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Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon

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A natural landscape with a clear stream, rocky terrain, and lush greenery. - Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon (Sorède)
A bedroom with a bed, wooden wardrobe, a chair, a table, a tapestry, and a heater. - Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon (Sorède)
A balcony with a table and chairs, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. - Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon (Sorède)
A beach with people sunbathing, umbrellas, and boats. - Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon (Sorède)
A compact kitchen with wooden cabinets, a built-in dishwasher, a sink, and a washing machine. - Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon (Sorède)
Escape to Villa Heureuse, a comfortable and well-equipped retreat in a serene river-front setting. With direct access to the private river-front and natural pool, unwind with a meal on one of the four terraces surrounded by fruit trees and Mediterranean plants. Enjoy nearby beaches in Argèles or explore local markets like Céret’s famous market for fresh produce.

Reviews

8.8 out of 10
Excellent

Entire home

4 bedrooms3 bathroomsSleeps 890 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Pool
  • Hot tub
  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Pet friendly
  • Free WiFi

Add dates for prices

About this property

Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon

  • Villa Heureuse is in a stunning river-front setting, with direct access to the private river-front and a natural pool for swimming. It has many terraces on four different levels with fruit trees and Mediterranean plants. These spaces are perfect for sharing a meal with a group of people or simply sitting and soaking in the relaxing sound of the river.

    It is comfortable and well-equipped including split aircon in the main living area and a mobile aircon in the upper bedroom. The villa is located only 20 minutes’ drive from the nearest beaches in Argèles (offering a wide range of water sports). There are also lots of lovely parts of the valley to explore on your doorstep such as the nearby waterfall. There are many walks starting in the valley that take you up into the Albères within an hour, offering breathtaking views over the sea and the nearby villages. Other nearby locations include the beautiful castle and picturesque town of Collioure; local markets (we recommend the Céret market famous for offering mainly local produce); the underwater nature reserve between Port Vendres and Banyuls that can be explored by Kayak, snorkelling, or both; or the Salvador Dali museum in Figueres (Spain).
    There is also a separate appartment on the lower level with it's own entrance and terraces which can be booked separately if your group is larger than 8 people.

Property amenities

Pool/Spa

  • Hot tub
  • Outdoor pool

Internet

  • Available in the villa: Free WiFi

Parking and transportation

  • Parking on site

Kitchen

  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Cookware, dishware, and utensils
  • Dishwasher
  • Electric kettle
  • Microwave
  • Oven
  • Refrigerator
  • Stovetop
  • Toaster

Dining

  • Dining table

Bedrooms

  • 4 bedrooms
  • Bedsheets provided

Bathroom

  • 2.5 bathrooms
  • Hair dryer
  • Shower
  • Toilet paper
  • Towels provided

Living spaces

  • Dining table
  • Fireplace
  • Living room
  • Wood stove

Entertainment

  • DVD player

Outdoor areas

  • Balcony
  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Outdoor furniture

Laundry

  • Laundry facilities
  • Washing machine

Comfort

  • Air conditioning
  • Heating

Pets

  • Pet friendly
  • One pet total (up to 55 lbs per pet)

Suitability/Accessibility

  • Smoking not allowed

Services and conveniences

  • Iron/ironing board

Things to do

  • Foosball table
  • Table tennis

Safety features

  • Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
  • Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)

General

  • Double-glazed windows
  • Eco-friendly cleaning products used
  • Garden
  • Recycling
  • Unit size: 969 square feet

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  • Kitchen
  • Washer
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Policies

Check-in

Check-in time starts at 4:00 PM

Check-out

Check-out before 10:00 AM

Special check-in instructions

You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools

Pets

Pets allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
1 total (up to 55 lbs per pet)

Children and extra beds

Children are welcome

Events

No events allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation

About the neighborhood

Sorede is home to this villa. Shoppers can check out Gran Jonquera Outlet Mall and Shopping, while everyone can enjoy the natural beauty of Collioure Beach and Saint-Cyprien-Plage. Traveling with kids? Consider Sentier du Littoral and Le Tropique du Papillon. Visit our Sorede travel guide
View more Villas in Sorede
Map
Sorède, Pyrénées-Orientales

