Here we let the guests tell their own story about weather, impressions, experiences and advice... (good and bad - unedited, of course)
This was our first experience of booking a holiday using the Net. It was all very easy and the accomodation and the surrounding area lived up to our expectations.
The accomodation was spacious and comfortable and everything we needed was provided. Erik and Anette were very friendly and most helpful. Altogether our stay was a very happy one which passed far too quickly.
We were very impressed with the website and all the detailed information we received.
This part of France is beautiful and there is so much to do. We have only had time to sample a little and we hope to be back before too long.
The Village itself is fascinating and we never tired of the view from our terrace.
Heather, David and Lyndsay Barnbrook
United Kingdom
Matthew Barnbrook, the young son: A very good place to stay. I think it is excellent, I mark it 10/10.
We have been very happy to be here. Le Village Catalan is very nice with a perfect location with respect to the facilities of Vernet les Bains and especially the hiking trails. The mountains are very beautiful with excellent possibilities for hiking. In addition to the very popular hiking tours to Pic du Canigou, Cascades des Anglais and St. Martin du Canigou, we would like to recommend the following:
Climb the small mountain behind Les Thermes to Pic de la Pena, continue to Tour de Goa and Col de Jou and then down to Casteil and back to Vernet les Bains (4 - 5 hours depending on breaks, children etc.).
Drive by car via Sahorre and Py to Col de Mantet and walk down to Pic de Tres Estelles and back. (3 - 4 hours also also depending on breaks, children etc.).
The 1:25.000 map from the book store is very useful. The public outdoor swimming pools of Vernet are good, especially for children (also small ones).
We would like to come back!
Trine og Steen Holmberg
Sune (11) and Jon (5)
Danmark
We spent most of our time here walking in the mountains of Canigou & Cerdagne - Capcir. These gave us some very wonderful and memorable walks - as always in the Pyrenees - the weather here, however, has been consistently better than any other holiday we have had in France. For serious mountain walking we recommend the Gorges Véron "Le guide Rando" both "Canigou, Cerdagne et Capcir" - even if your Franch isn't good the directions and maps are easy to follow. We already had these but have seen them in the local bookshops who also have "Petit Randonnée" and "Emilie" guides for shorter walks. We loved the pool for cooling off in the evening. The gite was very convenient and comfortable. Lovely cool bedroom and great views over the town. And why do the church bells give a special extra celebratory ring ar both 7:15's? Is this a local tradition? Or a significant time for worship?
Thank you for your lovely welcome and help. Please feel free to use any comments and if you have an answer to the church bells e-mail us.
Dave and Trak Fryer
Great Britain
Our stay was most relaxing and serene. We loved the location and all the wonderful opportunities for side trips. The hiking trails were wonderful.
Our host and hostess were so helpful and kind. I would not hesitate to recommend Le Village Catalan to anyone. I have fond memories of my week here and only wish it could have been two or three. It definately felt like a home away from home and Le Village Catalan became a part of us. Thank you for a most memorable time. One we shall never forget!
Marna and Marilyn O'Toole
USA
We have been very pleased with the facilities and atmosphere of Le Village Catalan. It is recommandable to families even with kids. The surroundings are beautiful and you feel quite for away from the crowded tourist areas. We are going to recommend Le Village Catalan to collegues and friends.
Kind regards
Helle and Mogens Laursen
Denmark
We have both thoroughly enjoyed our holiday at Le Village Catalan. The setting is spectacular, the thought of meals on the terrace overlooking Vernet, the church and the mountains will keep me going through several boring meetings in the months to come. My personal highlight was a day in the mountains climbing Le Canigou, hard work but well worth it.
Thanks also to our very friendly and helpful hosts, who made the holiday complete.
Many thanks.
John and Jill Wood
United Kingdom
We have enjoyed our stay very much, the cottage is delightful.
It was nice being able to meet with yourselves and fellow guests at the poolside. Hopefully we will be able to holiday here again next year. We wish you both our very best wishes and thank you.
Georgina Lee
United Kingdom
Erik and Anette are great hosts. They went out of their way to accomodate us since we were without car. Though there are a number of local sights, having a car would greatly expand the exploration possibilities. Local residents were also quite helpful and friendly. The region is spectacular and we will return to it.
William Strahle
USA ( - see Bill's web page about Vernet , and don't miss his beautiful sunset photos from the balcony)
Beautiful situation, lovely views - we enjoyed eating and drinking on our terrace while the sun set over Vernet les Bains.
