Give Me 5 – Things to do in October

Go to the theatre – Perpignan’s brand new Théâtre de l’Archipel is being inaugurated this month and the 2011-2012 season has a lot to offer even if your French isn’t up to following a play. The programme includes music concerts in a variety of genres, circus, dance and some theatre productions especially for children. The building itself is worth a look if you haven’t seen it - a collection of 6 buildings including a giant bright red bubble, a golden tower and a red tower inscribed with sayings in Catalan. Love it or hate it, it’s great to see Perpignan investing in the arts and statement buildings.

Climb Canigou – before the snow falls is the perfect time to go up the peak – I just did it myself. Easy it is not, but the sense of achievement is worth the effort! There are two ways up – from the Hostal de Cortalets or the Hostal de Mariailles – if you’re a novice I’d suggest the 4 hour round trip from the former, rather than the 10 hour round trip from the latter! You’ll need to do some careful research on weather conditions, which can change rapidly up there, and make sure you are well equipped with walking gear, provisions, map, compass and a 4x4 to get up to both hostels.

Try the vins primeurs – the vins primeurs of the Pyrénées-Orientales are the first wines to be produced from the year’s grape harvest in the whole of France. The Fête des vins primeurs is a yearly event in Perpignan’s calendar and takes place this year on Thursday 20^th October from 6pm onwards. Meet the winemakers, sample their offerings and generally have a fun time roaming the streets of Perpignan in a wine-induced haze of goodwill. Don’t forget your designated non-drinking driver!

Discover your inner child at the fair – Perpignan’s annual Foire Saint Martin arrives on 29^th October and takes over the site opposite the Palais des Expositions for a whole month. There will be all the usual fun fair razzamatazz to enjoy with dozens of rides, shooting galleries and eateries offering fun-fairy treats. If you’ve got children, look out for the half-price Wednesdays in November.

Jazz it up –  check out Jazzèbre – the region’s annual music festival which runs until 16^th October 2011. This month there are events in Prades, Ille sur Têt and Leucate as well as at the new theatre in Perpignan. The festival wraps up with an open-air musical picnic on the beach in Collioure. See www.jazzebre.com for further information.