AN AIR link between Southampton and one of the most beautiful parts of south-east France is up and running again.

Low-cost carrier Flybe reinstated the service to sun-drenched, historic Perpignan following a successful first summer season.

The cultural capital of the Roussillon region nestles between the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean close to the Spanish border.

Using a 97-seat BAe 146 aircraft and taking just under three hours, the service operates on weekends, Tuesdays and Thursdays, with tickets at £49 each way.

In celebration of the connection, three top chefs were flown in to cook a culinary feast at La Parisienne restaurant in High Street, Southampton.

Guests from both regions enjoyed dishes like Catalan lamb with artichoke stuffing and oven-baked sea bream with garlic mussels.

To find out more about Perpignan, go to: www.cg66.fr