We greatly enjoyed walking in the area - the Cascades des Anglais walk was a good starter, and great fun. The higher areas around Mantet and Col de Porhes (with its lake(s)) were beautiful - the wild flowers and the fresh feel to the air were fantastic. A bath in the hot springs pool (open air) at St. Thomas les Bains can be recommended.
Thank you very much for a lovely stay.
Michael and Mary Sidford
England
Thank you for a peaceful time in incredible scenary. Hopefully we will return sometime to visit the many places we missed.
Peter and Chris
England
We have had a wonderful time.
Partly this is due to France - always interestingly different for the English. Great value for UK visitors. Then there is the food and wine.
Partly its due to this AREA of France. What we were told about the sunshine and the temperatures being modified by altitude was true for us. But in addition everything is so green.
Partly it is due to Vernet and it's surroundings. The scenary round here is wonderful. We made very good use of the booklet of 12 walks in the area supplied by the Office du Tourisme. It was even possible to make the walk to the summit of Canigou - with amazing views of the Pyrenees, of Roussillon, and of the Mediterranien coast in France and Spain.
Vernet itself is visually charming and very quiet. We found a couple of reasonable restaurants and one really good one - Le Molière in Casteil. Shopping for self-catering was fine. Apart from the local small shops, we thought the local supermarket was really good for its size. We also enjoyed Prades market.
Finally we enjoyed Le Village Catalan. The space was more than enough for us. The house was well-equipped and clean. The view from our balcony was superb. The houses are high enough to give a great view over a very attractive town - but not so high up as to make a walk into town difficult. Strolls into town for an evening aperitif or for fresh bread were a pleasure.
We should, most importantly, mention also the "management" of Le Village Catalan who made it a particular pleasure to be here. We were welcomed warmly and you were always available but never obstrusive. You also provided information, advice and practical help whenever we asked. Very, very many thanks. We will return: we hope soon.
Peter and Tricia Bradshaw
England
We have had a wonderful week. The house has been very comfortable and has wonderful views. We have thoroughly enjoyed our walks in the spectacular countryside and mountains: these have given us great appetites which we have sated in some fine restaurants in the charming town. Overall, it has been a most refreshing week. We have found that one week has not been long enough to make full advantage of what there is on offer in this splendid place.
Finally, we would like to say that we cannot imagine anywhere hosts more friendly and helpful, yet unobstrusive, than Erik and Anette. Thank you both, and all good wishes for the future.
Ken and Lilian Baird
England
To Anette and Erik Gundersen:
Thank you very much for your warm welcome and excellent hospitality. We enjoyed the week in the Village Catalan very much; the house is wonderful and ok equipped.
Erik, please continue your Internet success-story!
Best regards
Herbert and Gertraud Sauter
Deutschland
Thank you Erik and Anette for a wonderful holiday. Courli's outlook over Vernet + surrounding mountains never ceased to strike us with awe and our little patio was a real treat. Your hospitality + generosity was hugely appreciated, especially when Betty fell and badly broke her wrist - thanks to you an incident which could hace caused us huge anxiety you helped us deal with calmly (calling a doctor on our behalf). Knowing that you were happy to step in and help.
Thanks again, hope to see you again sometime.
P.S. Maybe we'll se you playing your bass one day Erik!
Jan, John and Betty Lenz
England
Our most relaxing week this year by far. Extremely impressed with the area (possibly hooked for life)!
Peace reigned!
Dean O'Connor and Sarah Hopper
England
We felt at home here. Everything we needed was available. Beautiful view and a wonderful area to stay. Friendly town.
Jim and Regine
England
We have really enjoyed our stay here. The swimming pool was great and kept the child quiet! The views are fantastic, amazing sunsets and ever-changing light across the hills. The hot bricks of the terrace are so warm to your bare feet; the other guests were friendly and the atmosphere is peaceful and congenial.
Sandra Hawthorn and Paul Kerry
United Kingdom
I found there were lots of fun activities I liked the animals at the park and I thought the eagels were amazing.
Eilidhjago (the young son)
Thank you Erik and Anette for a relaxed welcome that perfectly matched the setting, and for your many kindnesses.
Hope to see you again someday - in Vernet les Bains or in Bath (les bains). We really enjoyed the petanque! and the house was perfect.
Tony and Jane
United Kingdom
Hi Erik and Anette
Just a quick thankyou - now we are back in Wiltshire. For the first time ever we drove the length of France (and across Southern England) without seeing a cloud!
We greatly enjoyed our 1½ bed apartment and your hospitality (as well as Vivi and Maria's). Starting the week with the wine and info gathering was a great idea....and the Petanque tournament!
Its also the first time we have come home feeling we really would like to stay in a place again. There is still plenty to see and do! So, au revoir until a year or two's time perhaps!