What's nearby

  • A coastal town with a historic tower, a sandy beach, and boats in the water.
    Collioure Beach
    28 min drive - 20.2 km
  • A marina with boats docked, a clock tower, and buildings along the waterfront.
    Saint-Cyprien-Plage
    32 min drive - 21.1 km
  • La Vallee Des Tortues
    15 min walk - 1.3 km
  • Luna Park
    26 min drive - 16.3 km
  • Gran Jonquera Outlet Mall and Shopping
    43 min drive - 36.0 km

Getting around

  • Argelès-sur-Mer Station
    25 min drive
  • Perpignan (PGF-Perpignan - Rivesaltes Intl.)
    56 min drive

Restaurants

  • Loco Pizza
    12 min drive
  • Café des Artistes
    8 min drive
  • Café dels Monts
    14 min drive
  • La casa des rails
    15 min drive
  • Au Bien Venu
    16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon pet-friendly?

Yes, this property allows pets (limit 1 total) with a maximum weight of up to 55 lbs per pet.

How much is parking?

Onsite parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon?

Check-out is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon located?

Set in Sorede, this family-friendly villa is within 9 mi (15 km) of Gulf of Lion, Sentier du Littoral, and Le Tropique du Papillon. Le Jardin Enchanté and Parc Venitien are also within 9 mi (15 km).

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Beautiful River-front Villa with Natural Pool & Aircon Reviews

Reviews

Excellent

All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travelers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
Rating 10 - Excellent. 47 out of 76 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 17 out of 76 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 8 out of 76 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 76 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 3 out of 76 reviews

7.0

Cleanliness

9.6

Location

Reviews

Archival

10/10 Excellent

Christian M.

NIce family holiday

The house is placed in the middle of the stunning mountain nature, with the possibility of a swim in the rock pool in the back yard. Only 20 min drive to the beautiful mediteranian sea. Nice place for a family holiday!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Our Easter Trip to Villa Heureuse 2015

We have a young family and staying at Villa Heureuse was a delight. We felt very comfortable and had a lovely week's holiday enjoying the sound of running river water. Thank you for a great time. The Nicholson Family.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Peter M.

Great stay in a perfectly sized apartment

Had a great week at the apartment with our two young (7 & 10 yr old) daughters. Swimming in the rock pool was great, and there were plenty of nearby attractions! The apartment is well laid out, with separate rooms for the kids and the adults, making for easy sharing and different bed times.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Arlo B.

lovely apartment in peaceful setting

The property was clean and well -equipped - but, most importantly, the views of the river and rock pool from the windows were breathtaking. Soothed to sleep by the sounds of the babbling river each night. Great location to have a very varied stay - beaches one day and mountains the next. We loved Collioure especially!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Perfect holiday in Valley Heureuse!

We loved the spacious kitchen and the parent rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Everything was tastfully decorated and clean when we arrived - even a bottle of wine was waiting for us! Perfect for children/Teenagers because of the beautiful rock pool & river just 10 steps away from the house and ping pong and tv and and and... Caroline and James are very friendly and nice hosts - thank you so much - maybe one day we'll return!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Brilliant place

We (family of three, w/ daughter aged 3) spent two extremely enjoyable weeks in Villa Heureuse - in mid October, 2010. Torrential rain during the first few days turned the little stream behind the house into an impressive river. Yet, the place was so nice we could even relax during the rainy days. We enjoyed hiking, sightseeing (there's such a lot of things to see around Sorède and in the area) and even the sea. We are certainly looking forward to coming back sometime.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ian S.

Fantastic setting and beautiful villa

Spent the last week of August 2015 at villa Heureuse. Four adults and three children who all loved the fantastic setting. We all loved swimming in the natural pool and the kids loved jumping in off the rocks while we adults could keep an eye on them while sitting on the balcony. Beautiful quiet location but only a few minutes drive to Sorede for all amenities. Had a great time both at the beaches and in the mountains. Caroline and James were very friendly, leaving us to get on with things but there if we needed them. Highly recommended 👍😊
Archival

8/10 Good

Moritz K.

