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Characterful village house ideally located for sightseeing and activity holidays

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Spacious roof terrace
Casa Olympe
Living/Dining Room
Kitchen
Patio

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedroomsSleeps 7145 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washing machine
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Outdoor space
  • Parking available
  • Barbecue

Explore the area

View map
Joch, Occitanie
  • Place, Aventure Active / Pyrenees Outdoor Sports
    ‪6 min drive‬
  • Place, Orgues d'Ille-sur-Têt
    ‪17 min drive‬
  • Place, Prades Square
    ‪19 min drive‬
  • Airport, Perpignan (PGF-Perpignan - Rivesaltes Intl.)
    ‪45 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 7)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Double Bed

Bedroom 3

3 Single Beds

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Garden

About this property

Characterful village house ideally located for sightseeing and activity holidays

If you are looking for a comfortable base for sightseeing, or for trips to the mountains and the coast, walking, wild swimming, paddle boarding, cycling or sport climbing, this is the house for you.
Park your car in the small car park adjoining the house. Walk across the sun trap south facing patio and enter Casa Olympe, our sympathetically modernised, characterful and well equipped comfortable village house. First, is the large very well-equipped kitchen. Next enter the cool and spacious light living room with smart TV, super-fast fibre broadband (ideal for remote working), a wood burning stove for chilly evenings, games, books and jigsaw puzzles, and a range of maps and guidebooks to help you plan your stay.
On that floor you will also find a double bedroom, bathroom and utility area with washing machine. Moving upstairs, you will discover the large, airy master bedroom, with ensuite bathroom. Also on that floor is the large roof terrace with fantastic views over the Tet Valley. The living and the two main bedrooms also share this wonderful view. The accommodation is completed by a large lower floor bedroom with three single beds and an en-suite bathroom.
Once you have settled in, take a walk around the beautiful village of Joch. Now a ‘Village Fleurie” with a chateau, narrow streets, waterfalls and children’s play area to explore. Also check out the excellent restaurant/café with an attractive terrace with panoramic views.
Start your next day with fresh bread and pastries from the bread van which visits 6 days a week, and have breakfast on the patio as you prepare for the day’s activities.

For walkers, there are a range excellent paths from the house along the valley and up into the mountains. The high Pyrenees are nearby and offer a variety of hiking from the easy to the very challenging. If you want to paddle board or wild swim, there is a lake with a small beach 5 minutes away, as well as wild hot-springs, and more formal hot water sprimgs not far away. For sightseeing there are many picturesque villages, monasteries, wineries, ancient chapels and pre-historic remains to explore. For sport climbers there are a range of granite and limestone rock faces in the area.
And within 45 minutes drive, there are Mediterranean beaches and picturesque towns including the famous artists’ ancient harbour of Collioure.


Comments from previous guests:

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washing machine
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Parking available
Barbecue

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 3–17
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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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
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Joch

Located in Joch, this holiday home is in a rural area and on a lake. Château Musée de Belesta and Les Journees de la Ceramique de Belesta are cultural highlights, and some of the area's attractions include Aventure Active / Pyrenees Outdoor Sports and Parc Animalier de Casteil. Windsurfing and rafting offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with cycling and horse riding nearby.
View more Holiday homes in JochOpens in a new window
Map
Joch, Occitanie

What's nearby

  • Aventure Active / Pyrenees Outdoor Sports - 6 min drive - 3.8 km
  • Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees - 17 min drive - 12.4 km
  • Orgues d'Ille-sur-Têt - 17 min drive - 16.2 km
  • Prades Square - 19 min drive - 14.8 km
  • St-Michel-de-Cuixa Abbey - 24 min drive - 17.6 km

Getting around

  • Vinça Station - 9 min drive
  • Perpignan (PGF-Perpignan - Rivesaltes Intl.) - 39 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪McDonald's - ‬14 min drive
  • ‪AD'PIZZ - ‬17 min drive
  • ‪Café de la Paix - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪Bar Central - ‬16 min drive
  • ‪L'alegria - ‬16 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Characterful village house ideally located for sightseeing and activity holidays pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

How much does it cost to stay at Characterful village house ideally located for sightseeing and activity holidays?

