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GUESTS COMMENTS

Wednesday, July 14th, 2010

As we are now at the beginning of our busy season we have all been kept fairly well occupied.   We continue to  enjoy the company of all our guests, even sitting along side a wonderful couple from Bremen in Germany when England were trounced 4 – 1.

Stefan and Monica from Bremen

Stefan and Monica from Bremen who had something to smile about!

They commented in our visitors book that they were delighted when we allowed them to stay and we didn’t force them to move on!!!

The following couple’s comments are worth recording on the Blog and relate in part to a swimming lesson I gave them.

” Dear Jim, Gilly and Kim, we can now float on the water!   Life is full of goals (A pity 4 of them were German…..!)”

Au revoir et a bientot……………..Bill and Maddy”

Maddy, Bill and Gillie. Maddy can now keep her eyes open under water!!!!

Maddy, Bill and Gillie. Maddy can now keep her eyes open under water!!!!

Margaret, Brett and Belinda just leaving after their third visit

Margaret, Brett and Belinda just leaving after their third visit

When we eventually retire, our guest books are going to make wonderful bedtime reading, as they will bring back many happy memories of all of the friends we have made from all corners of the World.

Marguerite and Andy (plus an addition due in November)

Marguerite and Andy (plus an addition due in November)

They all enjoyed the experience of visiting and revisiting this wonderful region with its sunshine, great food and wines and superb art galleries.

Jim

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APRIL, WHAT A BEAUTIFUL MONTH

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

We are enjoying some wonderful April weather, with temperatures in the mid 20’s and the pool warm enough to swim in; I had my first dip today.

Poolside Wisteria

Poolside Wisteria

Golden Orioles, which usually arrive in May, must also be aware of the warm weather as they have been around and about in the garden for a week already.

Our Swimming Pool

Our Swimming Pool

The poolside beds await your arrival

The poolside beds await your arrival

Gillie and I had supper on the terrace at 7.30pm and watched the sun go down behind Canigou, it is just so peaceful and beautiful here.

Ceret road bridge with the old railway bridge in the background

Ceret road bridge with the old railway bridge in the background

Claud with his flock down by the river

Claud with his flock of goats down by the river

We are looking forward to greeting guests of old this year as a number have decided to return, some for the third, fourth and fifth time, It must be the food and wine!

Jim

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www…..worlds wonderful weather

Sunday, April 18th, 2010

In the space of 4 or 5 weeks we have gone from Artic to tropical weather.    We rarely have winter snow in Ceret, but this year in a twentyfour hour period all records were broken.

No one sitting outside at breakfast this morning

No one sitting outside at breakfast this morning

Nothing moved on the Route de Fontfrede for 2 days, except for an adventurous skier; even the snow plough had problems.    A few days later with the warmth of the sun the snow had disappeared at our level; there was still plenty in evidence in the mountains.

A few weeks further on and Summer is on its way.    As Gillie is buying  a new car this week, a “Dacia Duster”, I thought I would include a Broom!!   I’m a dead man….

Broom in blossum

Broom in bloom

25 degrees when we went for a walk today.

Gillie enjoying the Spring like weather

Gillie enjoying the tropical weather

The volcanic ash which has caused major problems for the whole of Northern Europe has prevented a number of our guests from flying to the region; we do hope they will be able to visit us later in the year.   According to the television we seem to be on the Southern edge of the dust cloud, but we have yet to see any evidence of it; our skies are clear and blue.    If you are considering a visit and had planned to travel by air, do consider the train, as there is a great service from London and other European cities to Perpignan on the TGV, a 30 minute drive to La Chataigneraie.   Driving in France is is also much more of a pleasure than many other European countries as the traffic is far far lighter.

Until later

Jim

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CARNIVAL TIME IN CERET

Saturday, March 6th, 2010

It’s Carnival Time again.

Avatar visits Ceret

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

Two colourful young ladies

Even Shrek called in!

Even Shrek called in!

Some great costumes

Some great costumes

Going to a Ball?

Going to a Ball?

Elvis is big in Ceret

Elvis is big in Ceret

The Sound of Music!

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

Colourful Ladies

Colourful Ladies

A smiling friend

Another happy face.

Tower Building

Tower Building

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

Until later

Jim

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ANIMALS OF THE PYRENEES

Wednesday, 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.

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 and equally friendly four legged friends "Muscat" and "Samba

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

Until later

Jim

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LOOKING FORWARD TO ANOTHER YEAR

Sunday, 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

Canigou

Les Albere

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.

We look after all of our friends!

More please

Someone is eating too well

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

Nativity scene in St Peter's Church

With each year being different to the previous years.

Nativity Scene

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

Nativity Scene

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

St Peter's Church, Ceret

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

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CHRISTMAS AT LA CHATAIGNERAIE

Sunday, 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

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

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

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

Wonderful Winter Weather at Collioure

Time for that coffee I talked about

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

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

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A FUN PHOTOGRAPHIC QUIZ WITH A PRIZE

Thursday, 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:

NO 1

NO 1

NO 2

NO 2

NO 3

NO 3

NO 4

NO 4

Some are easier than others.

NO 6

NO 6

NO 7

NO 7

NO 8

NO 8

NO 9

NO 9

NO 11

NO 11

A little clue, the are all in France and not over the border in Spain.

NO 12

NO 12

NO 13

NO 13

and finally, an easy one on which to finish.

NO 14

NO 14

Answers to me at:

jamfririt@gmail.com

Closing date is 10th November 2009.

Good Luck

Jim

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AN INDIAN SUMMER

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009

Gillie arranged a lovely birthday party for me on Saturday evening, where I enjoyed the company of about twenty friends.   I did, however, suffered a little the following morning.

My Birthday Cake

My Birthday Cake

My Birthday Cake

My Birthday Cake

So as not to contribute too much to Global Warming, Gillie restricted the number of candles to six!

We really are enjoying spectacular weather at the moment; here we are on 6th October and it is 33 degrees in the shade.   Needless to say, the swimming pool is very popular with us as well as our guests.

Young and not so young enjoying a cooling dip

Young and not so young enjoying a cooling dip

We are delighted to continue to welcome guests, mainly from the North  of Europe where the Summer weather has not been so good.   When in Ceret at 7.30am today picking up the bread and croissants it was 20 degrees.   The local restaurants are still serving dinner outside, it really is amazing and extending our season.

Why not consider taking advantage of a cheap flight and come and join us for a few days.

Best Wishes

Jim

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SPOIL YOURSELF

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

We are located in an area of France boasting a host of Spa towns; one of the closest is Amelie-Les-Bains.   Amelie is a colourful little town situated on either side of the river Tec, a ten minute drive deeper into the valley from Ceret.   For years French citizens have travelled here to take advantage of the healing waters.   I have “Cut and Pasted” the adverts below; why Amelie, which is miles inland, show pictures of the sea, is beyond me, when it is in such a beautiful part of the valley.

Thermes de Amélie-les-Bains-Palalda

Amélie-les-Bains

In the opposite direction, equally as close by is Le Boulou.   The Thermes here are set in a quiet wooded area on the outskirts of the town.   Both centres offer a range of treatments, from sessions lasting as little as an hour through to a full days pampering.

So when you next visit us, why not spoil yourself at a nearby spa?

Etablissement Thermal  

 

Thermes du Boulou
66165 LE BOULOU Cedex

Tel : 04.68.87.52.00 – Fax : 04.68.87.52.01

e-mail : leboulou@chainethermale.fr

Site web : www.chainethermale.fr

Jim

 

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