Osseja holiday apartment rental with walking, beach/lake nearby, balcony/terrace, rural retreat, TV, DVD

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Canigou (apartment)

Home description

Close to the village centre in a quiet courtyard with views towards Osseja forest, the property is part of a converted barn which has been carefully restored. With views from the kitchen and balcony over the picturesque courtyard and in the distance to the magnificent Sierra de Cadi mountain range in Spain, the property is in a very scenic area which offers wonderful walking and cycling, mountain lakes, swimming, thermal spas, ancient villages and romanesque churches.

The apartment, which sleeps up to six, is spacious and very well-equipped with a brand new kitchen, a living room with double sofa-bed, a sunny, west-facing balcony, one double bedroom, a further twin-bedded room and two bathrooms with showers and a separate WC. The whole apartment was recently redecorated. All rooms have excellent storage/fitted wardrobes.

There is an excellent bakery just around the corner and in less than 5 minutes walk you are at the centre of the village with its old church and many facilities including a post office, bar, two cafes/srestaurant, tourist office, general stores, supermarket, second bakery, newsagent, chemist, hairdresser and even a cinema!

View of 1st floor apartment which attracts the sun for most of the day	Sierra de Cadi Natural Reserve, which can be seen from the apartment
One of the streams flowing into the Camporell lakes north of Osseja	View from balcony to local Osseja forest

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/30164

The Languedoc-Roussillon / Pyrenees-Orientales region

The Languedoc-Roussillon is one of the most popular yet unspoilt regions of France. With a wonderful climate and colourful history, it has a beautiful coast as well as lakes and mountains, ancient Cathar castles and churches and monasteries. It is an important wine-growing area.

The area has attracted artists and musicians including the painters Picasso, Dali and Chagall and the cellist Pau Casals commemorated each year in the Prades music festival.

Romanesque churches abound and further down the valley the monasteries of St Martin de Canigou and St Michel de Cuixa and the ancient Priory of Serrabonne make worthwhile destinations.

With around 300 days of sunshine a year, very low pollution levels and an extraordinary luminous quality to the air, this area can be enjoyed at any time of the year for outdoor sporting activities, relaxation or historic and cultural visits on both sides of the border.

In WInter there is excellent skiing at varying levels of difficulty in the area, including eight ski resorts on the French side of the Catalan Pyrenees alone, comprising 174 miles of piste accessible on one lift pass within easy driving distance of Osseja. Further resorts are also readily accessible on the Spanish side of the border, including extensive downhill ski-ing at Masella and La Molina and cross-country ski-ing at Lles.

Font Romeu and Pyrenees 2000 are linked and, with an exceptionally sunny outlook, provide 34 miles of skiing at all levels of ability.

Osseja area

At 1250 metres above sea level, Osseja is a lively all year round village near the Spanish border and an excellent base for many outdoor activites especially walking, cycling, golf, swimming and horse-riding.

Osseja itself is a working village full of character and with a nearby forest - it is renowned for its healthy climate particularly for anyone with respiratory problems. Several extensive natural mountain reserves are within driving distance. In Summer there is a large open-air swimming pool in the nearby village of Err (10 minutes' drive) and there are also all-year round thermal baths at Llo (15 minutes' drive).

Osseja has a train station from which the "little yellow train" winds its way across the Cerdagne plateau and down through the Tet valley as far as the medieval fortress town of Villefranche de Conflent.

There are many excellent restaurants serving healthy and tasty Catalan dishes on both sides of the border including the renowned "Restaurant du Lac" in Osseja itself.

It is just 3km south east of Puigcerda in Spain, the largest town in the area set on a hill which has many good small shops, bars, cafes, restaurants and its own lake.

The Puigmal, which at 2913 metres is the highest summit in the Eastern Pyrenees, is nearby. Excellent walking and cycling routes abound. Numerous other summits, lakes and mountain ranges are also accessible including the Carlit massif and its lakes, the majestic Sierra de Cadi ridge, the wild and isolated Madres where wolves have been sighted and the mountain train from Ribes to Nuria in Spain from which many excursions are possible.

Further afield for walking are the natural reserves of Mantet and Nyer, the mythical Canigou massif and the peaks of Andorra. The nearby Eyne valley has spectacular flowers and wildlife due to its unique micro-climate and is visited by botanists from all over the world.

Ancient towns, villages and churches can also be visited, including the fortress town of Mont Louis, the ancient Belloc chapel on top of a hill near Dorres and, further afield, ancient monasteries such as the working Benedictine monastery of St Martin de Canigou near Vernet-les-Bains.

The fortresses of Mont Louis and Villefranche-sur-Conflent both built by Vauban are also well worth visiting.

Around half an hour's drive, near Les Angles, there is a large wildlife park where it is possible to walk and observe many animals in a near natural habitat.

Locally there is a Solar Oven at Odeillo, situated there due to the exceptional clarity of the atmosphere, with a fascinating exhibition about the history of solar power

For longer excursions by car Andorra and Montserrat are reachable in a day along with several of the Cathar castles. Barcelona and the coast are longer options but still quite feasible in a day.

