Collioure

Part of the point of our return to the shores of Catalonia was so that my husband could indulge his current passion for open water swimming. He'd had a taster with a company called Culture Sport (tag line: Swim the Costa Brava) last year, and this year had made more elaborate plans... Namely three days over the border in France with guided swims each day, including one cross-border swim. This was our base for the time we were there, and setting for the first, introductory swim.

As is my way, I had my doubts about this leg of the trip, and whether there would be anything in it for me and the kids... I was happy to eat my words. It was an amazingly idyllic place to spend some time, and I am exceedingly grateful that I got chance to experience it.