Ceret hotel for holidays in South of France

Welcome to the La Chataigneraie Hotel Blog

January 12th, 2009

Welcome to our blog!

In the coming months and years we hope to give you a snapshot of our lives at our bed and breakfast hotel, La Chataigneraie and regular updates of things going on in our particular corner of paradise.

The sorts of things we will be posting include:

Happenings and characters at La Chataigneriae
Diary of the “Year in Roussillon”
Upcoming events and fairs in the region (Ceret de Toros)
Places to visit and things to see
Venues for dining and drinking
Features on local wineries, shops artists etc
Anything else that we can think of

We hope you find our blog interesting and informative – but most of all entertaining.

Kim on top of the world

Gill and Jim

Tags: horses
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CARNIVAL TIME IN CERET

March 6th, 2010

It’s Carnival Time again.

Avatar visits Ceret

Saturday 6th March and we saw the streets of Ceret transformed into a sea of sound and colour as the Carnival came to town.

Two colourful young ladies

Even Shrek called in!

Some great costumes

Going to a Ball?

Elvis is big in Ceret

The Sound of Music! Maria in the centre doesn't look very happy.

Colourful Ladies

Another happy face.

Tower Building

If you missed it, it will all be repeated on Saturday 13th March.

Until later

Jim

Tags: Ceret, entertainment
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ANIMALS OF THE PYRENEES

February 24th, 2010

I should like to mention some of the animals to be found on a journey through the Pyrenees. Some are a lot more difficult to find than others.

No, not these. You would have had to have been here 2200 years ago to see Hannibal pass by.

The Pyrenean Elephant is extremely rare, so much so that a complete ban on its hunting has been imposed. Consequently, you will no longer come upon that rare sight of an elephant hunting party in our region, or indeed the rest of the Pyrenees anymore. These elusive creatures have been observed over the years by a number of our guests returning to La Chataigneraie in the early hours of the morning after a good night out in Ceret. The strange coincidence is that most thought they were a little pink in appearance.

What you can see are:

Pyrenean Chamois of which there are about 5000; they live in herds of about 100 high in the Mountains.

Alpine Marmot.

Pyrenean Desman

Pyrenean Brown Bear

Brown Bear

Red Squirrel

Wildboar

Pine Martin

Red Fox

Badger

Otter

Stoat

Weasel

Salamander

Natterjack Toad

Genet Cat. We have a family of genet cats living close by. These shy curious and playful creatures although catlike in appearance are not cats but are members of the family Viverridae, which also includes civets and mongooses.

The wildest of of the animals can be seen below

Two truly ferocious beasts "Muscat" and "Samba

Two matching beasts "Muscat" and "Samba

I am sure there will be many I have missed; can you think of any others?

Until later

Jim

Tags: Ceret, entertainment, Guests, history, Places of Interest, wine
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A DAY OUT IN JANUARY

January 28th, 2010

We have been kept very busy, not only with guests, but with maintenance since early December, so Gillie and I decided we should have a day off and this we did today, 29th January 2010.

: The early morning bread run to Ceret

As the weather was so beautiful we left Ceret early in the morning and headed to the Costa Brava. After one and a half hours driving we arrived at Sant Feliu de Guixols, a lively town not far from Girona.

: Sant Feliu de Guixols

: SOMEONE LOOKING FOR A TAN IN SANT FELIU DE GUIXOLS

We strolled around in the winter sun shine before having an enjoyable lunch of grilled squid, whilst at the same time soaking up the rays of the sun.

: Gillie on the cliff tops just North of Tossa de Mar

After a very pleasant break we decided to head further South to the attractive town of Tossa de Mar. During the drive we saw a Merlin and a Falcon and we were quite close to them, as well as two or three large birds of prey which were too far away to identify. I also saw a couple of rough looking birds in La Jonquera, but Gillie wouldn’t let me investigate further!!!!

: THE COAST JUST NORTH OF TOSSA

Those of you old enough may remember a film entitled “The Flying Duchman” staring Eva Gardner and James Mason, well the film was centred around Tossa.