Wonderful Family Stay

We stayed one week with four kids in the Villa Heureuse. It has a stunning location behind a natural river and a natural pond. They are public but you can use them like as if they were private. Our kids really loved them. You can sit the whole day on your sunny balcony and watch the kids play. The house itself is ok with some minor peculiarities/insufficiencies. The landlady was very helpful and friendly, we certainly will try to come back,
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Vb6bad6q/PjV3jnkoEUspQFU9CscHpBOQaHodvAxLRmUviNL7wI4IkULdtnXUeIsg53mMHvesIFonZW/PpHsai1KB4Xhd9tB1slH V.

perfect place

We have spent our Easter holiday at Apartment Riviere and enjoyed it very much!Especially the lovely setting close to the river, the garden, the peace and quiteness. It is a perfect place to relax, go to the beach, walking in the hills, eating crépes at the mountain créperie, visiting a colourful market at Céret or doing sightseeing at Perpignan. We will definitely come back and our daughter Emma still talks about having her own river right behind the house. Thank you very much Caroline and James for being our hosts, Christine, Stefan and Emma
Archival

6/10 Okay

maggie p.

Lovely views

Lovely views from back of the house down to river with cute natural pool for swimming. Well equipped kitchen with everything you need for self catering holiday. Great outside areas for eating great. Owners James very helpful and friendly. Would only say that it should be advertised as 3 bed-roomed rather than 4 bed-roomed house as my 22 year old son had to sleep on a camp bed on a landing at the top of the stairs. He had no privacy and the space was stifling hot.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Judith E.

a truly beautiful place

We, a family of four with two small boys (2 and 5) spent a lovely week in the Villa heureuse. The house is spacious and the veranda very nice to sit on in the evenings and listen to the stream rustling and to see the bats skipping in and out of the trees. The kids simply loved the stream, played forever in the rock pools, looked for frogs, dragonflys, fish... Nature is very beautiful and there are lovely short and long walks to take in the mountains nearby. Plenty to see and do in the area as well, and Sorède is a friendly place with a great boulangerie. :) We´d love to be back sometime!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Family Holiday

We spent a wonderful fortnight in the villa with 2 teenage boys and our lively 4 year old daughter. We had a fantastic time and the children had alot of fun playing and swimming in the rock pools every day. It can get very hot during the day in August and this was a perfect way to relax and to cool down. It was very special and magical to barbecue on the rocks in the evening and watch the bats diving into the water. The close proximity to Spain makes it an ideal place for a two centre holiday - we drove onto Barcelona for the final weekend of our holiday. Thank you for introducing us to this region of France!
Archival

8/10 Good

App. Rivière in autumn

The discription is accurate, with representative fotos. The appartment is well-maintained, well equipped and clean. The owner is very friendly and gave us good informations. Sorède is a quiet village. It's a good place to do hiking and to relax and to visit near by pittoresque villages with romanic monasteries. The coast is varied, long sandy beaches or steep coast. Besides Perpignan and Figueras (Spain) are worth while visiting. I really can recommend this property, although - due to the valleysite - the sun disappears early in late autumn and the bakery is some way off.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Richard M.

Lovely secluded spot in beautiful scenery, close to mountains and sea.

The apartment was perfect for our needs. Spacious and comfortable for 2. Lovely space outside leading down to the stream. Only shame was the water was too cold in April to swim in the plunge pool. The apartment is up a valley surrounded by mountains, with opportunities for hiking direct from the house. Five minutes drive to quiet village of Sorede for local shops and a few restaurants. Spectacular views over the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees. Also only a short drive to the coast and interesting towns on the Cote Vermeille, and within reach of the higher valleys of the Pyrenees. We'll have to come back when it's warmer to enjoy the plunge pool!
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2016
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Villa Hereuse

