Villa La Cerisaie, Ceret.

Description for Gite

This villa features a laundry room equipped with an additional American-style fridge, freezer, washing machine, and sinks. There is also a shower and washroom on the ground floor. On the first floor, you will find four double bedrooms, two of which have large carved Catalonian double beds. One of the bedrooms has 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 versatility. A cot and high chair are also available. Additionally, there is a fully equipped bathroom with a separate toilet on this floor. The first floor opens up to a spacious solarium/terrace with a beautiful view 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 next to the pool. The entire villa offers complete privacy and tranquility. Whether you're looking to rent the entire villa or just want bed and breakfast accommodations, we can accommodate your needs. Staff service is available on-site if required.

Ceret is a charming town with a mild climate, featuring hot and dry weather from June to September, and mild temperatures from October to May. You can even enjoy sitting on the terrace in the warm winter sunshine. The region boasts between 300 to 320 days of sunshine each year. Ceret is renowned for its modern art scene, having been home to famous artists such as Picasso, Matisse, Braque, Dufy, and Soutine in the early 20th century. The town is now a hub for present-day artists and houses an impressive collection of their works in the museum of modern art. Every year, a prestigious art exhibition takes place in Ceret. The town also hosts a popular Saturday market and various special events throughout the year, including the holy week parade, spring cherry festival, and a three-day Feria in July, which attracts enthusiasts from Catalonia and France who come to enjoy food, drink, music, and dancing in the streets all night long. Other annual events include the Sardane dance festival and Mediterranean Music Nights. Ceret is famous for its mimosa and cherries, with the first cherries traditionally sent to the President of the Republic.

In the surrounding area, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. You can take walks along rural pistes through vineyards and up into the hills, with a winding footpath leading to the Ermitage de St. Ferreol, offering breathtaking views of the Mediterranean coastline. For more experienced hikers, there are ideal trails in the nearby foothills of the Pyrenees, clearly marked on IGN maps and on the ground. Mountain bikes are available for rent, and it is possible to drive to Canigou's summit and then hike to the peak. The region also offers a range of outdoor pursuits, such as kayaking, canoeing, canyoning, pot-holing, climbing, horse riding, trekking, sailing, fishing, golf, windsurfing, diving, and swimming.

If you're interested in cultural experiences, you can visit the trio of Dali museums in Figueres, Port Lligat, and Pubol in Spain. Medieval Girona is also worth exploring, as well as trendy Barcelona with its famous Gaudi architecture and lively Rambla. The northern Costa Brava offers a pleasant scenic drive, contrary to popular belief that it is filled with rowdy tourists and high-rise buildings. The Mediterranean resorts of Collioure (known for its art scene), Port Vendre (fishing), St Cyprien (golf), Argeles-sur-Mer (windsurfing), and Canet Plage (a sixties development) are all worth a visit. Additionally, the ancient cities of Perpignan, Carcassone, Narbonne, Beziers, and Montpellier are easily accessible by car. If you have time, a day trip to Andorra is also possible.

The area surrounding Ceret is steeped in history, starting from prehistoric times with remains from 450,000 years ago displayed in the Tautavel museum near Rivesaltes. The region also played a significant role in the Spanish Civil War and served as an escape route to Spain during World War II. The area has been inhabited by Phoenicians, Greeks, Visigoths, Moors, and Catalan and Spanish Kings throughout history. Romanesque churches with medieval frescoes showcase the development of new styles of church architecture. The region is also known for its Cathar strongholds, where the Cathars resisted the Royal and Papal armies before being defeated and burned. These strongholds are still impressive and open to visitors. The Templars were active in the area, and the alleged treasure at Rennes-le-Château remains a mystery to this day. In 1659, Louis XIV completed the conquest of the area, and his 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 can find large supermarkets, small shops, farms, and markets with excellent bread, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, and organic produce. There are numerous restaurants in Ceret and the surrounding area, serving Catalonian, French, and Spanish cuisine. From humble family-run establishments to Michelin-starred restaurants, you can indulge in a variety of culinary experiences. The region is known for its Roussillon wines, with Rivesaltes, Banyuls, and Muscat making excellent aperitifs. Spanish Cava, as well as the sparkling Blanquette and Cremant de Limoux, offer alternative options. Just across the border in Spain, there are even more wines to taste at affordable prices.