Best wishes
Mike, Sue and Tasmin
United Kingdom
Katy and I would like to express our gratitude for your wonderful hospitality during our honeymoon in France. Our stay with you in Vernet les Bains was the highlight of our trip.
Michael and Katie Philips
USA
Je vous aime...I love you...Miluji Vás
Fantastic holiday, beautiful countryside, very nice people, mainly Erik and Anette. We leave but we are happy to find new friends.
I envy you the feeling of making people to be happy.
Jana, Peter, Irena, Pepi, Banca and Tanà
Czech Republic
We really enjoyed our holiday. Erik and Anette you both have been very helpful in telling us about the area and the different attractions. Your house is very nice and comfortable and highly recommended. Thank you.
Valerie and Liam Ryan
United Kingdom
We enjoyed our trip to Vernet les Bains and found it an excellent location for a holiday because so many different things were within reach.
The house was very comfortable and had a stunning view. We were expecting the swimmingpool to be larger and set within a sun bathing area, so we thought the brochure* gave a slightly false impression. We also felt that we could have done with a little more comprehensive information about places and areas around this part of France. We felt that whenever we asked about somewhere to visit you had not been or did not know, although you were always very helpful.
Generally though we had an enjoyable stay and felt you were both good and helpful hosts.
Many thanks
Stuart Parr and Belinda Charnley
(* The pool was not installed until early summer 1998 and was not shown in any brochures before 1999 - perhaps you had another property brochure in mind. Anette.)
Beautiful area - made use of as many activities as we could in a week. We could not have been more impressed by the kindness, generosity and ever-available advice of Erik, Anette - other team. We particularly appreciated the barbecue and reception evening that were so generously arranged for us. They fully deserve every sucess in their venture - we would come again and wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.
Places to visit:
Walk (+ swim) to Cascades des Anglais
Walk up to St. Martin du Canigou (F20) + back through the woods
Rock pools near Sahorre - great fun
Route to Canigou via Mariallles - easy to the hus, steep chimney climb to the summit. Great views.
(The petanque evening was particularly useful to discuss these opportunities/options)
Started from here at 5:45, reached Marialles by 6:30, reached Canigou at 9:55, ½ hour up there (lots of people), back to the Village Catalan by 2 pm.
Visit to Villefranche du Conflent - lots of lovely shops
Visit to Eus - pretty village, worth a walk around
Visit to Les Thermes (F60) - be sure to have indoor rubbersoled shoes + adhere to the instructions of the "man-in-charge"!
Initiation to canyoning - Rollot Marco's - small group, good personal attention + great fun (Los Masos) - excellent taste session (begin/meet at 9 am near Prades, back by 1:30 pm) not too difficult but enjoyable (F180)
Pool at Le Village Catalan, though small was excellent for cooling off in
Piscine in town was fun, VERY deep (F14)
Sharon and David Hodges, John Milner, Glennis Brown
United Kingdom
The view from our unit together with the quietness and the privacy were particularly pleasurable for us.
Erik and Anette were very helpful in responding to our questions and needs.
This is a beautiful and interesting part of France and the Village Catalan provides access to much of it.
If you should ever get to or near our part of the US please let us know. We would enjoy showing you some of the special places in our mountains as well as some of our vineyards.
Marty and Carla Kaatz
USA
A wonderful stay - it certainly is possible to do without a car - once you have got to grips with the local buses!
The views from the balcony is "what dreams are made of" and we shall never forget it.
Many thanks for your help.
Paul and Karen Free
United Kingdom
Des vacances très agréables dans un cadre sympathique et naturel.
Accueil très chaleureux.
A recommander.
M et Mme Penet
France
Excellent location for many activities/visits. Proximity to the town and to the mountain walks very much appreciated.
Kitvhen and bathroom facilities in need of updating but functional nevertheless. Only real problem was the lack of an electric kettle*. Otherwise very much liked the house, its panoramic views and its 3 balconies. We would very much like to make a return visit sometime.
The introductory talk on Sunday evening is a good idea to meet fellow guests and to orientate ourselves.
Mc'Kenna
United Kingdom
( * in October 1999, electric kettles were installed in all houses. Anette.)
Jamie Stirk 6: Swimming pool is my favourite thing but it is too cold.
Martyn Stirk 11: I really enjoyed being in the house. I loved the canyoning and the swimming pool (it was freezing but I liked it anyway)!
The views on a morning were wonderful, and it is very good for the circulation - all that walking!!
Kate Stirk
We came for a relaxing holiday but with all the climbing, canyoning etc I need a rest now.