This is a beautifully situated property surrounded as it is by high hills and with the soothing sound of bubbling water making its way into a small rock pool located just below the villa. For peace and serenity I don't think there are many locations that could beat it. However, Sorede and its facilities are easliy accessible - there is a beautiful walk down into the town. The property itself is spacious, clean, comfortable and wonderfully maintained, with a kitchen that is especially well equipped. One of our great delights, both morning and evening, was to take our food out onto the patio, relax and listen to the birds and the sound of the water. The owners are extremely warm and friendly and I would thoroughly recommend a stay at the Villa Hereuse to friends.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Tracy McLaughlin

Lovely Property, Great space for a family

We stayed for just over 2 weeks at Caroline and James' lovely property. The back garden provided plenty of exploring opportunities for our sons, and most days were spend down on the rocks fishing, or floating in the natural pool. There was lots of space for the 4 of us (including two teenagers) and Caroline and James could not have been more welcoming and friendly. They went out of their way to make sure that we had everything we needed and helped with every aspect of our stay. We were not planning on visiting this part of France again before staying here, but we definitely be back! We only scratched the surface of the amenities nearby but we loved the tortoise sanctuary and the beach at Argeles was wonderful. Easy to get to everything and Sorede was a great little town with a bakery we visited often! Thank you Caroline and James for everything x
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jen D.

Idyllic location, lovely apartment

I would highly recommend these villas for anyone wishing to enjoy a quiet, tranquil and rejuvenating holiday. The location is beautiful, set directly besides the gorgeous stream and rock pool which feels very much like an extension of the private garden. It is quiet and very peaceful, with lush green hills on the near horizon. The perfect getaway spot! and just a short drive to the beach! I stayed in the 2 bedroom apartment which was clean and well equipped with kitchen appliances, microwave, fridge/freezer, dishwasher, washing machine, wifi, TV, etc. It also had a nice, friendly feel with idyllic private views over to the rocky stream. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay here. Owners Caroline and James are extremely welcoming, helpful and kind. Two very lovely people who cared very much to ensure that I had everything I needed throughout my stay. Highly recommended, and I hope to be back again soon!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Raymond B.

A quiet, peaceful and idyllic holiday location

I came to Apartment Riviere on my own because I lost my wife recently, and over several years we had stayed in property owned by the Postlethwaites, but never this one. We had experienced the outstanding service and support that they offered, and my stay here was no exception. The apartment was well equipped, clean and everything worked. Caroline and James were very supportive during my stay, and obviously conscious of my situation. I would recommend this property without reservation to anyone who appreciated a lovely location, plenty of walks around, and who thrived on peace and quiet. A minor disadvantage is that you need a car to get around. The village of Sorede is just over a mile away, a lovely walk to get there, but uphill to get back! Small price to pay for these surroundings.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Michael H.

Beautiful setting.

We arrived at the Villa Heureuse in mid November for a three week stay. We had been looking for a quiet place to just "relax and get away from it all" and the villa and its surroundings certainly gave us that.......it has a beautiful outlook, with a lovely balcony that overlooks a stream and natural pool out the back. James and Caroline, the owners, are a pleasure to meet, and a couple of minor issues we had were dealt with promptly. The Villa Heureuse is located about 1.5 miles from the centre of Sorede, and we spent a lot of time just relaxing and enjoying the immediate surroundings. We also enjoyed trips to Collioure, Argeles-ser-Mer, and further afield to the mountain top commune of Rennes le Chateau, and the beautiful Abbey St Martin de Cannigou near Casteil. The beauty of the area is, you can be as quiet or as adventurous as you want. It's all there depending on whatever you want. We would recommend this Villa as a great place to stay. Close enough for all amenities, but away from any hustle and bustle, offering peace and tranquility.
Archival

8/10 Good

Philip S.

