Sanglier lodge is located in the tiny village of Le Tech in the French Pyrenees on the border with Spain. A big eighteenth century house, it has been tastefully restored to retain its original rustic charm and is situated at the foot of Mount Canigou, with the Tech river bubbling 50 meters from the door.

The Mediterranean coast is just a 40-minute drive away and the valley has its own microclimate, averaging 300 days of sunshine a year! The area is almost free of crime and has a small but friendly population, as Provence was thirty years ago. The lodge is named after the wild boar which abound in the area, and which we often encounter on our rides and walks.

Being right on the border we can enjoy the cultures of both France and Spain. There are no irksome border posts in the mountain passes; you'll only realise you're in one country or the other when the language changes. The lodge sleeps 12 comfortably, having 6 double bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, 6 loos, a 60 square metre sitting room and another recreation room. The plumbing and electrics are of a high standard, the kitchen is large and there are laundry facilities. Outside there are 3 terraced gardens, a child-safe swimming pool (measuring 5 x 9 meters), a barbeque area, darts, basketball and badminton facilities, and a nearby tennis court.

The proprietors, Jan and Fiona Teede, have many years of experience with safari lodges in Zimbabwe where they have spent most of their lives. Jan graduated from Exeter university in the UK with a law degree but instead became a wildlife photographer and cameraman as well as a professional guide. He has been involved in tourism for the last 20 years in Africa, and is now building on this and developing a multisport tour operation in the eastern Pyrenees and working with Team-Cat in the corporate team building field.

Fiona is a doctor, specialising in amongst other things, diving medicine, so should you go scuba diving while at Sanglier you will be in good hands if she is there at the time. They love nothing better than a vigorous bike ride or walk followed by good food and wine in convivial company, and have many a rib-tickling tale to tell from their eventful pasts.