Villa La Cerisaie, Ceret.

Description for Gite

Welcome to our villa in Ceret! The property features a laundry room equipped with an additional American-style fridge, freezer, washing machine, and sinks. There is also a convenient shower and washroom on the ground floor. Moving to the first floor, you will find four spacious double bedrooms, two of which have large carved Catalonian double beds. Another bedroom offers a French double bed. The children's room is furnished with four bunk beds and a single bed, along with a visitor's bed that can be used in any room for added flexibility. We also provide a cot and high chair for families traveling with little ones. The first floor also boasts a fully equipped bathroom with a separate toilet. Opening onto a large balustraded solarium/terrace, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Canigou, the pool, and the beautiful gardens below. Outside, there is a summer BBQ and kitchen area, as well as additional terracing and a summer house next to the pool, providing the perfect setting for outdoor dining and relaxation. Our villa offers complete privacy and tranquility. Whether you prefer to rent the entire villa or opt for a bed and breakfast arrangement, we can accommodate your needs. Our staff is also available on-site if you require any assistance.

Ceret is known for its mild climate, with hot and dry summers from June to September and mild temperatures from October to May. Even during the winter months, you can enjoy lunch on the terrace basking in the warm sunshine. With approximately 300 to 320 days of annual sunshine, this region is a true haven for sun-lovers. Ceret is a hub for modern art, having been a residence and workplace for renowned artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Dufy, and Soutine in the early 20th century. The town is home to a splendid collection of their works, which are displayed in the museum of modern art. Additionally, a prestigious art exhibition is held here every year. Ceret hosts a popular Saturday market and numerous special events throughout the year, including the holy week parade, spring cherry festival, and a three-day popular Feria in July. The town also organizes Mediterranean Music Nights in early Autumn, as well as smaller festivities like lace making. Ceret is famous for its mimosa and cherries, with the first cherries traditionally sent to the President of the Republic.

The region offers plenty of outdoor activities. From Villa La Cerisaie, you can embark on scenic walks through vineyards and hills, following rural pistes. A winding footpath leads to the Ermitage de St. Ferreol, which offers panoramic views of the Mediterranean coastline. The chapel on the premises, dating back to the 13th century, is open to the public and provides a serene and peaceful atmosphere. For more avid hikers, the nearby foothills of the Pyrenees offer ideal trails marked by Grande Randonnee (GRC) paths. Mountain bikes are also available for rent. If you're up for a challenge, you can drive close to the summit of Mount Canigou and then hike to the peak. The area also offers a range of outdoor activities, including kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, pot holing, climbing, horse riding, trekking, sailing, fishing, golfing, windsurfing, diving, and swimming.

When it comes to cultural experiences, a visit to the trio of Dali museums in Figueres, Port Lligat, and Pubol in Spain is a must. The medieval city of Girona is a revelation, while trendy Barcelona with its iconic Gaudi architecture and bustling Rambla is full of excitement. The northern Costa Brava surprises visitors with its pleasant scenic drive, dispelling any misconceptions about it being filled with lager louts and high-rise buildings. Don't miss the Mediterranean resorts of Collioure (known for its art), Port Vendre (fishing), St Cyprien (golf), Argeles-sur-Mer (windsurfing), and Canet Plage (a new sixties development). Within easy driving distance, you can explore the ancient cities of Perpignan, Carcassone, Narbonne, Beziers, and Montpellier. If you have time, a day trip to Andorra is also possible.

The region surrounding Ceret is steeped in history. From prehistoric man to the Spanish Civil War and the escape routes used by the Allies during World War II, you can delve into a rich tapestry of stories. The area witnessed the founding of colonies by the Phoenicians and Greeks in the 4th century B.C. Hannibal crossed the Pyrenees nearby in 218 B.C., and the road from Rome to Cadiz, built around 10 A.D., can still be seen in Le Perthus. The Visigoths, Moors, Catalan and Spanish Kings, and even the Cathars have all left their mark here. Romanesque churches with medieval frescoes showcase the development of new architectural styles. The Pyrenean strongholds of the Cathars, where they were ultimately defeated and burned, are still impressive and open for visitation. The region also has ties to the Knights Templar, and the alleged treasure at Rennes-le-Château remains an intriguing mystery. In 1659, Louis XIV completed the conquest of the area, and his brilliant engineer architect Vauban constructed fortifications along the new borders, many of which are open to the public.

When it comes to food and drink, the area offers a wide range of options. You'll find large supermarkets, small shops, farms, and markets with excellent bread, cheeses, fruit, vegetables, and organic produce. The region is home to a variety of restaurants serving Catalan, French, and Spanish cuisine, catering to all tastes and budgets. Roussillon wines are plentiful, and a good Rivesaltes, Banyuls, or Muscat makes for a delightful aperitif. Alternatively, you can try Spanish Cava or the sparkling Blanquette and Cremant de Limoux. Just across the border in Spain, there is a plethora of wines to taste at affordable prices.