The Kipling Centenary 2011 - Vernet-les-Bains, Pyrénées-Orientales

Vernet-les-Bains in the Pyrénées-Orientales has a long association with the English writer Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book. Kipling stayed in Vernet-les-Bains in 1910, 1911 and 1914.

This year the town are planning more than 50 events between March & October to celebrate the centenary of Kipling's visits to the town.

Click here for a programme of events and here for information from the Vernet-les-Bains tourist office.

Vernet-les-Bains is a beautiful mountain village, famous for its thermal spas. It is situated at an altitude of 650 metres (about 2,000 feet) in the Pyrénées-Orientales department of France, 50km from Perpignan. I'm reading: The Kipling Centenary 2011 - Vernet-les-Bains, Pyrénées-OrientalesTweet this!

Temps de Flor festival in Girona

From 7th to 15th May 2011

For nine days in May the city of Girona covers itself in flowers during the 'Temps de Flors' festival.

First held more than 50 years ago, this festival has grown from a small flower show to become a major event for the city of Girona. Huge numbers will visit Girona's old city to enjoy the displays and decorations garnishing the historic streets and buildings.

For further information on the Girona Festival of Flowers, visit the Temps de Flors website. I'm reading: Temps de Flor festival in GironaTweet this!

La Diada de Sant Jordi (St Georges day) in Catalonia

La Diada de Sant Jordi (St Georges day), also known as el dia de la rosa (The Day of the Rose) or el dia del llibre (The Day of the Book) is a Catalan holiday held on 23 April, with similarities to Valentine's Day.

Historically, men gave women roses, and women gave men a book to celebrate the occasion. Expect to see lots of roses, books, catalan flags on display and the sardana (national dance of Catalonia) being performed in Barcelona, Girona & Perpignan this weekend. I'm reading: La Diada de Sant Jordi (St Georges day) in CataloniaTweet this!

Foire Expo Perpignan 2011

April 21st - 15th 2011

The Parc des Expositions de Perpignan (map here) is hosting Perpignan's biggest economic exhibition of the year this weekend - Foire Expo.

More than three hundred exhibitors will display their wares on site. Whether you're looking for a house, motorbike, camper van, swimming pool or just a good bottle of wine you're sure to find it at Foire Expo Perpignan!

There is also free entertainment for children on site. More info at the Perpignan Tourist Office website. I'm reading: Foire Expo Perpignan 2011Tweet this!

La procession de la Sanch - Perpignan

Friday April 22nd 2011, 15h00 - 18h00.

Impressive, atmospheric, and a little frightening, the long black and red hooded and robed figures of the Procession de la Sanch march slowly through the streets of Perpignan to the solemn beat of black veiled tambourines.

The Procession de la Sanch, takes place every ’Vendredi Saint’, (Good Friday), marking the start of Easter celebrations in Perpignan - more details at Anglophone-Direct.com I'm reading: La procession de la Sanch - PerpignanTweet this!

Saint Jordi festival 2011 - Perpignan

14th - 30th April 2011

St. Jordi (George) is the patron saint of Catalonia and traditionally celebrations in Perpignan happen around St Georges day (23rd of April).

This year the city of Perpignan has a 2 week long festival of cultural & musical events to celebrate St Jordi - click here for details of the full programme of events from Le Site Catalan (French only).

According to the Catalan legend - If it rains on St Georges day there will be no cherrys ! I'm reading: Saint Jordi festival 2011 - PerpignanTweet this!

Good luck USAP (Perpignan) ! - Allez l'USAP !

Saturday 9th of April 2011

Perpignan rugby team (USAP) take on Jonny Wilkinson's Toulon in the Heineken Cup quarter final tomorrow at Barcelona.

The match is being held at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic, kick off at 16.00.

Frogbus departs from Parc Expos de Perpignan at 10.30am, returning after the match.

Frogbus would like to wish USAP every good luck ! Allez l'USAP ! I'm reading: Good luck USAP (Perpignan) ! - Allez l'USAP !Tweet this!

Jean Vigo Film Festival in Perpignan - Confrontation 2011

Thursday 21st April - Wednesday 27th April 2011

Institut Jean Vigo, Palais des congrès, Perpignan - map here

Every year, in April, the Jean Vigo Film Institute organises a film festival called Confrontation, one of Europe's major film industry events, which focuses on the relationship between history and cinema.

This year's theme is India's cinema. For further details & a programme of events click here to access the Institut Jean Vigo website. (French only) I'm reading: Jean Vigo Film Festival in Perpignan - Confrontation 2011Tweet this!

Reminder ! New Frogbus timetable in operation from Monday April 4th 2011

New Timetable Reminder !

Please note that a new timetable comes into effect on our Girona Airport - Le Boulou - Perpignan express airport service from Monday 4th April 2011.

Click here for details of the new timetable. I'm reading: Reminder ! New Frogbus timetable in operation from Monday April 4th 2011Tweet this!