Villa La Cerisaie, Ceret.

Description for Gite

This villa offers a range of amenities for a comfortable stay. The laundry room includes an extra American style fridge, freezer, washing machine, and sinks. Additionally, there is a shower and washroom on the ground floor. Upstairs, you will find four double bedrooms, two of which have large carved Catalonian double beds. One bedroom features a French double bed. The children's room is equipped with four bunk beds and a single bed, along with a visitor's bed that can be placed in any room for added flexibility. A cot and high chair are also available. On this floor, there is a fully equipped bathroom with a separate toilet. The first floor opens up to a spacious solarium/terrace with stunning views of Mount Canigou, the pool, and the gardens below. The outdoor area features a summer BBQ and kitchen area, as well as additional terraces and a summer house next to the pool. 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 preference. Additionally, staff services are available on-site if needed.

Located in Ceret, this area boasts a mild climate with hot and dry summers from June to September, and mild temperatures from October to May. You can enjoy sitting on the terrace in warm winter sunshine. The region receives between 300 to 320 days of annual sunshine. Ceret is renowned for its modern art scene, having been home to artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Dufy, and Soutine in the early 20th century. The museum of modern art houses a splendid collection of their works, and a prestigious art exhibition is held every year. Ceret also has a popular Saturday market and hosts various special events throughout the year, including parades, festivals, and music nights.

In addition to the attractions in Ceret, the surrounding region offers plenty of outdoor activities. You can explore rural paths through vineyards and hills, with the Ermitage de St. Ferreol providing breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline. There are marked hiking trails in the nearby Pyrenees foothills, and mountain bikes are available for rent. Other outdoor pursuits include kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, pot holing, climbing, horse riding, trekking, sailing, fishing, golf, windsurfing, diving, and swimming.

For those interested in cultural experiences, a visit to the trio of Dali museums in Figueres, Port Lligat, and Pubol in Spain is highly recommended. The medieval city of Girona, the vibrant city of Barcelona with its Gaudi architecture, and the scenic drive along the northern Costa Brava are also worth exploring. Nearby Mediterranean resorts such as Collioure, Port Vendre, St Cyprien, Argeles-sur-Mer, and Canet Plage offer unique attractions such as art, fishing, golf, windsurfing, and modern developments. Historic cities like Perpignan, Carcassone, Narbonne, Beziers, and Montpellier are easily accessible by car, and a day trip to Andorra is possible.

The region is rich in history, from prehistoric settlements to the impact of the Spanish Civil War. The area was also influenced by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, Moors, and Catalan and Spanish rulers. Romanesque churches with medieval frescoes showcase the development of church architecture styles. The Cathars, a heretical group, put up resistance against various armies before being defeated and burned in their Pyrenean strongholds. The Templars were also active in the region, and the alleged treasure at Rennes-le-Château remains a mystery. The area's history is further exemplified by the fortifications built by Louis XIV's engineer architect Vauban, many of which are open to the public.

Food and drink options are plentiful 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 restaurants. Local wines, such as Rivesaltes, Banyuls, and Muscat, are highly recommended, and there are also sparkling wines like Spanish Cava or Blanquette and Cremant de Limoux to try. Just across the border in Spain, there is a wide selection of wines to sample at affordable prices.