Villa La Cerisaie, Ceret.

Description for Gite

This property offers a range of amenities, including a laundry room 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 consists of four double bedrooms, two of which feature large carved Catalonian double beds. One of the bedrooms has a French double bed. The children's room includes four bunk beds and a single bed with a visitors bed beneath, providing extra versatility if needed. A cot and high chair are also available. There is a fully equipped bathroom with a separate toilet on this floor. The first floor opens onto a spacious solarium/terrace with stunning views of Mount Canigou, the pool, and the gardens below. Outside, there is a summer BBQ and kitchen area, as well as additional terracing and a summer house adjacent to the pool. The entire property offers complete privacy and tranquility. Whether you are looking to rent the whole villa or prefer a bed and breakfast option, both are available according to your needs. Staff service is also available on-site if required.

Ceret is a delightful town with a mild climate, characterized by hot and dry weather from June to September, and mild temperatures from October to May. You can even enjoy sitting on the terrace and basking in the warm winter sunshine. With approximately 300 to 320 days of sunshine annually, Ceret is a haven for artists. Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Dufy, and Soutine lived and worked here in the early 20th century, and their works are now showcased in the town's museum of modern art. Every year, Ceret hosts a prestigious art exhibition. The town is also known for its popular Saturday market and various special events throughout the year. These events include the holy week parade, the spring cherry festival, and the three-day Feria in July, which attracts people from Catalonia and France for food, drinks, music, and dancing in the streets all night long. Other events include the annual Sardane dance festival and Mediterranean Music Nights in early Autumn. Ceret is famous for its production of mimosa and cherries, with the first cherries traditionally sent to the President of the Republic.

In addition to the attractions in Ceret, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy in the region. From Villa La Cerisaie, you can embark on walks along rural paths through vineyards and up into the hills. A winding footpath leads to the Ermitage de St. Ferreol, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline. For more experienced hikers, higher walks in the nearby foothills of the Pyrenees are available, with clearly marked paths. Mountain bikes can be rented for those who prefer cycling. If you're feeling adventurous, there are activities such as kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, rock climbing, horse riding, trekking, sailing, fishing, golfing, windsurfing, diving, and swimming.

For cultural experiences, you can explore nearby attractions in Spain, such as the Dali museums in Figueres, Port Lligat, and Pubol. The medieval city of Girona is also worth a visit, as well as trendy Barcelona with its Gaudi architecture and famous Rambla. The northern Costa Brava offers scenic drives and is far from the stereotypical image of lager louts and high-rise concrete buildings. The Mediterranean resorts of Collioure, Port Vendre, St Cyprien, Argeles-sur-Mer, and Canet Plage are all worth exploring. Within easy driving distance, you can visit the ancient cities of Perpignan, Carcassone, Narbonne, Beziers, and Montpellier. If you're up for a day trip, Andorra is also possible to visit.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the rich historical background of the region. From prehistoric remains in the Tautavel museum to the Spanish Civil War and the allies' escape routes during World War II, this area has seen significant historical events. The Phoenicians and Greeks founded colonies here in the 4th century BC, and even Hannibal himself crossed the Pyrenees nearby. Romanesque churches with medieval frescoes showcase the development of new architectural styles. The Cathars, a heretical group, resisted the forces of Simon de Montfort and were eventually defeated. Their strongholds, which can still be visited, are impressive reminders of their history. The Templars were also active in the region, and the alleged treasure at Rennes-le-Château remains a mystery to this day. The fortifications built by Louis XIV along the new borders are open to the public.

Food and drink enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy in the area. There are supermarkets, small shops, farms, and markets offering excellent bread, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and organic produce. Numerous restaurants in Ceret and the surrounding area serve Catalonian, French, and Spanish cuisine, ranging from family-run establishments to Michelin-starred establishments. The region is known for its Roussillon wines, and a glass of Rivesaltes, Banyuls, or Muscat makes for a wonderful aperitif. Alternatively, you can try Spanish Cava or the sparkling Blanquette and Cremant de Limoux. Across the border in Spain, there is a wide selection of wines to taste at affordable prices.