The area has been settled since prehistoric times, as the remains of Tautavel Man testify. This is France, but above all else it is Catalonia, as evidenced by the mix of languages used across the Franco-Spanish border. In this frontierland, the buildings speak of past times, of the counts of Roussillon, the kings of Majorca, the Catalans and Aragonese, and then the French. A unique identity has formed over centuries of co-habitation.
Argeles - sur-Mer - where I am living.This is my front yard, and my house!! modest, of course...The name Argeles comes from the Latin argilla meaning "clay".
The town is popular because of its beautiful beaches. the harbour is a dark souvenir from the Retirada, the tragic end of the Spanish Civil War. In 1939, after the fall of Barcelona to Franco's forces, an estimated 100,000 republican refugees, soldiers and civilans , were interned here in a makeshift camp.
Visiting the small towns in the area.....
COLLIOURE
This colourful little fortress town attracts huge crowds of tourists. It has been immortalized on canvas by painters like Derain,Braque,Mtisse, Picasso and Foujita.
It's many attractions include a fortified church,royal castle,seaside promenade, old streets with flower-bedecked balconies, outdoor cafes and inviting boutiques.
Small village close to Argeles. It is a comminity of 2,600. Glass blowing is a very significant part of their economy. Each year there is a glass blowing exhibition.
SAINT ANDRE
Beautiful church from 1030. The window, in sculpted white marble. The 4 evangelists 
and angels. 
CHAPELLE SAINT MARTIN DE FENOLLAR
The first written record of the church dates from 844, when it was mentioned as a possession of Arles Abbey. This fresco depicts the story of the Incarnation (the Annunciation, the Nativity, the Announcemnet to the shepherds and the Adoration of the Three Wise Men).
This is the most important painted decor in Roussillon. It's style resembles the works of aquitain and Languedoc. Because of the limited use of colours (which includes, blue,green and red), and its powerful expressiveness, it is an outstanding piece of work. Picasso and Braque were influenced by this chapel in 1910.
ELNE
Cathedral and Cloister of Saint Eulalie and Saint Julie.
It was built in 1065 - 1069. In 1285 during the Aragonase Crusade French troups sacked the town and massacred the people seeking refuge in the Cathedral.Elne had great regional importance in the 11th and 12th centuries.
The Cloisters are a perfect example of Romanesque Architecture. The marble was acquired from Ceret, a small town not too far from Elne. 
Etienne Terrus
Painter 1857-1922. Catalan painter. Was considered one of the precursor to the Fauve "wild beast" movement that was credited to Matisse.
He was a contemporary to Matissse,Andre Derain, and George-Daniel de Monfreid.
MATERNITE SUISSE D'ELNE
Elisabeth Eidenbenz (Swiss - 1913-2011) visited the South of France in 1937, and was appalled by the conditions of the women prisoners , and especially the pregnant women.
She was the daugher of a Zurich pastor, and rturned to Franch in 1938. 
She found an abandoned chateau that had been owned by the Bardou-Job dynasty, who created the "Le Nil" cigarette papers. 
She returned to Switzerland, and raised the money to purchase the chateau. 
She converted it into a maternity home. It opened in 1939 and the first child was born 2 days later - Marco. It operated from 1939-1944. 
She saved 600 infants during that time - 400 Spaniards, and 200 Jews. Pablo Casals, a world famous cellist, visited the Maternity, and gave money to the home.
Elisabeth died at 97 years in 2011, and received the highest honors from France, Spain and Catalonia for her bravery. 
SAINT GENIS des FONTAINES
Small village of 3,000 people in the foothills of the Alberes between the mountains and the Mediterranean. 
The Church of St Michael was built in 8th Century. The lintel is Romanesque white marble 1019-1020 is the oldest Romanesque sculpture. 
It dipicts Christ in Majesty. The Cloister, from the 13th Century was a home to the Benedictines dedicated to St. Michael and a reminder of its monastic past.
