A HANDFUL of towns cluster round the point where the Pyrénées plunge into the Mediterranean, on the south-east edge of France. This is Catalan country, with the reach of this vibrant culture stretching out from its Barcelona heartland to span the French-Spanish border, creating a unique atmosphere in the small seaside communities that make up the Pyrénées-Orientales.

Less than ten miles from the Spanish border sits Port Vendres, a charming town that plays second fiddle to its more popular – and therefore, busier – neighbour Collioure.

Port Vendres, just a couple of miles down the coast, is smaller and less hectic. However, it does have its own special artistic legacy, and this is something that should have particular interest for visiting Scots, as it is the town where Charles Rennie Mackintosh, architect, designer and painter, spent his final working years.

First published in Scotland on Sunday. Read the full article here