CERDAN STAYS
Relax in Nature
Stay in the Mas or the Casa
Situated in a forest just above the small village of Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans in the Eastern Pyrenees (Pyrenées-Orientales), our property has magnificent views of the historic village below and beautiful mountains in all directions, including the often snow-capped Canigou.
We offer two separate 3-BR vacation homes. Or both can be rented for a group of up to 14.
Read on to learn more about our community here or go right to the vacation homes below.
At Cerdan Art & Nature, nature is all around you. Literally.
Above all, this is a spot to relax and be in nature. Sleep in. Cook your meals at a leisurely pace. Take a relaxing loop walk in our forest or wade in our creek at the bottom of the hill. Listen to the church bells. Play cards. Read a book. Draw. Write. Take a nap. Breathe. The world can wait.
Go for any number of hikes that leave from the village or just walk out your front door. If you want to get more adventurous, plan a day hike in an area "refuge" like Batere or Sant Guillem (especially welcome when it's really hot), and finish with lunch at the top of the mountain. Or if you're feeling really ambitious, hike the Canigou mountain or trace the path of the Spanish exiles over the mountain (la Retirada).
These Pyrenéean mountains are loved by ambitious cyclists, so bring your own or we can help you rent a road bike or mountain bike. Or, if you're a bit less ambitious, reserve e-bikes! Let us know a few days in advance and we'll have everything here for you when you arrive.
For beach lovers, there are endless options on both the Côte Vermeille (France) and Costa Brava (Spain) sides of the border, all about 60-90 minutes drive. Favorites includes Collioure in France and Llança in Spain.
While you're here, you can try the thermal waters of at Amelie-les-Bains or go to La Preste-les-Bains just past Prats-de-Mollo, where they offer a half day "Découverte" for just 49 euros or book a spa appointment with their masseuse. Or you can book spa services, play golf, or enjoy a meal at nearby Domaine de Falgos, the southernmost golf course in France.
Our village
In the heart of the French (Catalan) Pyrenées
From the house, wander down the hill to our village, famous for its 19th to mid 20th century manufacturing of espadrilles and fabrics. You can visit Création Catalane for a rejuvenated example of espadrilles made entirely on site and by hand using traditional artisan techniques. Or visit the gorgeous Toiles de Soleil boutique just next door for their world famous colorful Catalan textiles, still manufactured using traditional processes. Both operations now offer tours of their facilities, available by reservation through their website or in the store.
If you like rustic French and Catalan cooking, you're in for a treat. Wonderful locally-made cheeses, yogurts, saucisson, jams, and honey are all made nearby and available for purchase. We're happy to offer restaurant recommendations too. In all cases, we strongly suggest reserving in advance!
The village is a 10 minute drive to the Spanish border, 40 minutes to the lively French town of Ceret, the one-time home of a vibrant group of modern artists that included Picasso, Picabia, and Chagall, or to Figueres, the home of Salvador Dali. We are an hour to a vast selection of beaches in France or Spain as well as the city of Perpignan, with several markets, museums and good train service. Girona is 1.5 hours by car, Montpellier and Barcelona are 2.5 hours, and Toulouse is 3 hours.
We are also in the midst of wine country here, between the Languedoc Roussillon and the Cote Catalan, with several AOC and DOP designations surrounding. Arrange a cave visit and tasting (dégustation) at one of many gorgeous wine-makers. Definitely reserve in advance.
We care for the land and nature that is all around us. We use organic and sustainable products wherever possible and support local producers.
We speak English, French and a little Spanish. Our local property manager Valèrie speaks French and some English, and is very facile with Google translate for all other languages.
Valérie
Property Manager
Valérie is the local property manager for our rental program. She handles all reservations, supports guests during their stay, and keeps everything meticulously clean.
Originally from Bretagne, Valérie now lives right here in Saint-Laurent-de-Cerdans where she also has a business offering aromatherapy and energy treatments.