As of 20 March 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Characterful village house ideally located for sightseeing and activity holidays on 21 May 2026 start from NZ$184, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Characterful village house ideally located for sightseeing and activity holidays?

On-site parking is available at the property.

What time is check-in at Characterful village house ideally located for sightseeing and activity holidays?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Characterful village house ideally located for sightseeing and activity holidays?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Characterful village house ideally located for sightseeing and activity holidays located?

This family-friendly Joch holiday home is located by the sea, 2.1 mi (3.4 km) from Aventure Active / Pyrenees Outdoor Sports, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees and Orgues d'Ille-sur-Têt. Prades Square and Office de tourisme Conflent Canigo Molitg les Bains are also within 9 miles (15 km).

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 23 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 6 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

8.2/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

9.6/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified

10/10 Excellent

Lara L.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Happy holiday

We enjoyed our stay in the jouse very much! Big house, place inside and outside. A lot of walks and beautyfull views!
Stayed 14 nights in Apr 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Odile C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Great place to enjoy gorgeous scenery, quiet nature. Nicely furnished house with everything you need, large patio perfect for relaxing, outdoor meals,reading and observing stars at night! Walking trails direct from the house (you can walk hours just following the aqueduct!), other trails close by car. Nice roads for cycling as well. Hosts provide a complete guide for shops/groceries nearby, markets, and suggested sites to visit.We've had a great week, and we definitely recommend!
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Duncan H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A home away from home

A lovely, homely place to stay with everything we needed... Superbly equipped kitchen, two large couches for the family to relax in, stunning view and great location for exploring the surrounding area. To walk up a mountain one day and swim in the Med the next was pretty special... we'll be back!!
Stayed 15 nights in Sep 2021
Verified

8/10 Good

JOANNE C.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location

Lovely holiday

Lovely house - spacious, comfortable and well equipped. Location great - fabulous walking country, spectacular mountains and views, a proper "get away from it all" place. Not so great if you want a bar or restaurant nearby on an evening though - the one in Joch was only open two of our nine nights, the other small villages don't have bars and we never found anything open in Vinca either.
Stayed 9 nights in Sep 2023
Verified

10/10 Excellent

angela E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Peaceful and unique

It was a bit large for just the two of us, but we do love privacy. We met the most interesting locals and truly enjoyed their friendliness. Hiking local is wonderful. I finally found the 13 crosses and the big cross on top although we could find no maps. We are amateur hikers. The sights to see in the area were superb; Villefranche-de-Conflent,Chateau Quéribus and so much more. The terrace was perfect even though it was chilly. I would re-visit.
Stayed 14 nights in Sep 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

Pascale A.

Liked: Check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Arrivée autonome et sans problème
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yves G.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Les catalans sont supers sympathiques, le logement est très bien et bien équipé, nous avons passes de très bons moments à l'Esccala d'avant à chanter,danser et manger avec les villageois et d'autres touristes .La region est très belle et très accueillante,la decouverte du train jaune et d'autres visites nous ont beaucoup plu.Exellent sejour,je recommandeYves
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2025
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Juan C.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Maison très confortable, vue imprenable

Nous avons passé un séjour très agréable à Joch. La maison est très bien située et nous nous sommes vite habitués au son de la cloche qui sonne vraiment juste à côté, ainsi qu’aux escaliers un peu trop inclinés. La fraîcheur de la maison en sous-sol est un atout en temps de canicule. On reviendrait avec plaisir.
Stayed 8 nights in Jul 2024
Verified

8/10 Good

jasmine M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Belle location

Très belle location, joliment décorée dans un joli petit village et vue magnifique. Toutefois un peu loin de la mer
Stayed 20 nights in Jul 2022
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Renee K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Perfect Getaway

