Les Mimosas, Ceret, French Catalonia

This four-bedroom villa sits in a quiet spot in Céret, a charming and authentic medieval town in south-west France in the foothills of the Pyrenees close to Mediterranean. There are limitless walks and cycle routes around and the villa is close to the sandy beaches of the Cote Vermeille, Collioure, Cathar castles, and the Spanish border. Ceret is set the biggest wine growing area in France and offers rich culinary delights as well as numerous wine tasking opportunities.

The villa sleeps six, with two double bedrooms and one twin bedroom upstairs, plus a separate downstairs bed-sitting room/flat with twin beds and its own shower room and WC. Outside, there is an 8m x 5m swimming pool with a terraced sunbathing area, a large lawn and three separate dining areas, including a covered area with barbecue. The garden backs onto protected woodland, keeping it secluded, while the centre of Céret is only a short walk away.

Inside, there is a large lounge and dining area, a recently refurbished kitchen with large fridge freezer, hob, oven, microwave and dishwasher, and an upstairs bathroom with a bath and walk-in shower. The main bedroom has a south-facing balcony with views towards the mountains and coast.

🇫🇷 Céret, Perpignan, Collioure and the Mediterranean coast

🇪🇸 Close to Spain: Figueres Girona, Barcelona; Costa Brava 
🍷 vineyards
🏖️ Mediterranean beaches

🚴🏻‍♀️ Family cycle routes to coast and through vineyard; mountain routes for the more adventurous 🚶🏻 Walks: from strolls through cherry orchards to challenging hikes through Pyrenees and into Spain

⛷️Winter ski resorts of Font Romeu and Les Angles 1.5hrs drive

Ceret itself is a real part of the appeal. The villa is a short walk from the town centre, with its cafés, restaurants and famous weekly market that draws people from far afield. The town is famous for its art museum and many famous artists including Picasso and Matisse have lived here inspired by the views and quality of light. Beyond Céret, guests can explore Collioure and other resorts of the Côte Vermeille, and enjoy walking or cycling for all ages and abilities, through cherry orchards and vineyards, or into the Pyrenees. 

Nearby lakes offer water skiing and an adventure playground with treetop walks for young children and teenagers.

The Spanish border is ten minutes by car for visiting cities like Figueres, Girona and Barcelona and the Costa Brava. 

Getting there: By air: Easy access from several nearby airports (Perpignan 25 mins; Girona 45 mins; Beziers 1hr) .Fly to Perpignan, collect your hire car and you will be beside the pool in 40 minutes. Multiple car hire firms at Perpignan and other airports. But car not essential as regular shuttle link from Perpignan airport to bus station, where regular bus between Ceret-Perpignan. Also  multiple taxi services available at airport.

Driving from UK: 10-12 hours from Calais by motorways depending on stops. Ceret is only five minutes from junction 43 on A9.