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