There are numerous Summer festivals in the region including three local Summer classical music festivals and normally a different Spanish village would have its own feast day and celebration each week which can include dramatic processions of fire led by demons and spectacular firework displays.

There is a large, heated open air swimming pool in the nearby village of Err, open from mid June to mid September, and a natural thermal spa in the village of Llo (10 and 15 minutes' drive respectively).

The area has a strong Spanish influence and became French in the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659. Catalan is widely spoken as well as French. In the mountains or their foothills, wildlife and flora abound, including mountain deer, wolves, pine martens, marmots, wild boar, bearded vultures and golden eagles.

How to get there

*Ryanair fly from London Stansted, Bristol and Birmingham to Perpignan, 90 minutes ' car journey to the property. Flybe also fly from Southampton to Perpignan and BMI baby fly to Perpignan from Manchester.

*Ryanair fly from London Stansted, East Midlands, Liverpool, Bournemouth, Edinburgh, Dublin and Shannon to Carcasonne, around two hours drive

*At either airport, it is easy to hire a car and both journeys are very scenic.

*Ryanair have daily flights to Gerona airport, two and a quarter hours' drive away. You can fly to Gerona from London Stansted, London Luton, London Gatwick, Dublin, East Midlands, Manchester, Bournemouth, Liverpool, Newcastle, Leeds, Durham, Doncaster, Shannon and Bristol.

Car hire is normally cheaper in Spain.

*Easyjet and other airlines fly from London and regional airports to Toulouse and Barcelona, both 2 hours' drive away. BA and Iberia fly to Barcelona from London Heathrow and Gatwick. BA also operate flights to Barcelona from London City Airport.
The Barcelona route is the easiest drive with a toll dual carriageway most of the way leading to a toll tunnel through the Pyrenees, the "tunel de Cadi".

*Access is also possible by train with a daily night train from Paris to La Tour de Carol, around 8 km from the property, which connects with the little yellow train. One can also reach the area by a train which leaves six times daily from Barcelona to Puigcerda, 3km away, a 3 hour journey.

*Cheap car hire is available through Hertz (www.hertz.co.uk) and Holiday Autos (www.holidayautos.co.uk).

Activities near Osseja

Facilities

Further details indoors:
* Spacious and fully-equipped apartment set in a quiet and peaceful courtyard yet near the village centre with many amenities
* Views from balcony/kitchen to the Sierra de Cadi mountain range and to Osseja forest
* Very sunny kicthen/dining room and living room
* Parking space by the property
* Two bedrooms/two bathrooms
* New kitchen with all mod cons
* The whole apartment is newly decorated
* All rooms have excellent storage/fitted wardrobes
* Flat screen TV (French/Spanish/Catalan channels), DVD, stereo system
* Close to Spanish border (less than 500 metres!)
* Open air swimming pool in Summer and all year round thermal spa in neighbouring villages
* Bicycle available in flat (others may be hired locally)
* Covered terrace for storage
* Hairdryer
* A wealth of books, maps and local information about what to do and see in the area

Further details outdoors:
Local facilities include numerous walking routes below or to mountain ridges, summits and lakes, many cycling routes, on and off road, golf, paragliding, hot air ballooning, horseriding, fishing, historic and cultural visits, ancient churches and mountain villages with breath-taking views, adventure parks for children, a large wildlife park, three Summer music festivals and the little yellow mountain train ideal for exploring the area without the need for a car. In Winter, there are numerous skiing and snowboarding routes from December to April.

Further details

Full information on local facilities available on arrival.
Fully inclusive rates i.e. bed-linen, towels, heating, lighting, water and reasonable cleaning at end of stay is included.
Discount for stays of 2 weeks or more

Conditions

25% non-refundable deposit payable by cheque or bank transfer to reserve dates
Balance payable two months before arrival. Balance non-refundable in event of cancellation within one month unless the owner is able to find other people to rent the property in that period so holiday insurance is recommended.
Arrival after 15.00 hrs, departure by 10.00 hrs (unless otherwise arranged with owner)
Fully refundable damage deposit of £250 to be paid with final balance of booking to be refunded promptly subject only to satisfactory property inspection.

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
October	27 Sep 09	1 Nov 09	375£ 375	8080	8080	4 Nights
November/December	1 Nov 09	20 Dec 09	350£ 350	7070	7070	4 Nights
Christmas/New Year	20 Dec 09	10 Jan 10	475£ 475	0-	0-	1 Week
January to March	10 Jan 10	28 Mar 10	375£ 375	8080	8080	4 Nights
Holy Week/Easter	28 Mar 10	12 Apr 10	525£ 525	0-	0-	1 Week
Spring	12 Apr 10	28 Jun 10	425£ 425	9090	9090	4 Nights
July	28 Jun 10	25 Jul 10	475£ 475	0-	0-	1 Week
Summer Holidays	25 Jul 10	5 Sep 10	550£ 550	0-	0-	1 Week
Autumn	5 Sep 10	1 Nov 10	400£ 400	100100	100100	4 Nights
November/December	1 Nov 10	19 Dec 10	350£ 350	8080	8080	4 Nights
Christmas/New Year	19 Dec 10	9 Jan 11	475£ 475	0-	0-	1 Week

The property's weekend rates apply to: Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Rates include provision of bed linen and towels. Guests are asked to leave the apartment in the state they find it in at the end of their stay.

