Located between Narbonne and Perpignan, in the heart of French Catalonia, hides this outstanding African Safari Park. The promotional material is naff, and it is approached via an unpromising dusty side road, but once inside the African adventure begins immediately (directly above where we parked our car there were pelicans nesting). The park is split into two sections, the first to explore on foot, where the favourites were elephants, chimpanzees, giraffes, and alligators. Some seen up close, and others through use of telescopes dotted around the park, as the size of some enclosures are vast. The second, and potentially more exciting section is the series of enclosures accessed by car. Rhinos, zebra, bears, and the stars of the show, the lions, can be seen up close and (almost too) personal. Beware of the ostriches! The whole family agreed that this was the best day of the holiday last summer.
www.reserveafricainesigean.fr
Nearest station Narbonne (15km)
The trip takes about 3 ½-4 hours; €26 adults/€20 children.
Google map: tinyurl.com/3yg8mpp
La Clape wines from around Narbonne are a little-known but wonderful find. Buy from the roadside, or the local caves.
Our favourites are from Chateau Ricardelle, between Narbonne and Gruissan. We stayed there on our honeymoon, and been back to the area many times.
Rent an apartment from the owners - Homelidays has been very good for us, not a duff holiday.
www.chateau-ricardelle.com/
www.homelidays.com/EN-Holidays-Rental/100_Home/Home.asp
Send your feedback or queries to been.there@guardian.co.uk
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