Chalet Ana

Tranquil ancient forests, flower-strewn prairies and fresh perfumed air: the Eastern Pyrenees is a true paradise. This is a peaceful place where you can enjoy the oxygen-rich air, fresh water rivers and silence.

Here, you definitely feel like you’re in the mountains, but the Pyrenees have a special warmth that spreads out from Spain, just over the border. You can sense Spanish influence in the local language, traditions and attitudes too, which resemble those of southern Catalonia. A remarkable example is the fête votive on August 15 in the village of Les Angles. If you’re lucky enough to be there, you’ll discover the unique music, clothes and food that are traditional in this part of the world.

Typical of Capcir, Les Angles is a pretty mountain village that transforms into a ski resort during wintertime. There are fountains cut out of the granite rock and a beautiful Roman church. The natural heritage surrounding the village is just as well preserved as its cultural heritage. The forest and prairies are populated with lizards grazing on gentians, orchids and rhododendrons. I hope that, like me, you’ll be lucky enough to spot one!

You’ll also be able to admire the water tumbling over the rocks and the sparkling lakes, as I did. On foot, I explored the paths close to the chalet. But if you fancy, you could also go hiking along the major walking routes or see the area on horseback or a mountain bike. And in winter, of course, it’s all about the snow.

Nestled between the ski slopes and a lake, the Chalet Ana (named after the owners’ daughter) fits in harmoniously with its surroundings. There are eight unique apartments with lovely French mountainous names. Each one is a little haven of peace, and is so welcoming that you feel comfortable at once. On one side we had a beautiful view over the mountains, and on the other we had a gorgeous panorama over the lake. Wood, stone and leather give the interior authenticity and style, making it perfect for tranquil moments of repose and meditation! The proportions are extraordinary and the large bay windows, which let light flood in during the day, mean you can look out at the stars at night from the comfortable sofa.

At the Chalet Ana, guests enjoy the luxury of hotel service and their independence. When you wake up you find a delicious breakfast outside your door, and you can order supplies from the organic deli whenever you like. And then there’s the spa. It must be divine to slide into the jacuzzi after a day of skiing; it was after a day of hiking! Here, the hosts really care about their guests. They are friendly without being intrusive, and are happy to recommend places to go.

The Chalet Ana sits on the Chemin du Soula, which means the ‘path of the sun’, and I returned home with tanned skin and the sun in my heart. I’ll be back this summer to taste the wild angelica I was told so much about, and I will doubtless be back in winter too to try the ski slopes. I can already see myself getting pampered at the spa after a day in the mountains. Now it’s your turn: make memories to treasure at the Chalet Ana!