Accommodation Details

THE LANGUEDOC
The Languedoc region of South West France is a superb holiday destination, being blessed with stunning scenery, fascinating history, picturesque villages, ancient culture and wonderful weather.
It is a place that offers dramatic contrasts, having mile upon mile of sun kissed sandy beaches, and also boasting mile upon mile of neatly planted green vineyards, for it is one of the world’s largest wine making regions. The many coastal resorts such as Cap D’Agde, Sete, La Grande-Motte, Argeles-sur-Mer and Valras Plage are a 45-60 minute drive away.
Inland, where our house is located, there are amazing gorges, rivers, forests, hillsides dotted with castles, villages and towns dating from the bold thirsty time of the Cathars. It has rolling mountains, forests, mountain rivers, lake beaches and some of the most picturesque villages of France.

You can enjoy a genuine relaxing holiday here soaking up the stunning views from a hilltop restaurant, indulging in delicious Mediterranean cuisine and locally grown wine, or absorbing the history and culture of medieval towns and villages with their stone cathedrals, chateaus, abbeys, open air markets and traditional festivals.

If you prefer a more active holiday there is plenty to satisfy you too.
For hikers, trekkers and cyclists there are many opportunities to indulge in those activities along the system of Voies Vertes.
Water sport enthusiasts can sail and windsurf on Lac Salagou or kayak and white water raft  in one of the  many rivers.
Then there is the famous Canal du MIDI to discover. You can enjoy a relaxing stroll or cycle ride along it’s tree lined banks, or a beautiful calm and serene cruise on board a typical wooded canal boat, you will pass through locks and travel over canal bridges.

OUR HOUSE AND VILLAGE

TOWNS AND VILLAGES, LAKES AND RIVERS NEAR
BEDARIEUX is our nearest town with a regular Monday morning market. It is overlooked by the Espinouse Mountain and with the river Orb running through it. Like Herepian, it is a great base for walking and cycling. During the high season it is also something of an entertainment hot spot, with over 40 food, music and arts festivals taking place. > Mahdi: GABIAN is a picturesque village built by the Romans around a defensive circulade or snail shape, here you will find the Chateau-Abbaye de Casson, which hosts concerts and events throughout the year.
LAMALOU-les-BAINS is a popular spa town with markets shops cafes restaurants and other amenities. It is also an excellent base for walking and trekking or enjoying a relaxing day at the spa.
OLARGUES is rated as one of the ‘ Plus Beaux Villages de France ‘. Perched on a rock and almost encircled by the river Jaur, it has not changed much over the last 500 years.The village is remarkably well preserved and it is a joy to wander through it’s narrow lanes and discover it’s ancient architecture.
ROQUEBRUN is a great destination for a family day out. Here there are restaurants, an artisan ice cream parlour and picturesque architecture. A short walk from the village is the river Orb, when you will find an idyllic beach. Here, or on the banks of the river you can enjoy a rest. It is perfect for cooling off and safe for paddling. Canoes and paddle boards are available for hire.
ST. GUILHEM-le-DESERT has an interesting heritage. It is a location on the famous pilgrim trail of St. Jacques de Compostelle. For a relaxing day away from the crowds, take a stroll through the village, then swim in the river that runs through the Gorge de L’Herault. Kayaks are available here for hire too.
BEZIERS

LAC SALAGOU is another great place to swim, relax or just cool off during the hot summer months. It is a man made lake with several beaches and campsites, so there are facilities for families as well as equipment for water sport enthusiasts.

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES

1. GROTTOES

The limestone mountains of the northern part of the Languedoc are riddled with springs and river sources which over time have worn away the stone to produce impressive caves and galleries of stalagmites and stalagtites. The Grotte de Clamouse and Grotte de L’Abeil, are two of the many grottoes in the region which are open to the public.

2. KAYAKING

This is a popular activity with many hire locations along the banks of the river Orb. The kayak hire at Tarassac is a good place to start for the first time. It takes you 7 km downstream to Roquebrun.

3. MEDITERRANEAN GARDEN ROQUEBRUN

is open from March to November. It is perched at the top of the village and showcases the native plants of the region. Why not combine a stroll through the village with a paddle in the river and an ice cream for a relaxing day out?

4. WALKING-HIKING-CYCLING-HORSERIDING
Are all popular activities here. Most towns and villages have signed paths and trails. The best place to find out about them is in the local Marie ( Town Hall ), information offices or on the internet.For more challenging walks there are many loops that join up with the walking trail of St. Jacques de Compostelle.

5. MAS ROLLAND MONTESQUIEU
is a goat farm, which is very popular with families as you can get involved with farm life, by helping with milking and rounding up the herd. Of course there is freshly made cheese available to take back from the shop.

SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS

1. The Causses and Cevennes UNESCO site
is a vast area with plenty of activities for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. From Ales you could go to Anduze and catch the little steam train down to St Jean du Gard.
This is a lovely scenic route that chugs through tunnels and over viaducts and will give you a taste of the beautiful Cevennes mountains.

2. Cirque de Navacelles
Is a curious geological formation caused by the meandering Vis river. It forms the largest canyon in Europe. Walk to the top and back, or admire the dramatic scenery from the bustling town of Xxxx.

3. The Millau Viaduct
Crosses the Tarn Valley and is famous for being the world’s tallest bridge. At 343 mtrs it is higher that the Eiffel Tower. You can drive over the bridge on the motorway, discover it on foot, or even enjoy a kayak trip along the river below.

This large 19^th century winegrower’s town house on 3 floors with dining terraces and Mountain View’s.

Entrance is through the front door to a hallway with a wide tiled staircase leading to the first floor.

On the ground floor to the left is the games room with table tennis and table football and a shower room and loo with access to the back garden and swimming pool.

To the right is the storage area and a room with toys and accessories for use in the pool also with access to the back garden and raised shaded terrace area with dining table for 8 facing the pool.

The un heated pool is 8×4 meters and from walking in on steps to a depth of 1.6 meters

The pool is cleaned once or twice a week depending on the weather.

The back garden is walled on all sides and is very private surrounded by lush vegetation, palm trees cypress and fig and olive.

On the first floor living/dining room extending the full depth of the house comprising; lounge with two sofas and three armchairs and T.V. DVD player videos and a selection of books, which leads to the dining room with large cupboard, full size glass sliding doors access a large terrace with parasol overlooking the pool. A table which seats 8 and wide staircase leading down to the pool.

Kitchen with plenty of counter space, an electric range with grill and 2 ovens and 4 gas rings on top, refrigerator and freezer, dishwasher, microwave, fruit juicer and toaster.

Bedroom 1 with double bed fitted full length wall to wall wardrobe, a chest of drawers and bedside tables.

Bathroom 1 with shower, double hand basin and storage for washing machine, dyson and cleaning equipment.

Bedroom 2 with two single beds Wardrobe and chest of drawers and bedside tables.

Loo 2

Second floor

Bathroom 2 with bath loo and handbasin

Bedroom 3 with double bed wardrobe and chest of drawers and bedside tables.

Bedroom 4 with double bed wardrobe and chest of drawers and bedside tables

Bathroom 3 with shower double hand basin and loo

All windows are equipped with shutters and all bedrooms have multi speed electric fans.