The owners of the property were extremely pleasant and helpful during our phone and e-mail dealings, and we were met on arrival by the housekeeper, who spoke perfect English.
Prades is a small but bustling town, approximately 30km west of Perpignon, and set against the beautiful backdrop of the Pyrenees. The house is only 100 metres from the Tourist Office and the main square, and all food and other supplies were readily available within a few minutes easy walk of the house, or from a number of medium-size superstores on the outskirts of the town. The shopkeepers were all very friendly, helpful and patient with us, despite our very limited ability with the language, and we felt as though we were 'honorary locals' during our stay.
From the town, we were able to explore the surrounding mountains, with wonderful scenic walks available everywhere, and we were also able to spend time at the seaside via Perpignon and the beautiful fortified ports along the Mediterranean coast.
The house itself is in a terraced street, and while at first glance it looks a little unprepossessing from the front, it has enormous period charm which contributed in large measure to the satisfaction of our stay. The owners have gone to a great deal of trouble to sympathetically preserve and add to the provincial French period charm of this delightful, and very old, property, and this includes waxed floorboards, traditional solid furniture, and ancient fixtures and fittings. The very high ceilings retained the original ornate plaster mouldings and everything was in keeping with the period of the property. This is not a bland, modern apartment, and after a short period of adjustment to our surroundings, we were rewarded by discovering that everything was immaculately clean, all modern essentials such as microwave, dishwasher and oven were provided, and everything worked as it should.
The rooms are arranged over four floors, with a central spiral staircase which counteracted the excesses of the good food and wine available in the region, but which may not suit elderly or less than energetic guests. The top-floor terrace provided a sun trap and superb views over the old pantiled roofs of the town, set against the dramatic mountains of the Pyrenees, which are literally on the doorstep. En-suite bathrooms with showers had all been newly installed, and a new heating system was available but not required.
Overall, we were delighted with the property, its location and the facilities in the surrounding area, and we would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone looking for a stay in this unspoilt backwater of southern France.
All bookings are direct with the owner 