Graham Stirk
United Kingdom
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Le Village Catalan and Vernet les Bains. The accomodation was most suitable to a family of 5, and the whole family (46 - 6 yrs) found every day a pleasure. We fully expect to return in the near future.
Liz and Frank Cormack
United Kingdom
A very pleasant week spent in beautiful scenary with a most agreeable climate. Our hosts Erik and Anette have made us feel very welcome and we have appreciated their local knowledge. One of the highlights was the introduction to canyoning course, arranged during the reception event. For an introduction there were some challenging (even hairy) moments. EG plunging into icy clod water from a 6 m drop and dangling from a rope under torrents of freezing water. But everyone who went thought it was a wonderful experience.
Other highlights: Village of Eus is very pretty. We especially enjoyed being able to go on some beautiful walks from the door - it made it a more relaxing holiday to not have to do a lot of driving here. The walk up to the 2 waterfalls was lovely, but for panoramic views we really enjoyed the walk up to the Pic d'Alzina (we bought a little walk book from the Office du Tourisme in Vernet). The train ride up to Mont Louis was well worth it too.
(Erik and anette: it has just occured to me that it would have been useful to see other guests' comments while we were here to see whar they did or didn't recommend - perhaps they are already available, but I didn't think to ask). - Have just read the bit at the top of the form and I see they're available at reception!
Mr and Mrs M. Sonley
Village Catalan looks on the town in Vernet les Bains, and has a beautiful view of the Pyrenees - mountains we saw in a variety of moods during our stay. It is pleasure to sit on the balcony and watch the changing patterns of light on the landscape.
Directly behind the Village are the first stages of a variety of walks - some suitable for beginners but others as challenging as you want them to be - right to the Pic du Canigou.
During our fortnight we walked, went to chamber music concerts in the local church, prowled round the local markets, and made a very worthwhile visit to the Dali museum in N. Spain - a fantastic day out.
In summary a holiday full of variety, activity and culture with Anette and Erik giving a generous and hospitable welcome to everyone, and encouraging a friendly and community atmosphere.
Thank you to you both.
Kathleen and Graham Cordall
United Kingdom
To the guest book of Village Catalan:
Copenhagen/Hellerup, 16 October 1999
Dear Annette and Erik
Thank you so much for our stay at Village Catalan from Saturday 25 September until Saturday, 9 October, 1999. Indeed we had a great time all over.
To other possible guest we can strongly recommend this accomodation - allmost for what ever reason or purpose.
For ourselves, first of all we are hikers, and hiking was the most important reason for this vacation. If you are looking for the marvelous grottes and or the bathes to be found in Vernes or close to, please ask somebody else. We concentrated solely - or almost solely - on the hiking posibillities. It was a great succes.
We started very softly on Sunday afternoon with a 2 times 1 hour hike to "Cascade des Anglais" - a beautiful place and a good warming up starter. Already next day we did the 3½ hour hike to de Saint Martin du Canigou (well marked route passing approximately 1300 m altitude) and went back via the main road. After this all days but one were spend by hiking around in the beauitful surroundings to Vernet les Bains.
From our home we had brought a hiking map (1:50,000) in order to prepare our trips. However, the map we bought for 20 FRF in the tourist office of Vernet was quite as useful. We could recommend a lot of hiking routes all of which we found on our own. We will not do so but rather recommend anybody to hike on their own. All routes are (allmost) easy to find with the help of this map.
The top of the mountain Canigou however, we did not even try to reach from the Village. Somebody stronger and younger than us (we are both fifty) may be able to do so in the summer time, where there is more day light. Consequently we went by jeep, very well arranged by Annette and Erik, to a plateau in the altitude of 2.150 m from where we were able to reach to top within 2½ hours (1½ hous down to the plateau again). Also this hike can be strongly recommended - even if you are not an "iron man" or so.
We went to Vernet - and Village Catalan - at the edge of the season. Also doing so we can strongly recommend - but not too much, as we like to have the hiking area on our own as we indeed had many times. One day we waived good bye to somebody standing in their door when we left Vernet and the first living person we saw again that day after 8 hours up to 1748 m were Anette when we finally got back to our Village.
Only one thing was a litte wrong and that was our own fault: Two weeks are too limited. Consequently next time we´ll spend three weeks in Village Catalan. Maybe that will give us time to see the grottes etc. - but we´re not too sure about that - even within three weeks.
If you wish to have further comments you are welcome to send us an e-mail as follows: >erik.toft.rokamp@post4.tele.dk<. We would be happy to answer your questions or in more details give you our further advice.
Annemette and Erik Rokamp
Hellerupvej 23 I th.,
DK-2900 Hellerup
