What's your pleasure?

A brisk stroll? Rock-climbing? Nothing more strenuous than hunting for plunder (a.k.a. antiques)? Languedoc-Roussillon and vicinity are well-endowed with options. Among other things, you can:

  • swim and sunbathe on Mediterranean beaches

  • kayak and canoe past towering limestone cliffs, on the swift-flowing Hérault

  • hike the steep cobbled lanes of medieval towns or head for the many mountain-crest trails

  • bike the backroads of this largely rural (and, in the mountains, virtually empty) region; bicycling isn't the top French sport for nothing

  • track down antiques and other previously owned treasures: Pézenas alone has dozens of dealers, and every Saturday morning a large flea market sets up shop on the road from Valros to Béziers

  • let the world drift by on a Canal du Midi day cruise

  • look at rocks. For those who are stirred by stones, the region offers a wide variety: limestone caverns, ancient volcanoes and lava flows, fantastic eroded formations, and the dizzy canyons of the Gorges du Tarn


Faugeres has public tennis courts a couple of minutes' walk from the house. But remember: this part of France is HOT in the summer, with very little rain.

Be seduced by the Canal du Midi, built from 1666, by up to 12,000 men, crossing rivers, tunnelling through hills, irrigated from the mysterious Montagne Noir, with grace and beauty that lives on to this day. It runs 235 kilometres, requires over 100 locks. It is a love affair of man, nature, and engineering. The canal was created by Riquet, the tax farmer for Languedoc who wanted to join the economies of the Mediterranean to the Atlantic. He sacrificed everything to make sure of its completion - even using his daughters' dowries for the cause.

From the handsome city of Toulouse to the port of Sete, the canal cuts masterfully with grace and physical agility through the Southern France. Villages and towns reaped profit from its golden days, in grand homes, houses, chateaux that brace the waters edge. Now canal boats cruise full of tourists and leisure seekers where king fishers and bright birds sing. Lock keeper houses some still keep the keepers, whilst others have been opened up as restaurants, art galleries, and holiday homes.

In the House

We have an original French bar football with weighted players and a large and well stocked games cupboard. We have a new table tennis table, so bring your good bats if you enjoy a game. We have playstation 1 and a selection of games, so this should keep the kids happy. We have a new CD player, video and videos and English TV and radio via SKY if you really do have to keep up with the UK.



You can practice boules in the grounds or in the village square 5 mins away next to the children's playground.

The pool has a roman end, so that you can sit comfortably sipping your wine with the water lapping at your feet. There are lots of inflatables - crocodile, Jet Ski, dinghy and supersoakers in the garage.

The tennis courts and football/basketball pitch is well maintained (and free!) and within one minutes walk. Bikes are in the garage.

At the top of the village is a 13th century windmill which is a popular tourist attraction and offers a panoramic view of the area. The walk back is absolutely breathtaking. The village itself has winding cobbled streets with two churches to visit and sound the bells at lunchtime and teatime.

The village has a bar and restaurant which has a very reasonable and varied menu. There is also a very good restaurant in Somatres which is close by.

We love a wonderful restaurant at la Domain de la Rieumerge in Olargues in a 13th century village.

This is wine lovers paradise with three good domains on the doorstep but see the links page for more information.

Beaches. We think the best is at Valras Plage close to Beziers it has a long stretch of sandy beach, a huge kids area and is fairly shallow with waves. Massive icecreams are sold in the sea front cafes.

River. The river at Roquebrun is wonderful and the weir that has been created makes it ideal for splashing around. Roquebrun has its own micro- climate and Mediterranean garden, so it's normally a bit hotter than usual.

Canoeing. It's best to start at Tarrascac and then go downstream to Roquebrun. There are a few gentle rapids.

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