Explore your living choices in the South of France

Thuir is the main town of the Aspres and one nicest of the large old towns of the department. It has a gentile atmosphere in its old streets which host several nice restaurants, cafés and shops, notably for ladies' clothing. On saturday morning it holds one of the most popular markets in the region. 

Among its attractions are a modern theatre hosting a year-round program of plays, musicals and concerts, and the Parc Palada, a beautiful botanical garden recently gifted to the public, which hosts a large music and cinema event - Peliculive - in October. 

Caves Byrrh is the main tourist attraction. A vast producer of wine-based drinks housing the largest oak barrel in the world. It is now also home to a major sommelier school which offers fodd and wine courses to the public as well as students. 

As well as the thriving town centre food shops, including an award-winning butcher, a fabulous cheese-monger, a fishmonger and several patisseries, there is a large commercial centre opposite the sports ground as well as two other supermarkets.

Thuir has a semi-professional rugby team as well as football clubs for both girls and boys. Lying between the sprotds ground and the municipal swimming pool (summer only) is a great skate-park and active tennis club. 

The Aspres region is popular for hiking, mountain-biking, road-cycling and equestrian pursuits. There are dozens of trails leading into the hills, where old chapels, castles and dolmens await your discovery. 

 

Thuir is a justifiably popular choice for both French and expats who are looking for a thriving and attractive yet peaceful town, well-located for travel to all areas of the Pyrenees-Orientales and with easy access to the countryside. The only thing that lets it down is the limited public transport, especially because the nearest Lycée is in Perpignan.