villa in Amélie les Bains

A lovely restored 19th century Catalan farmhouse on the banks of the river Terme, located in a mountain setting of oak forests in the foothills of the Pyrennes, and just 11km from Amélie les Bains. The immediate area, known as the Vallespir Valley (the “green lungs” of the Pyrenees Oriental region for the locals) is at the foot of the emblematic mountain of Canigou offering spectacular mountain scenery and small, pretty towns. There are three self-contained rustic “gites” with all the modern conveniences, and all with there own entrance and outdoor spaces. Over the past few years the Mas has been carefully restored to retain the original features (where possible) of exposed stone walls and wooden ceilings. La Pasaelle features a walled garden area with barecue and views overlooking the river. This lodging has a no smoking policy.

La Pasarelle islocated in the located in the lower wing of the main house and was originally used as a guest house during the hunting season. It features a living room/ dining-room with fireplace and an open plan kitchen equipped with oven, fridge/ freezer and dishwasher. There is a double bedroom and two twin bedrooms. Shower room where you will also find the washing machine. Central heating.

This area is ideal for people interested in hill walking or mountain biking as the Valley offers some of the best scenery in Northern Catalonia. The Vallespir valley from Céret to Col d’Ares offers many interesting sites worth a visit such as the “Gorges de la Fou” a gorge 150m high, 1500m long and as little as 1m wide. The town of Prats de Mollo with fort Lagarde dating from 1677 and built by the famous military architect Vauban is also worth a visit.

Nearby Céret, the provincial capital is a delightful old world town with a modern art museum which features works by Picasso, who lived there for several years. The town also has a colourful weekly Saturday market. Perpignan, the “Department” capital was the seat of the kings of Majorca and Aragon and boasts many fine public buildings including the Royal Palaca and the Castillet. The roof of the railway station, painted by Salvador Dalí is a must. Within easy reach are the Mediterranean beaches and the beautiful Collioure, where the Spanish poet Antonio Machado is buried.