Tossa de Mar

: Tossa de Mar

The beach at Tossa is beautiful and as you can see the colour of the sea is quite magnificent. After freashly squeezed orange juice and a coffee, we slowly made our way home through some wonderful countryside. We also took the opportunity to restock our wine and olive store.

We always enjoy our days out, but there is something magical about being welcomed home by Mt Canigou.

: Mt Canigou

We are looking forward to our next day off, which we hope won’t be to far away.

Jim

Tags: birds, Ceret, dining, Driving, Guests, history, Mediterranean, Places of Interest, spain, sun, weather, wine
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THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD IN WHICH TO LIVE

January 11th, 2010

Can you guess which it is?

Looking over Ceret to Les Alberes

Yes, you’re right……..France, was again voted the number 1 country in which to live.

Ceret

This is the fifth year in a row that France has been number 1.

Ceret Market in Winter

Have a look at http://ow.ly/TOb5 for more information and see where your home country was placed.

Best Wishes

Jim

Tags: Ceret, Churches and Castles, Places of Interest
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LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER YEAR

January 10th, 2010

A Happy New Year to you and your families.

We have had a busy and enjoyable festive period, with more guests staying with us at this time of the year than ever before and what a lovely group they were. We had people from; Ireland, France, England, Russia, Spain, Romania and Belgium.

The weather hasn’t been too bad here, certainly no where near as dramatic as Northern Europe, but we did have our own little bit of snow.

Canigou

Les Albere

Canigou always has a covering of snow at this time of the year, whereas the Alberes rarely does. This shot was taken from the terrace on 9th January 2010.

More please

Someone is eating too well!

Every year there is a wonderful Nativity display in the Eglise St Pierre’ the main church in Ceret.

Nativity scene in St Peter's Church

With each year being different to the previous years.

Nativity Scene

I am sure you will agree , this really is a great display. Did you spot the “Pont du Diable” (Devil’s Bridge) and L’Hermitage at St Ferreol?

Nativity Scene

Not forgetting Gillie, about to wash the empties in the river?

Eglise St Pierre, Ceret

The recently refurbished St Peter’s in Ceret.

Gillie and I had a walk around the town this morning and whilst it was chilly in the shade it was beautiful in the sunshine, with the cafes doing a roaring business.

Until later

Jim

Tags: art, birds, Ceret, Churches and Castles, Gardens, Guests, sun, weather
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DECEMBER 2009

December 20th, 2009

As it was fairly quiet towards the end of November Gillie and I managed to grab a few days with our UK based families. We both found the weather there to be awful and whilst we very much enjoyed seeing our respective families and friends we were pleased to return to the blue skies of Roussillion.

Spirits were soon lifted and we were able to enjoy the Christmas decorations and festivities in Ceret, which improve year after year.

The Ice Rink, just before it was opened

When Gillie and family first arrived here, nearly 13 years ago, the main decoration was a tree or two with what looked like, tiolet paper wrapped around them. Now, the lights throughout the town, the main streets and shops are all decorated and look wonderful.

It's not eften you see Polar Bears and Penguins together, but in Ceret anything is possible!

Evidence of their night time arrival

The sound of Christmas Carols from speakers high in the trees adds to the charm and ambiance.

Saturday market with a partly decorated tree

Crib - Le Place de Neuf Jetes

Le Place de Neuf Jets in Winter sunshine

Le Place de Neuf Jetes in Winter sunshine

As I write there is a Christmas market taking place in the town, with geese, ducks and turkeys for sale along with other traditional Christmas fayre. There is a choir singing carols outside the Marie and a parade is to follow shortly; it is so atmospheric.

Gillie, Kim and I send you our very best wishes for Christmas and we hope to see you again in the New Year.

Jim

Tags: Ceret, entertainment, history, Places of Interest, sun, weather
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PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION

November 12th, 2009

And the winners are…………………………………………………………..

Bill and Maddy Edwards from Bedfordshire.

The answers are:

1. Tautavel

2. Collioure

3. Ceret – New library

4. Ceret – between the car parks

6. Prats de Mollo

7. Ceret – Picasso’s house

8. The Abbey Fontfroid

9. Molitg les Bains

11. Prats de Mollo

12. Renes le Chateau

13. Salses Fort

14. Collioure

We are looking forward to welcoming Bill and Maddy back to La Chataigneraie in the New Year.

