The Languedoc has an amazing diversity of scenery, activities and sites all located in the sunniest area of France (over 300 days p.a.). It is also the one that produces the most wine! There are abundant holiday activities available - golf, tennis, cycle hire, riding, walking, fishing, swimming, and canoeing. For the less energetic, you can simply enjoy the views, the local cuisine (including excellent local seafood) and the wines of the area.

The two villas are about 25 mins drive apart and are situated in villages in the fertile Hérault valley where vines and olive groves proliferate. They are both ideally located to provide a relaxing holiday base and are within easy driving distance of the coast, local towns and activities.

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Aniane (Les Romarins ) is a small town (pop 1750) located in a picturesque area amongst the vineyards of the Coteaux du Languedoc and is a short distance from the foothills of the Cévennes and the “Causses” – limestone hills and plateaux that rise up to 700-800 metres. It has the usual selection of bakers’, small shops, Post Office and bars – most offering good value meals. There is also a produce market on Thursdays. Gignac (5 mins away), is the local tourist and commercial centre. It has a wider range of shops and restaurants, a supermarket and a wonderful Saturday market.
Anaine is only 5 mins from the “Pont de Diable” (the oldest mediaeval bridge in France) where the river has cut a spectacular gorge through the hills – Gorges de L’ Hérault . Along the gorge is the picturesque village of St Guilhem-le-Desert. The capital of the Languedoc – Montpellier- is 30 mins away and the Mediterranean coast about 40 mins. aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa The Mediterranean Coast near Sete

Lézignan (Le Cérisier) is a small village set amongst the vineyards of the Hérault valley and has the usual selection of shops – baker’s, grocer’s, Post Office, chemist and bar/restaurant/tabac, all a few minutes walk away. The pretty and lively town of Pézenas, the focal point of the area, is a 5 minute drive away. It has an attractive 17th century centre with winding streets full of artisan workshops and galleries. It has a large Saturday market and a wide variety of restaurants, bars and shops and hosts a summer Music and Arts Festival. The fishing villages and beaches of the Mediterranean coast are about 25 mins away.

The Hérault Region

The broad Hérault valley winds down to the sea at Agde is scattered with typical “ Midi”towns and villages. Pleasant and leisurely days can be spent meandering through the vineyards, towns and villages, visiting the street markets, wine tasting and enjoying the local hospitality!

The Mediterranean coast and its beaches lies a short distance to the south. The lively and fashionable resorts of Sète and Cap d’Agde are linked by a long causeway with lovely sandy beaches on the seaward side. Inland is the Bassin de Thau – a large inland “sea” with a thriving shellfish industry. The lake is ringed by villages and towns selling the local produce and full of “fruits de mer” restaurants.

In the opposite direction, the hills and mountains of the Languedoc rise up from the Mediterranean plain. Here, where the weather is cooler, the scenery and communities are in sharp contrast to the coast.

Lac Salagou is a beautiful inland lake and provides a host of water sports and recreational activities.

Montpellier is the vibrant capital of the Languedoc. It has an interesting old quarter and a striking centre of modern buildings. It has a vast selection of shopping and dining opportunities and has a varied artistic scene. It is easily reached by a modern “Tramway”.

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa The Mediaeval City of Carcassonne

Further afield is the stunning mediaeval city of Carcassonne, and the castles of the Cathars in the Pyrenees’ foothills. To the east are the Roman cities of Nîmes and Arles, the famous Pont du Gard viaduct and the open spaces of the Carmargue.