Guestbook for Canigou

"Thank you so much for the wine which was waiting for us on our arrival, we felt right at home straight away! We had an absolutely amazing weekend, and are looking forward to our next visit to Osseja.

We found your information absolutely spot on, and had two glorious days, one up the route forestiere with a heavenly walk on the ridge...and another round Dorres...

You have thought of absolutely everything, the apartment was wonderfully equipped, and the bed extremely comfortable and (very rare) the pillows perfect...

Many, many thanks." BW, Barcelona, 9th July 2007


"First of all, the apartment was wonderful, and I must say that the price is very good....The information in the apartment in the blue cover is worth its weight in gold...

The region is really spectacular. Not only is it beautiful, but there is a lot to do in a range of 100 km. We went to Canet Plage (Perpignan) twice. There are great caves in Villefranche, Spain is only a few kilometres away...

We also went on the "route Forestière" from Osseja. There is a great spot with a river and small waterfalls. The kids liked it very much.

In the same area is the road to Valcebollère, also a very beautiful and silent place. I'm very interested in science so we went to see the "four-solaire" in "Mont Louis", it's very nice.

The people in Osseja are very "child-friendly". The woman in the bakery, the neighbours downstairs and next door..." JV, Belgium, 24th July 2007


"We had a great time in Osseja...You have been a great help all the way and you come highly recommended...We found the flat to be very spacious, very comfortable and well equipped. We hope to use your service again in the future." ZA, London, 10th August 2007


"Firstly...a big thank you for the opportunity to stay in Osseja. It was a very special time for the family to spend a week together in such different and special surroundings.

The flat made for a very comfortable base from which to explore the area. We ran out of time to do all the things we had in mind. Each day we went off with our picnic and managed some walking as well as exploring something or somewhere new- like the Parc Animalier!

We drove to pick up the yellow train to Villefranche which was interesting to visit. We managed to get into the open carriage for our dramatic return journey.The weather was perfect....

The neighbours were very friendly and the cats were interesting. The kitchen is very well equipped and the beds are very comfortable..." AC, London, 30th August 2007


"We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at your place. The apartment was lovely and your notes on things to do and see were excellent. I hope to return." PL, Kent, 22nd September 2007


"We loved your apartment and the bottle of wine to welcome us was very thoughtful. The apartment and Osseja were so peaceful and the surrounding area is very interesting. We would have done much more walking but the weather (at the end of August) was too hot for this. We loved the thermal pool at Llo and had some wonderful drives around the area. We did the forest drive behind Osseja up to the top as recommended by you and loved the wild horses! It would have been good to spend a few more days there.

The apartment is very comfortable and has everything you need. Your agent Isabelle was extremely helpful and your neighbours friendly. We would recommend the apartment to anyone who wishes to explore the area.
Many thanks and kind regards." PS, Scotland, 4th October 2007


"We have had a great time and found your flat very comfortable...We have explored this lovely neighbourhood and cooked some nice meals with local produce in your very efficient cooker." C&C I, Hungerford, 11th October 2007


"I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the Pyrenees! Osseja is a charming little village and your flat is in the perfect spot close to the mountains and with a bakery just round the corner. The flat is very comfortable, warm and cosy...There are breathtaking views while hiking in the Pyrenees - my favourite peak is the Puigmal. When we reached the summit we were above the clouds! I recommend it to everyone who likes nature, hiking, cycling or simply relaxing in peaceful surroundings." EB, London 20th October 2007


"Many thanks for hiring your apartment out! We've enjoyed our time here in Osseja. The wine was lovely and we have been very comfortable here." I and J B, Norwich 22nd November 2007

"Thank you very much for the use of your apartment. We had a lovely time. Your apartment is very well equipped, everything we needed was there. The location too was ideal, we managed to ski most days and found plenty of different resorts. We woud recommend the area for the number and variety of ski resorts. Thanks again for your help and kindness" Jackie and John MacKay, Scotland, 11th January 2008

"Your maps and books were very helpful...we enjoyed some spectacular walks. The children really enjoyed the tree-tops mountaineering at Les Angles neat Mont Louis." SS & family, London, 14th August 2008

"We all had a wonderful stay in Osseja, the location was lovely and your apartment was well equipped and furnished, we certainly had all we needed there and had many great days out. Thanks for an enjoyable holiday."
MW & family, London, August 2009

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Send Enquiry

To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/30164

Contact details for the advertiser of home 30164
Name:	Philip Groves
Mobile:	+44 (0)7736060254
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
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Contact Notes: Phone - evening or e-mail/sms
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Advertiser joined: Jun 2007

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