Very big house and cost house with a stunning view. Very good family house! The house is very well equipped. Everything you need is there! Good location to explore the area. You can travel around in the beautiful hills and nature of the ‘Pays de Cathares’, but also the beach is close to enjoy the sea! We had a very good holiday here with our family. Our kids loved the play ground in the village! And we had a nice walk with our two young kids and baby along the canal which can be found close to the home. It is an easy walk with kids as it stays quite flat.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Simon L.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Lovely mountain retreat

Joch makes an excellent base for exploring the Eastern Pyrenees and you have the benefit of being in a quiet hillside village but with good connections to go either into the mountains or to the coast. There are several good walks which you can take from the house and many more just a short drive away. Although Joch has no shops or restaurants these can be found in the nearby towns of Vinca, Prades and Ille Sur Tet. The house is very comfortable and well equipped. The roof terrace makes a fantastic spot to relax and enjoy a glass of local wine. Parking can be in short supply but you can usually find somewhere if there are no spaces outside the house.
Verified

10/10 Excellent

Yvonne N.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

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.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2019
Verified

10/10 Excellent

CAROLYN M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Charming house in peaceful village

This property is one of the very best that we have ever stayed in! A totally charming house with a very well equipped kitchen, a comfortable bed and unbeatable views across the valley and towards the village from the lovely roof terrace. We also enjoyed eating meals in the garden surrounded by well tended Mediterranean plants and vines. There is plenty of parking available and a good, fast road nearby to take you towards either the coast or further into the mountains. We would definitely stay here again!
From a partner site

10/10 Excellent

Jessica T.

Superbe séjour

Nous avons passé 2 semaines merveilleuses au moment de la pentecôte (4 adultes et une enfant) . Le cadre est magnifique, la maison très agréable, fonctionnelle et correspond bien à la description du site. La maison était aussi très propre. Elle est a recommander
Stayed 14 nights in May 2018
Archival

10/10 Excellent

very comfortable and well equipped house

We had a great time. Even in March we were able to sit out on the patio and enjoy the sun. The house affords great views across the valley and the area as a whole has commanding views of Mount Canigou. For those who like cooking the kitchen is very well equipped indeed. The main bedroom, with its en suite, is one of the nicest rooms we have ever rented. Its airy, and spacious. A joy. We hope to return.
Stayed 7 nights in Mar 2017
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Stephen T.

Stunning views and lovely property

We spent a week at this property at the end of August. The views from the property across the valley are stunning and a real delight to relax and enjoy. The property is of a very high standard and very well equipped, the booking process was also very efficient. We enjoyed many days walking in the hills and mountains close by as well as many of the local cultural sites. A wonderful property we would happily return to.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

KEITH W.

Wonderful house in rural village

Very comfortable house in small village at the base of the Pyrenees. It was a perfect location to explore the wonders of this area. We had an easy day trip to the lovely town of Collioure on the coast. But be warned, the traffic can be horrendous, especially on market days. We explored numerous Cathar Castles perched high on rocky outcrops, and ventured through the Gorges de Galamus. There are numerous pretty villages to explore, and plenty of mountain hikes to attempt. Other reviewers have commented on the church bells, and they are very close, but after a few days we didn't really notice them. We actually didn't mind them and they do not ring from 10.00 pm to 8.00 am so don't interfere with sleep. The house has been nicely renovated and contains all the necessities for a short or long stay. We certainly would have loved to stay much longer. The house was perfect for a couple, a family, or a group of friends. We would stay there again if we are lucky enough to return to the area. Keith and Glenda, Australia.
Archival

8/10 Good

Leslie L.

Une semaine à Joch

Joli petit village au milieu des montagnes cadre superbe. Maison bien pour 4 adultes et 2 jeunes enfants. Bien situé pour decouvrir la region tout en restant au calme. Seul bémol la chambre du haut n a pas de volets et le cloché à proximité immédiate sonne dès 8h du matin. Nous avons passé un agréable séjour. Les propriétaires ont été disponible malgré leur absence de France et avaient prévu un relais via des amis à eux habitant le village.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Ishbel H.

