Where is Roussillon? South-east France - next to the Med. Go there and enjoy some cycling!

Roussillon is a beautiful corner of France, sandwiched between the Mediterranean and the mountains. The main town is the intriguing old Catalan centre of Perpignan, and the area has miles of beautiful beaches. There are even more miles of quiet country lanes, and a gorgeous range of hills called the Albères which form the frontier with Spain. The area is ideal for cycling, with the added advantage that French drivers tend to be considerate to cyclists. The highest point of the Albères is called the Pic de Neulous 1,255 metres high. It's possible to cycle almost to the top from near Le Perthus. This twisting minor road gives stunning views of the Pic du Canigou in the Pyrenees, and there is a bar just before the summit with a glorious terrace where you can take a refreshing beer. April is a lovely month as there is often still snow on the distant peaks, and the blossom is in full colour. Autumn too has its own special colours. Freewheeling down again from the summit is pure bliss.

Another good cycle run is from Argelès Sur Mer along the winding coastal road to Port Bou in Spain. I have done this in January when there is no traffic at all, the brisk wind coming off the mountains making the sea very choppy to say the least. The cliffs and sea views are breathtaking. After a Spanish lunch in Port Bou you can return to Argelès via the mountain road passing the Tour (tower) de Madeloc if you have the energy! The tower is 656 metres above sea level and you can see along the coast for miles.

When I stay in this area I normally use the self-catering holiday flats called Le Mas de La Massane, quietly set in their own woodlands next to the river Massane, which flows down from the Albères. It's twenty kilometres south of Perpignan, about four kilometres out of Argelès Sur Mer on the road that goes to Sorède, and there are many possibilities for quiet cycling routes directly from the flats. The owners are very friendly – and are learning English. In summer there is a swimming pool for residents’ use. Sometimes it's possible to hire bicycles too, but I'm sure serious cyclists would be happier taking their own. Fly to Perpignan or Girona (Spain) – but remember if you hire a car at Girona airport some companies charge more for French insurance!

The owners can also meet guests off trains at Argelès Sur Mer station by prior arrangement. See www.voyages-sncf.com for information about French trains.

The flats are in a beautiful location and are very peaceful. I would recommend them. See www.gites2lamassane.com.