Location, location, location

Staying in the appartment under Villa Heureuse we were impressed with the location. Took a bit of finding on arrival I Sorede but once there we were delighted. Swimming and paddling in the river and pool was a joy, and is clearly the reason for staying here. All our friends were very envious as we posted photos on Facebook! Lots of interesting places to visit in the locality. Couriere is fantastic, and Carcossonne worth every minute of the drive there. Future guests should be aware that the front door leads straight into the double bedroom through which you have to go each time to exit the property. For a family this is probably not a problem, but it is a little more problematic if you have two couples in each room, as if the occupants of the double room want a siesta others have to quietly creep pass them to exit the building. But perhaps that only applies to us in our more senior years who enjoy an afternoon nap!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Edward K.

Extraordinary property set in stunning location

This property is set in a wonderful and rare location, with its own extensive outside areas, that included a system of waterfalls that run in two a large pool where you can swim. Lazy afternoons can be spent playing in the water, swimming, building dams, relaxing to the sound of running water and enjoying the vibrancy of the natural environment. A nature lovers paradise with a huge variety of special wildlife around, including rare birds and water creatures. The surrounding mountain landscape is stunning. A perfect space in which to unwind from the pressure of modern living and enter a calm and relaxed state of being. The location is ideal, very close to the beaches by car. Sorede and the villages around are unspoilt, the locals of friendly and the natural environment is gorgeous. This is area seams to be a well kept secret! The area around the property itself is very calm but does not feel isolated. The apartment was very clean and user friendly, with everything you need. I spend a lot of time outside on the variously seating area, well placed in different spots of natural beauty. The gardens were very well thought out and beautiful. The owners Caroline and James could not have been more welcoming and supportive of our successful stay. Highly recommended.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Peace and relaxation

This spacious apartment is up the peaceful green Happy Valley a few miles above Sorede. We have now stayed in two of Caroline and James' properties, we know it will be clean, recently decorated and we will have a well equipped modern kitchen and bathroom, and external terrace. The owners are kind and friendly and will come up from Sorede if needed. Having WiFi was helpful as mobile reception can be poor up there. There are steps down to two terraces for meals outside, BBQ, sunbathing and through a gate a cooling stream rushes down among the trees with a soothing sound.. Under the apartment, along an awkward narrow path, is the washing machine area. The overhang from Villa Heureuse above keeps the temperature indoors equable in hot weather. We used the apartment to explore more of the Roussillon region. There are many sandy beaches within striking distance, pretty Collioure, historic Elne and Perpignan, prehistoric Tautavel. We also did a trip into Spain. Many winemakers in the region are now highly regarded and offer tastings. In season the local apricots and cherries are delicious. Sorede has most shops, weekly market, good greengrocer, Post Office and restaurants and there's the hypermarket at Argeles. There's a Michelin starred restaurant in the next village, Laroque des Alberes
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Jan G.

Great location

Comfortable apartment in the mediterranean foothills of the Pyrenees. Location is great – a secluded valley with a little murmuring stream running behind the house where it opens in to a a little swimming pool. A patio and table overlooking the stream are perfect for breakfast in the morning, catching the first sun, or dinner in the evening. The flat is on the ground floor of the building, well equipped; we were not lacking for anything during our 9-day stay. The flat receives little direct light because of the upstairs balcony overhanging the windows, but that also means it stays comfortably cool during those hot summer days and nights. The location is quiet except for the bubbling of the stream behind the house. A larger supermarket and a fantastic bakery in a small shopping arcade are a ten minute drive away; the small town of Sorède is nearby with some small shops, bistros and restaurants. Going through the town of Argelès, about 15-20 minutes away, one reaches the nearest beaches, which are well looked after. To the east of Argelès centre are larger supermarkets and stores, and the beaches become wilder. Around the Bocal du Tech, the estuary, are some naturist beaches in a nature reserve, which are great. West of Argelès are historic Collioure and a few other coastal towns along the very rocky coast line with its secluded bays and great rambling trails and views. Following along the Tech valley or the Têt valley a little north inland, one can find a fairly wild nature with beautiful rivers, secluded valleys, and medieval towns and sites dating back well over 1100 years, in some cases prehistoric. The apartment is ideally located for both a relaxing beach holiday or hiking in the hills and mountains or explorations of the rich cultural and historic heritage. It is quiet and comfortable and beautifully located and the couple owning it are lovely and helpful. Highly recommended
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Apartment Riviere, mid September 2010

