Villa in Maureillas-Las Illas,near Ceret, Pyrenees Orientales, Languedoc-Roussillon, France - The Villa Lies In A Wild Area, Sunny And Peaceful All Year Long And Yet, Not Far From The Coast Etc.
The stone house lies in a wild countryside of meadows and forests of chestnut trees and evergreen oaks. Perched on a high hill, it has magnificent views of the mountains to the South and West and is always bathed in sunshine. In the adjacent village of La VAJOL( 5mns , drive from the house), there are three restaurants and a small groceries. A road leads into Spain where you can visit the little picturesque villages at a radius of 5 to 6 kms. The beaches (both French and Spanish) are 45mns. drive away.The house offers all the peace of the hills and yet, is only 20mns. drive from the towns of Maureillas in France and La Junquera in Spain. Thus, you can enjoy exploring 2 different countries and visit both the Museum of Modern Art in Ceret and the Museum of Salvador Dali in Figueras. Two major hiking trails go through Las Illas, following the Pyrenees from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean by well marked paths (GR 10 and GR 11) It is ideal for walkers and lovers of Nature.
The recent ability to reach Barcelona by TGV stations of Perpignan and Figueras gives an advantage to the Region.
Ground floor: A room of 15m2 with a double bed (140), a room of 11m2 with a double bed 140 cm wide,and a room of 21m2 with 2 single beds 90 (possibility of a 3rd bed), a bathroom, separate WC, utility room (laundry etc..)
.Independant access from outside (ground level) and inner stairs to the first floor .
On the 1st floor: sittingroom (36m2), american kitchen (10ms square), a room of 13m2, a bathroom with a large bath, and separate toilets.
In the attic : a large games room (40 m2) with an American billiard, sofa, armchairs, a card table.
GROUNDS 1. 5 Hectare, a swimming pool of 10 by 4 meters, private parking ( 3 cars)
Coast/Beach:
A wide variety of beaches, from tiny coves along the rocky coast to modern resorts with water slides and games ...Collioure, Cadaques and Port-Vendres are famous for fish restaurants, wines, anchovies and artists' studios and exhibitions .Large sandy beaches can be found in Argelès (France), or Rosas (Spain).
Fresh water swimming and boating may be found on the lakes of Boadella or St Jean-Pla-de-Corts.
Travel:
Cars are essential and can be hired at the airport. The nearest airport is Perpignan : 41kms .
Distances:
Céret : 19kms ; Argelès : 32kms ; Le Boulou : 12kms ; StJean-Pla-de-Corts :17kms ; Amélie-les-Bains : 29kms ; Perpignan : 41kms ; Figuères : 41kms ; Cadaqués :73kms ; Gerona : 75kms ; Barcelone : 170kms .
Further Details:
This part of Catalunya is famous for its thermal springs and spas, such as the ones in Le Boulou, Amèlie-les Bains or La Preste (France), which welcome and cure people from all over Europe .
It is also renowned for its vineyards and its delicious wines : Côtes du Roussillon, Maury, Corbières, Banyuls, Rivesaltes and many others...that you will have the pleasure to discover in the many wineries or "caves" of small typical villages .
You must not miss the very lively local markets (the nearest, in Céret takes place on Saturdays; in Figueras, on Thursdays), where local producers sell their cheeses, honey, jams, anchovies, ham and saucissons,organic fruit and vegetable and other local products . Local fishermen also sell their fish, shellfish, oysters of the day in Port-Vendres or StCyprien .
Catalunya is a gastronomic paradise where you can match local dishes and wines in the many great restaurants both in Spain and France . We can give you all the information about the best restaurants known only by the locals .
Café society is vibrant in Ceret, focusing on Bar Pablo (Picasso), where it is wonderful to sit under the centuries old plane trees, with the locals and have a beer or coffee and watch the world go by. The area is also a haven for wildlife and especially birds like pink flamingos in the coastal lakes, eagles, owls, woodpeckers and hoopoes in the garden. The coastal strip is great for migrating birds of all sorts. The area has fantastic walks - in the hills, along the coastal paths, around lakes, past prehistoric dolmens, Roman churches and through vineyards. The area is known for it's special light which has attracted many artists over the years, Ceret houses some of Picasso's works in it's Museum of Modern Art andthe Dali's Museum is in Figueras. Collioure has it's Artist's Trail, so that you can walk in the footsteps of Matisse, Dufy, Derain, Matisse and others . .
