Le Cheval Aux Vignes

About this property

After a day out exploring the idyllic Languedoc vineyards, return to your charming village house and drink local wine by the swimming pool, knowing that you’re staying in an original Maison Vigneronne with the wine caves perfectly preserved from the 1900s.

This wine-makers home was built in the early 20th century out of local stone and until recently the wine was stored in the tanks (cuves) which you can see on the ground floor. The owners have respected the home’s history and retained much of its traditions whilst adding its own unique character with fascinating objets exhibiting their love of antiques. Sip your morning coffee by the breakfast bar with stools from an old French cruise ship, dine by night under the chic lights from a Parisian restaurant and there’s a 1950s child’s lounge chair and coffee table in the stylish living room.

French windows open up to a Juliet balcony from the living room and bedrooms, bringing light into the first-floor rooms. Admire the grand English wardrobe and Japanese lamps, also from 20th century cruise ships, in the spacious twin bedroom whilst the 19th century mirror in the romantic en suite double is sure to impress. Amenities such as air-conditioning, satellite TV and Blu-ray/DVD player bring in 21st century comforts alongside classic table football and a 70-year old pinball machine for old-fashioned fun!

It’s wonderful to have a swimming pool in the courtyard garden, a particular treat for a village maison, especially as it can be heated at certain times. There’s also a little barbecue and a lovely area to sit in the sun or relax under the mulberry trees in this picturesque setting.

The village has everything you need from a boulangerie to bistro as well as a handful of small shops. It’s only a short drive or bus ride away to Pézenas with its historic architecture, atmospheric lanes filled with pretty boutiques and art galleries as well as its famous Saturday morning market. Other wonderful places to visit include Béziers, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert and even Carcassonne, the latter two being UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Local rivers offer swimming and fishing whilst Lac de Salagou is an incredible place for walking, mountain biking and watersports. Seafood lovers can enjoy lunch by the Étang de Thau in Mèze or take a boat across the lagoon discover the oyster beds in Bouzigues. The beaches of Cap d’Agade and Marseillan Plage are also within half an hour where you will find long stretches of coastline, great beachside restaurants and a wealth of family-friendly activities.

With so much of Languedoc to discover, Le Cheval Aux Vignes is superbly placed to enjoy traditional village life alongside the delights of this enchanting and beautiful region.

In a village setting in the Hérault department of Languedoc, Le Cheval Aux Vignes is within walking distance to a small supermarket, grocer’s and a boulangerie. There is also a French bistro, café-bar and a pharmacy in the village, just a short walk away. The village is famous for its sweet onions and on the first weekend of July they celebrate the onion through various festivities across the village.

There is a bus every couple of hours that takes you to the beautiful and historic town of Pézenas (4.5km) where you will find a wider selection of restaurants, pretty shops, art galleries, antique dealers and stunning architecture. The Saturday morning market dates back to the 14th century and is a must to pick up all sorts of wonderful local produce; it’s known to be one of the best in the region. In July and August, Pézenas hosts a summer festival every Friday evening where there is local wine, good food, live music and other festivities across the town.  

There are of course many market villages and towns across the region to explore on different days of the week, followed by a delicious lunch under the plane trees in pretty squares or down picturesque lanes. The Wednesday morning market in Clermont-l'Hérault (19km), for example, is especially worthy of a visit. This region is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards and there are some excellent places to go to sample local Languedoc wines.

The Lac de Salagou is an incredibly tranquil day out where you can kayak, paddle-board or wind-surf, swim or paddle in the lake, mountain bike across great trails or hike in stunning surroundings. Discover some of the idyllic villages around the lake, some of which have been abandoned but retain their mystic charm.

This is also a great location for getting to the beach with Cap d’Agade (32km), Marseillan Plage (28km) and Le Grau d'Agde (29km) all about half an hour away. From busy marinas to idyllic beaches backed by pine trees, the coastline here offers something for everyone including waterparks and watersports for the more adventurous.

The Étang de Thau is a great lagoon which is famous for its oysters; take a boat trip out to Bouzigues to see the oyster beds, followed by a sea-food lunch in Marseillan (25km) or Mèze (18km). On the other side of the lagoon, soak up the authenticity in Sète with its long beaches by the sea and boat trips along the canals.  

One of France’s prettiest villages, and a unesco World Heritage site, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (37km) is also a short drive away or head east towards the vibrant city of Montpellier (58km). To the west you'll find Béziers (28km) where you can experience authentic Languedoc at its best, especially during the August feria.

Finally, find some time to visit Carcassonne (115km) if you can, an amazing fortified town which is also a unesco World Heritage site.

Accommodation

Villa Interior (105m2)

First Floor (accessed via stone staircase)

-    Living room with sofa and mezzanine level reading area/study
-    Open-plan kitchen-diner, well-equipped with dining table, breakfast bar, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, 5-ring gas cooker, microwave, blender, kettle and toaster
-    Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) and bathroom with bath, Italian shower and WC
-    Bedroom with twin beds (90x200cm, can be made into a double on request)
-    Shower room with WC
-    Storage room (for luggage/clothes etc)

Ground Floor

-    Shower room with WC
-    Laundry room
-    Access to garage with table football and pinball machine 

Outside Grounds

-    Heated swimming pool (5m x 3m, depth 1.4m) with safety cover. Massage jets in one corner. Open approximately mid-April to mid-October, other times on request
-    Al-fresco dining area with table and chairs
-    Small BBQ
-    Garage and outdoor parking

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Air-conditioning/heating
-    Satellite TV
-    Blu-ray and DVD player
-    CD player
-    Internet radio
-    Table football
-    Pinball machine
-    Darts board
-    Board games
-    Hairdryer
-    Ironing facilities
-    Washing machine