The Villa
The holiday villa is located in the southern French village of Villelongue-dels-Monts, south of Perpignan between the Mediterranean Sea and the Pyrenees, at the foot of the Albera Massif (‘Des Albères’) with stunning views across the countryside all the way to the sea.
The holiday villa is ideally located: between the mountains and the sea, in the border region between France and Spain, between sandy beaches and rocky coastlines, vineyards and mountain peaks, in the Roussillon region which is not only rich in cultural history but is also the warmest part of France. The village – with various restaurants, bars and shops as well as a small weekly market – is within walking distance, and numerous fascinating points of interest are just a short drive away.
The location of the villa makes it the ideal base for all types of holidays: whether a relaxed beach holiday, a trip to immerse yourself in art and culture (from Dali and Picasso to Matisse and Chagall) or a destination for all kinds of outdoor activities from hiking and mountain biking to rock climbing – the possibilities are endless. The region is known for its historical old towns, cathedrals, French and Spanish cuisine including top-class wines and fresh fish, as well as ports and marinas, mountain scenery, gorges, castles, abbeys and even the warm springs of the 2,785 m high ‘Pic du Canigou’ – the second-highest peak in the Pyrenees.
Sports such as swimming, cycling, hiking and rock climbing are possible all year round. What better way to relax after a hike or bike ride than taking a dip in a lake or in your own pool? There’s so much to see and do in the region that you will be spoilt for choice!
The long stretches of sandy beaches at Argelès-Plage as well as the rocky coastline dotted with sandy coves between Collioure and Cerbère are within easy driving distance. For example, the beach at ‘Plage du Racou’ close to Argelès-Port is just 17 km (an 18-minute drive) away. But you can also enjoy views of the Mediterranean Sea from the comfort of the villa’s terraces and from the swimming pool in the garden. Just to the south of Argelès-sur-Mer, heading towards Spain, the coastline changes into the steep red cliffs of the Cote Vermeille (Vermilion Coast). Numerous rocky bays are waiting to be discovered in between the charming towns of Collioure, Port Vendres, Banyuls-sur-Mer and Cerbère.
Additionally, there are two large freshwater lakes in the local area. Lac de Villeneuve-de-la-Raho is 16 km away, around halfway along the route to Perpignan, and just past Boulou you can find Les Lacs de Saint Jean Pla de Corts (13 km away). Both lakes offer a wide range of facilities including sailing, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddling (SUP) and zip line. There are also various children’s playgrounds plus a good network of paths for walking, running or cycling.
The holiday home is the ideal starting point for numerous walking, cycling or rock climbing routes in the immediate vicinity. The Albera Massif offers a wide choice of marked routes for all levels of difficulty, plus it is an area of special ecological significance which is well on its way to being added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
The detached villa is situated in a cul-de-sac in a quiet residential area in the mountainous region of Villelongue dels Monts. It is just a 10-minute walk to the village centre, so you can buy fresh croissants and other daily groceries or visit a restaurant or bar without having to take the car.
The surroundings include some very beautiful and historic villages such as Laroque-des-Albères, Saint-Génis-des-Fontaines, Saint-André and Le Boulou, all within close driving distance of the villa. They offer many original restaurants, bars and cafés as well as shopping facilities, ranging from local bakeries and pastry shops to butchers and wine cooperatives. All the villages have market days during which you can buy fresh produce and other local specialities.
The big French supermarkets such as Carrefour in Laroque des Albéres, Intermarché in Soréde and Leclerq and Casino in Argelès, all with their incredible fresh fish, meat and cheese counters, are approximately 15 minutes away by car.