Villa La Cerisaie, Ceret.

Description for Gite

This villa offers a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay. The laundry room is equipped with an extra American style fridge, freezer, washing machine, and sinks. Additionally, there is a shower and washroom on the ground floor. The first floor features four double bedrooms, two of which have large carved Catalonian double beds. One bedroom has a French double bed. The children's room includes four bunk beds and a single bed, with a visitors bed available for extra versatility. A cot and high chair are also provided. There is a fully equipped bathroom with a separate toilet on this floor. The first floor opens onto a spacious balustraded solarium/terrace with stunning views of Mount Canigou, the pool, and the gardens below. Outside, there is a summer BBQ and kitchen area, along with additional terracing and a summer house by the pool. The entire atmosphere of the villa offers complete privacy and tranquility. The villa can be rented as a whole or on a bed and breakfast basis, depending on your needs. Staff service is available on-site if required.

Ceret is a town with a pleasant climate, hot and dry from June to September, and mild from October to May. It receives between 300 to 320 days of sunshine annually. The town is renowned for its association with modern art, being home to artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Dufy, and Soutine in the early 20th century. The museum of modern art houses an impressive collection of their works, and an esteemed art exhibition is held every year. Ceret also boasts a popular Saturday market and hosts various special events throughout the year. These include the holy week parade, the spring cherry festival, and the three-day Feria in July, which attracts enthusiasts from Catalonia and France for a night of food, drink, music, and dancing in the streets. Other annual events include the Sardane dance festival and the Mediterranean Music Nights. Ceret is also known for its production of mimosa and cherries, with the latter traditionally sent to the President of the Republic.

The region offers plenty of outdoor activities. From Villa La Cerisaie, you can explore rural paths that wind through vineyards and into the hills. The Ermitage de St. Ferreol provides breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline and offers a place of tranquility. For more adventurous hikers, the nearby foothills of the Pyrenees offer ideal walking routes, clearly marked on maps and on the ground. Mountain bikes are available for hire, and it is possible to drive near the summit of Mount Canigou and then hike to the peak. The area also offers opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, pot holing, climbing, horse riding, trekking, sailing, fishing, golf, windsurfing, diving, and swimming.

In terms of cultural attractions, Spain is within reach, with notable destinations including the Dali museums at Figueres, Port Lligat, and Pubol. Medieval Girona is a revelation, while Barcelona showcases impressive Gaudi architecture and the vibrant atmosphere of Rambla. The northern Costa Brava surprises visitors with its pleasant scenic drive, dispelling any notions of lager louts and high-rise concrete blocks. The Mediterranean resorts of Collioure, Port Vendre, St Cyprien, Argeles-sur-Mer, and Canet Plage are all worth exploring. Closer to Ceret, ancient cities such as Perpignan, Carcassone, Narbonne, Beziers, and Montpellier are easily accessible. A day trip to Andorra is also possible.

The area surrounding Ceret is steeped in history, from prehistoric times to the Spanish Civil War and World War II. Phoenicians, Greeks, Hannibal, Visigoths, Moors, and Catalan and Spanish kings have all left their mark. Romanesque churches with medieval frescoes showcase the development of new architectural styles. The Cathars, known for their resistance against Simon de Montfort, are remembered in their Pyrenean strongholds, which can still be visited. The Templars also had a presence in the region, and the mystery of the alleged treasure at Rennes-le-Château continues to intrigue historians. The fortifications built by Louis XIV along the new borders are open to the public.

Food and drink options abound in the area, with large supermarkets, small shops, farms, and markets offering excellent bread, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and organic produce. Numerous restaurants serve Catalonian, French, and Spanish cuisine in Ceret and its surroundings, ranging from humble family-run establishments to Michelin-starred establishments. Roussillon wines are plentiful, and a Rivesaltes, Banyuls, or Muscat make for delightful aperitifs. Additionally, Spanish Cava and the sparkling Blanquette and Cremant de Limoux offer alternative options. Just across the border in Spain, there are numerous wine tasting opportunities at reasonable prices.