hills. This article also features our stay at the amazing Studio Vert in France. I’ll try sum up the experience in this one post.
Il était une fois en France..
It began with finding Studio Vert. I was following their page for a while and simply felt like it was time to go there. I also really wanted to visit France. With more of a nature getaway in mind, this place in the French Pyrenees seemed perfect.
Helsinki – Barcelona
We took a flight to Barcelona in Spain, from where a bus would take us to Perpignan in France. Spent a good half a day in Barcelona, eating and looking at some famous sights. We hopped off the airport bus at Universitat. This area has a range of vegan restaurants.
We found Veggie Garden first – a colourful Indian themed restaurant, a menu with so many delicious options it was difficult to settle on something. We ordered a thali, burger and snacks plus coffee. The prices were a relief compared to those in Finland. We sat there eating for quite some time and then moved on to see the la Sagrada Família.
Check out our Barcelona Day Guide on the blog!
Time to leave Barcelona – I was starting to love it there already, but the Pyrenees await. After a calm 2 and a half hour bus trip (with FlixBus) through the Catalan region, we arrived in Perpignan in Southwest France and waited for Andrea from Studio Vert to pick us. They arrange a free transfer for guests from Perpignan. It was dark by then and the drive to the accommodation was peaceful with a few winding uphill roads.
Studio Vert Vegan B&B in France
Finally here! In France and at our hideaway. Greeted by our super hosts – Andrea and Aline. They showed us to our room ‘The Piano Room’.. I was hoping it would be that one. It’s classy af.
There are 4 rooms in total, each with their own vibe. Andrea and Aline were nice enough to share some dinner with us. Some tasty ravioli + drinks and we settled in. The view over the valley from balcony was lovely, twinkling with lights. On clear days, you can even view the sea.
Autumn Break
Our ‘Autumn Break’ stay package included bed & breakfast, a yoga class or 30min massage session. There was a common dining room and kitchen for us. We stayed 5 nights and the first couple of days it poured rain like never before. There were thunderstorms that kept me up one night. It was nice that we weren’t in the valley as some places were flooding.. seen on the news!
An interesting experience surely and it wasn’t bad at all, staying in our cosy hotel. There was a little library, we played board games, watched movies, cooked and enjoyed the food and also had a wine and cheese tasting night. My favourite night!
Fully Vegan Accommodation
Studio Vert was the first accommodation we stayed at that was vegan. This was an added comfort and gave peace of mind. Since we used a common kitchen, it was great there was no meat, eggs, dairy or any products of animal exploitation around.
Studio Vert breakfasts and wine & dine are amazing!
We shared meals and dined together with no unpleasant feeling. The materials in room, bathroom products were animal cruelty-free. Everything smelled nice. The breakfast and treats they served us were all delicious. Oh, and the cappuccinos made by barista Andrea were thoroughly enjoyed.
Things To Do
Once the skies cleared, we ventured out, and there were plenty of things to do around the region. After birdwatching and breakfast, we went down to the town. If you don’t have a car, Andrea or Aline can drop you, or just borrow their mountain bikes!
On the way down you can find some nice paths to follow, and you might also meet some local residents like Spirit, the lone white horse who ate a whole package of our rice cakes.
Argelès-sur-Mer
The nearby town and beach of Argelès cannot be missed. It’s probably quite happening during summer but in late autumn it felt like we had the whole beach to ourselves. It was sunny and around 21 degrees, hot compared to Finland. We spent a while there sunbathing and listening to the waves.
Thai restaurant ‘Galanga’, walking distance from the beach, served several vegan options including vegan sushi. We had a good lunch there and looked around town and the beach market, after which we walked to our next destination.
Vineyards of Chateau Valmy
About an hour’s walk away from Argelès beach, you will find these vineyards and prominent chateau. We walked all the way but you can also take a cab. Once you reach you can go to the reception and pick a map of the vineyards and start your own free tour! The staff was helpful and happy to tell us about the wines and grapes. There’s birds, fancy gardens and a good view of the sea. Recommended!
Exploring nearby towns
We borrowed the mountain bikes from Studio Vert and went exploring! Downhill ride and you’ll come across the nearby communes of Villelongue-dels-Monts and Laroque-des-Albères. Take a mini pilgrimage to the Priory of Santa Maria del Vilar, a medieval church – worth the hike up!
Another sight you won’t miss if you stayed at Studio Vert is the Castle of Laroque. Bike or hike up. Again, some nice views from there!
Perpignan
We had some time in the lovely medieval city of Perpignan, the ‘capital’ of the Catalonia region, before we took the bus back to Barcelona. Andrea and Aline dropped us off and recommended restaurant Frida’s. This Frida Kahlo inspired vegan restaurant in Perpignan was a gem. The dishes were flavourful, and the chef presented them himself.
Before boarding the bus, we grabbed a coffee from Coffee Mood café in Perpignan. There were possibilities to do much more, like hike along the coastal towns, visit Collioure, take a day trip to Les Orgues d’ille-sur-Tet and the mountain train.. But we had to leave that for the next time. Check out an example itinerary for yourself on Studio Vert’s blog.
One thing is for sure – we’ll be going back! This region was simply beautiful, peaceful and charming. We recommend the Pyrénees Orientales, to anyone who would like a taste of France, Mediterranean beaches, the Pyrenees itself.
And for a brilliant and relaxing and stay, we highly recommend Studio Vert! Veganhaven 10/10!
Their website: Studio Vert & Instagram page: @studiovert66
Don’t forget to follow us @veganhaventravel!
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Our recommendations for dining + travel planning resources:
- Abillion – a vegan app with features like finding vegan dishes and products worldwide. Join with our invite code ‘VEGANHAVEN’. Add your own review of vegan dishes or products to raise $ for donation to animal sanctuaries.
- Booking.com* – we mainly use booking.com to book accommodations around the world! It’s a great, reliable resource to find plenty of hotels or apartments worldwide. Book your next stay through links on our pages!
- Veggie Hotels – a website through which you can find and book veggie friendly accommodation around the world. There are so many amazing hotels listed here!
- SkyScanner – useful for finding the best flight route and flight combinations for travels! I always check flights on Skyscanner for planning our journey.
- GetYourGuide* – a leading travel platform for booking tours, guided sightseeing and adventure activities at a destination. Search their online marketplace and find one to suit you!
*affiliate link
Last updated on August 22nd, 2024
Great post! This trip sounds like something my family would love. Lately, we are obsessed with nature walks and of course always fans of vegan food!
Thanks:) This would be the trip for you then!