My girlfriend and I (both 27) were pleasantly surprised with the apartment, both by its modernity and location. Many thanks to James and Caroline the owners for their care and attention. The apartment is actually in La Vallee Heureuse, which is an easy but windy (whine-dee not blustery!) 3k drive up from Sorede and which is densely tree covered but with some navigable paths in the hills for short and long walks. The apartment was clean and spacious with a fantastic terraced area overlooking a small river to the rear which though that maybe a bit dangerous for young children (slippery and some high rocks) it is a constant reminder of the rural area you are in aided by the cow bells in the hills. The advertised natural pool is just that, not too deep and with some small fish to try and catch and the gentle, continuous flow soon becomes un-noticeable, though at first you think you might not be able to sleep with the constant gushing. The only downside is the limited sun due to the steepness of the valley and hills to the south, we only saw the sun after 8.30am and not after 5.30pm though this didn't make it cold, in mid September the lowest daytime temperature we saw was 26c dropping to only 18c at night. With regards to the ease of access to the surrounding area, once away from La Vallee Heureuse, the roads are superb, smooth and uncongested even during the traditional ‘rush hours’, and previously unknown gems of towns are within striking distance, notably Collioure and its towers and forts. Sandy beaches are only accessible from St Cyprien and north and are stony nearer the hills and until you reach Roses in Spain. Getting into Spain on the Col de Banyuls requires concentration but is worth the drive once you get to the Cap de Crues and Cadaques. Going west from the village, the road toward Prats De Mollo has some nice attractions such as Le Gorges de Fou and Prats De Mollo itself but again is a drive requiring concentration. If you can get onto the Grand Randonee routes then the Canigou Massif has some nice forest and meadow walks with spectacular views. In summary this was a perfect rural hideaway for couples or young families and the retired in a spectacular area and with an ‘un-touristy’ feel. Highly recommended and 5* as such.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

martha b.

magical

Having seen the pictures of the apartment we felt we had some idea of what our holiday would be like. However the reality was far far more. What we experienced was an oasis of calm and tranquility, days spent away from the hustle and bustle of modern life. The first night we arrived I slept so soundly to the backdrop of cascading water. I felt both mesmerized and totally refreshed. The air so clear and clean we felt invigorated by all those wonderful negative ions. In the morning when I awoke I felt as though I had slept all night long in a forest. In the evening with the sun penetrating the leaves of the trees and dancing on the water I felt enchanted by this world within a world. You would need a car to be able to visit this region. We ventured into Spain to visit the Salvador Dali museum in Figuras, well worth a visit to get a glimpse of Dali's innovative imaginings. We mainly stayed within 20 km of our apartment as I did not want to spend too much time away from Sorede. . How wonderful is it to wake in the morning and to have a dip in the natural pool at the end of the garden? We ate our meals on the terrace listening to the gentle wind in the trees and soaking up the sun. We spent many afternoons at the beach in Argeles sur mer, where we swam and walked along the promenade and hired bikes to cycle around the town. What we loved especially about where we stayed is that we could leave behind the commercial tourism of Argeles and escape back into the mountains and forests of Sorede. Sorede itself is quite a charming village where we ventured into some nights to relax in the square. For us this was more than just a holiday as it was also a retreat. For anyone who wants to relax and unwind , for those who want to be recharged and inspired then this is the place to visit. The hosts Caroline and James were always there to answer any of our queries. They made sure that the apartment contained everything that people need on holiday. We spent many evenings playing table tennis and developing skills we never thought possible!! Now back at home in Ireland I try to capture the smells and sounds of the Vallee Heureuse. The smell I recall is Mimosa , the sound is that of the water lapping onto the rocks and the feeling is peace. Wherever we go we take some of that energy which for us was healing and energizing. I would recommend this holiday for anyone who wants to get away from it all, for those who love the outdoors and treking and swimming.