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:
Our prices include all fees. No hidden fees.
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This property is managed by a private host (a party not acting within their trade, business or profession). EU consumer law, including the right of withdrawal, will not apply to your booking. The cancellation policy set by the private host will cover your booking.
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
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 mountain climbing and cycling nearby.
Aventure Active / Pyrenees Outdoor Sports - 7 min drive - 5.5 km
Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees - 17 min drive - 14.8 km
Orgues d'Ille-sur-Têt - 19 min drive - 16.2 km
Prades Square - 21 min drive - 16.9 km
Getting around
Vinça Station - 9 min drive
Perpignan (PGF-Perpignan - Rivesaltes Intl.) - 39 min drive
Restaurants
McDonald's - 14 min drive
Bar Le National - 16 min drive
Des Gouts Et Des Couleurs - 14 min drive
Le Couvent - 16 min drive
Épicerie Communale - 12 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 19 Aug 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Characterful village house ideally located for sightseeing and activity holidays on 7 Oct 2026 start from £391, 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 Lac de Vinça and Regional Park of the Catalan Pyrenees. Orgues d'Ille-sur-Têt and Prades Square are also within 9 miles (15 km).
About the host
Hosted by Michael Day/Jean Scott
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
Premier Host
They consistently provide great experiences for their guests