Wonderfully situated in an unspoilt part of France

A breathtaking view from this traditional village house which has been modernised without losing any of its traditional French country character. Very well equipped with many extras such as excellent WiFi and a good selection of books, CDs and DVDs. The surrounding area is full of interesting small towns and villages and also has several important abbeys and churches. We especially enjoyed visits to St Martin du Canigou; St Michel de Cuxa; Serrabone Priory and the church at Marcevol. We attended several concerts in small churches, including two in the beautiful local church at Vinca. Our only regret was that we were too early for the world famous Casals Festival in Prades. Local transport by train is cheap and a good way to visit places like Perpignan and Collioure if you fancy a break from driving.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Gary B.

Sublime

We are 2 couples, from opposite sides of the world, who have rented several properties together over the years in Italy and France. Whilst all have been lovely, Jean and Michael's property has been by far the best value. With a bathroom and a bedroom on each level, it is perfect for friends or intergenerational families. The huge kitchen is very well equipped and allowed us all to pitch in when preparing meals. The upstairs bedroom is palatial, and all rooms overlook the valley, providing stunning views. The house is equipped with a wide variety of books, games, DVDs and CDs. It is clean and well maintained. The local area is full of beautiful towns and villages, forts and castles, galleries and monuments - 3 weeks just wasn't enough time! Although a car is necessary, we also made use of the one euro train from Vinca into Perpignan. The Yellow Train from Villefrance de Conflent into the Pyrenees was a delightful trip into the mountains. Our flight arrived in Girona, Spain and we drove up to Joch, which was surprisingly east to find. Although there are no shops in the hamlet, everything that you could need is in Vinca, and larger supermarkets in Prades and Ille sur Tet. We made longer journeys to Carcassonne - go overland the scenery is beautiful - Girona, Figueres and 2 nights in Barcelona. Our holiday was in September and the weather was hot during the day. The mornings and evenings were cool and fresh. We had a superb holiday in this lovely corner of France, with the locals being very friendly and welcoming. The Catalan accent however is very strong and will put your French to the test. A simply wonderful holiday!
Archival

10/10 Excellent

jean-luc B.

excellent séjour à Joch

Nous étions 4 adultes dont 2 dames âgées . Excellent séjour dans une maison dans laquelle il y a tout ce qu'il faut , la cuisine est très bien équipée . On se sent comme chez des amis . Communication très facile avec les propriétaires , accueil chaleureux des gardiens ( on peut profiter des productions de leur jardin). Très belle vue sur la plaine et les montagnes . Le village est caractéristique du Roussillon sans être touristique . 3 SDB c'est appréciable . Une indication : l'accès à la chambre et à la terrasse au 2ème étage est difficile pour des personnes âgées (escalier raide). Nous pensons y revenir même à une autre saison et nous la recommandons .
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Morgan S.

An excellent escape

My family of four, with visits from up to four more close family members, spent an idyllic two weeks here at the end of June 2014. The house is authentic, comfortably and tastefully furnished, and has all you might need for a family getaway. We dined on the roof terrace to enjoy the stunning views across the rooftops of Joch and over the valley below; or on the patio at the rear of the house to take advantage of the shade of the (laden) apricot tree. The house comfortably accommodated up to 8 of us. There is a bathroom on each floor, plenty of space for stretching out, and a kitchen well stocked with everything you might need to cook for a large group. The village is very pretty, and the immediate surrounds provide plenty of options for rambling or getting up into the hills. We had a wonderful time relaxing around the house and visiting local markets and sights. There's lots to see and do within a half hour drive. Jean and Michael were easy to communicate with, and always very helpful and responsive. We recommend the house highly, and would love to stay again the next time we make it over from NZ.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Patricia R.

Authentic france

My husband and three young children traveled to France in mid-March. After a visit to Paris, this was a wonderful, relaxing home base to explore the Lanquedoc-Rousillion region of France. The house was perfect and had everything we needed. We enjoyed the nearby markets and enjoyed stunning views of the snow-capped Pyrenees. The pink and white blossoms on the fruit trees were spectacular! Some of the highlights included hiking Queribus, exploring the Cathar region, the market in Prades and the town Carnival celebration, the Mediterranean Sea town of Couillure, and the hike to St.Martin du Canigou. This region is France is very authentic. The bread truck came every morning and there was something very charming about the church bells ringing throughout the village during the day and evening. The views from the terrace are wonderful and we enjoyed many meals and glasses of wine on the back patio. The evenings were cool so the cozy fireplace was a nice touch. Our family loved the home and look forward to our return.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Claudia M.

We knew we were in the perfect place.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful French home. What a wonderful time we had with fabulous vista's from every window and the upstairs terrace was the icing on the cake. From the moment we pulled up to the front of Casa Olympe, the blue shutters, the entry garden and walked into the kitchen we knew were in the perfect place. We woke up to the bells and their morning song, made french press coffee, ate fresh croissants and we were on our way to explore the beautiful environs of the valley. We put over 1000 km on the car getting a real sense of the Pyrenees Oriental. The weather was lovely and I went swimming in the Med at Collioure, climbed to the top of L'Abbeye de St Martin du Canigou and took the tour with the french nun. We visited all the abbey's and the Priory of Serrabone is not to be missed. We shopped in Prades at the Super U which had everything-plus. Bought fresh vegetables, goat cheese, and the best roasted chicken with potatoes at the Vinca market on Thursday morning. For lunch we sat on the terrace enjoying our roasted chicken with a glass of chilled rose and a fresh baguette. It doesn't get better than that! The kitchen had everything an avid cook might need. We enjoyed our evening meal at the dinning room table with the fireplace glowing. Romantic, cozy and the perfect way to end a big day. The little village of Joch has a lovely lookout by the castle and we walked up every evening after dinner and enjoyed the peace and quiet of the valley. We even took the bikes out for a late afternoon spin and found a small road in the valley that lead us through the orchards. The Tet Valley mountains are truly magical always changing with the light. The owners were wonderful to work with and provided us with prompt response to our communications. We would highly recommend Casa Olympe for the perfect French Vacation stay.
Archival

8/10 Good

Karine A.

Nous avons passé un excellent séjour!

Le petit village de Joch est entouré de petits ruisseaux et de vergers. Du coup, c'est idéal pour faire de jolies randonnées (à pied et/ou à vélo). La maison est très agréable et joliment décorée. La vue est vraiment exceptionnelle et magnifique de la chambre principale (très cosy) et de la terrasse du haut. La cuisine est très bien aménagée et il y a vraiment tout ce qu'il faut pour bien cuisiner. Les propriétaires et les gardiens sont vraiment très accueillants. Bref, nous avons passé un excellent séjour, c'était parfait!

About the host

Hosted by Michael Day/Jean Scott

Host profile image
Michael is a professor and head of the School of Education at Roehampton University, London. Jean works part time as an education consultant. We live in Windermere in the Lake District and have six grown up children. We first visited Joch for a holiday in 2001 and bought our house the following year. All the family love to spend time in Joch whenever we can.

Why they chose this property

We purchased this house after enjoying a family holiday in the village in 2001. It required substantial modernisation, extension and renovation to create a comfortable and attractive holiday home for our family and friends. We did much of the work ourselves , employing local craftsmen only for the major building work, such as creating the roof terrace and the upstairs bedroom. We love the village and the surrounding area and spend a lot of time here with friends and family. Family members also frequently use the house for holidays.

What makes this property unique

The house is very much a home for us and is furnished and equipped to reflect this. Renters often comment on the good quality furnishings and equipment (see guest comments). The village of Joch is a very friendly place and residents are very welcoming of visitors, often stopping to chat and exchange the time of day. Buying bread in the morning is a very social occasion! Our caretakers (Michel and Tanya) live in the village and are always ready to help out or provide information.

Languages:

English, French

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