Jim

Tags: Ceret, Churches and Castles, Driving, entertainment, Gardens, Guests, history, Mediterranean, Places of Interest, sun, weather
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CHRISTMAS AT LA CHATAIGNERAIE

November 8th, 2009

This year we will be spending Christmas here in the South of France and opening our doors to guests over the festive season.

We would love to welcome you back, and perhaps other members of your family or friends to La Chataigneraie to experience Christmas in Catalunya. (at our normal winter rates.)

Local restaurants will be open for Christmas Day lunch but not the evening, however we can arrange Christmas dinner at La Chataigneraie by special request.

A cosy xmas fire

The house is centrally heated and a roaring log fire will be in the lounge for you to sip your wine by.

The first winter snow has fallen on Mt Canigou and by December 25th the mountain will be gleaming white against the blue sky, so much more breathtaking than in the summer months when the mountain is green.

Mt Canigou

Winter is the time to enjoy walking or climbing in the magnificent foot hills of the Pyrenees where the air is clearer and the views sharper and your energy will not be drained by summer heat.

Snow caped peaks

Other activities for all the family can include horseback riding or a wagon ride through beautiful country lanes of Vallespir under the gaze of Mt Canigou and around the lake at St Jean pla de Corts pulled by two Percheron horses. A truly memorable experience! After your ride you could take ten minute car journey to the coast to sit at the beach side cafes for coffee or lunch and relax in the winter sunshine.

Wonderful Winter Weather at Collioure

Time for that coffee I talked about

The nearby cities of Perpignan, Carcassonne, Montpellier in France and Figueres, Girona and Barcelona in Spain, are within striking distance to explore without the madding crowds of summer. Christmas lights will be adorning all the buildings and the smell of coffee and delicious patisseries will entice you in to the many cafes.

The Ventous

There is plenty to see and do in the region during the holiday period:

4th to 7th December A wonderful Medieval Christmas Fare of quality goods in the beautiful setting of Castle Royale, built on the rocks above the sea at Collioure. Fabulous atmosphere with penned livestock on the straw covered courtyard and mulled wine served in the outside bar/cafe, a choir in medieval dress strolls around the castle adding to the general festive spirit.

9th and 13th December Argeles Christmas Market

12th December La Boulou Christmas market

12th and 13th December Castlenou Traditional Christmas market with local produce

18th to 21st December Port Vendres Christmas market

19th December Christmas market in Ceret

19th to 24th December Father Christmas Parade through the streets of Ceret.

20th December Christmas Food Fare in Ceret.

20th December Christmas Carol concert in St Peter’s Church in Ceret.

There are many activities being added to the Christmas programme each day, so keep an eye on the “What’s On in Languedoc Roussillon” Web Site.

We hope to see you.

Best Wishes

Gill, Jim and family

Tags: art, Ceret, Churches and Castles, dining, entertainment, Guests, horses, Mediterranean, Places of Interest, spain, sun, weather, wine
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A NEW BOUTIQUE

November 8th, 2009

A new p’tit boutique has opened in Ceret. It really is an attractive little shop and the lady running it designs and makes all of the clothing on site, which as you will see in the pictures below are very jolly and vibrant. Both Michael Jackson and Pavarotti have worn her creations (they are not catching)

The Girafe

The shop is a few metres from the centre of town on Avenue Michel Aribaud, a minutes stroll from the Museum of Modern Art.

Colourful stuff!!

Just your colour!

Is this bright enough for you?

Yes, that's who you think it is.

One for the Ladies

I apparently didn’t take a photograph of the best piece of her work, so I will have to go back another day to see this talented lady.

Jim

Tags: art, Ceret, Places of Interest
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A FUN PHOTOGRAPHIC QUIZ WITH A PRIZE

October 29th, 2009

Can you identity the following locations. The winner, or winning couple, will receive (FREE) one nights accommodation and breakfast, to be taken between November 2009 and March 2010. Anyone may take part, but the prize will only go to past guests, not next door neighbours!!!

Here we go: