Stay in a Languedoc village house with a gorgeous garden and swimming pool, a short stroll from the boulangerie and a bar-restaurant, just 4km from Pézenas and its wonderful weekly market.

Once a winemaker’s mansion which dates back to the mid-19th century, blue-shuttered Maison Clairette sleeps up to 12 guests across its six bedrooms. Having undergone a recent renovation, the owners have taken great care to retain the house’s historic charm whilst adding modern amenities creating a warm and welcoming holiday home.

Whether travelling as an extended family or with a group of friends, Maison Clairette’s space is ideal for sociable living with a charming and well-equipped kitchen and dining area opening out to the terrace for al-fresco dining and relaxation overlooking the pool. That said, there is always somewhere to escape to whether you seek a little solitude in the music room, play table tennis in the former wine store or watch TV in one of the two living rooms.

The enclosed garden features your very own swimming pool with a plage-style entrance ideal for youngsters to splash around in. Enjoy al-fresco feasts by the barbecue, savouring some of the delicious produce found at local markets (including nearby Pézenas’ famous Saturday morning market which dates back to the 14th century).

Located in a traditional village dating back to medieval times, you are a few steps away from the ruins of a 12th century castle with magnificent views of the Hérault valley whilst the village is also home to a bakery, general store and bar-restaurant within 300m. Just a 10-minute drive away is Pézenas, not only famous for its weekly market but also its little antique stores, inviting cafes and restaurants as well as Molière’s Théâtre de Pézenas. On Friday evenings in the height of the summer the town comes alive with live music, street food and lots of good local wine during ‘Les Estivales’.

Languedoc’s fine coastline is easily reached with Marseillan Plage and the old town of Sète within half an hour by car whilst other highlights of this region include wine villages, vineyards, garrigue perfect for hiking as well as the bustling town of Béziers. Venture a little further afield to visit the picture-perfect pilgrimage stop, Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert, or spend the day exploring the magnificent citadel of Carcassonne, both classified as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Features:

Maison Interiors

Ground Floor (with steps)

-    Living room
-    Kitchen (via a few steps), well-equipped including range-style cooker, dishwasher, Amercian-style fridge-freezer, ice-maker, coffee maker, electric kettle, microwave and doors leading to the terrace
-    Open-plan dining area with table for 12 guests
-    WC
-    Large room (former wine storage) with table tennis and laundry area

First Floor (via old stone spiral staircase)

-    Music room with piano, classical guitar and Juliet balcony
-    Living room with TV
-    Library (via steps) with desk
-    Bedroom 1 with air-conditioning, king-size double bed and Juliet balcony
-    Bedroom 2 with air-conditioning and twin beds
-    Bedroom 3 with air-conditioning and king-size double bed
-    Bathroom with bath/shower, two sinks and separate WC
-    Bathroom with large walk-in shower, sink and WC

Second Floor (via spiral staircase)

-    Bedroom 4 with air-conditioning and king-size double bed
-    Bedroom 5 with air-conditioning and twin beds
-    Bedroom 6 with air-conditioning, king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
-    Bathroom with large walk-in rain shower, two sinks and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Swimming pool (9x4m, depth: max 2.5m and shallow ‘plage’ area for children) with safety alarm. Open approximately May to end-September
-    Sun loungers and chairs
-    Al-fresco dining area for 12 guests
-    Gas barbecue
-    Enclosed garden
-    On-site parking (four cars) in courtyard
   
Facilities

-    Wi-Fi (hub in music room, covers most of the house)
-    Heating
-    Fans (bedrooms)
-    TV
-    Board games
-    Piano and guitar
-    Table tennis
-    Hairdryer (one on each floor)
-    Washing machine 

Location:

Maison Clairette is situated in a traditional medieval village just a 10-minute drive from the historic market town of Pézenas in the Hérault department of the Languedoc region.

Being in the heart of the village, you can stroll to the local boulangerie, general store and bar-restaurant in less than 300m as well as the ruins of the 12th century castle where you can enjoy stunning views of the Hérault valley. Wine-lovers note that the wine village of Picpoul de Pinet is just 7km away in this area of vineyards, wineries and authentic garrigue, also a paradise for walkers and cyclists.

It is fantastic being so close to Pézenas (4km) and a visit to its historic Saturday morning market, which dates back to the 14th century, is a must. On any day of the week, wander around the town’s old medieval lanes, admire the 16th to 18th century houses and potter around its little antique stores and art galleries. Check to see what may be showing at Molière’s Théâtre de Pézenas and look out for the festival, ‘Les Estivales’, which takes place on Friday evenings in the height of the summer, a great way to soak up the town’s ambience with live music, street food and local wine.

For a change of scene, drive down to Mèze (18km) to try their fresh oysters or take a boat trip from Bouzigues to tour the Étang de Thau’s oyster beds. The coast also awaits with Marseillan Plage (20km) and the characterful town of Sète (35km) alongside beautiful stretches of sandy coastline, summer beachside restaurants, cycling and walking trails, seasonal watersports, summer jousting tournaments and plenty of family attractions.

Watersport lovers may wish to consider a day by the tranquil Lac du Salagou (32km) with summer canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding and windsurfing alongside nature walks and mountain biking opportunities. Alternatively, canoe along the Orb river near Cessenon-sur-Orb (45km) or Béziers.

Indeed, the bustling town of Béziers (26km) is another great day out with its vibrant ambience and frequent festivities. The Canal du Midi passes through, the perfect opportunity to hire a bike or discover the canal by following the tow paths on foot or by bike.

Other amazing trips include the historic city of Carcassonne (112km), one of France’s most visited destinations with its UNESCO World Heritage citadel, whilst the picture-perfect village of Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (44km), one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and an important pilgrimage stop, is only forty minutes away by car.

Terms & Conditions:

Security deposit?
€1000 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection.



Arrival time?
4.00 p.m.

Departure time?
10.00 a.m.

Energy costs included?
Yes.

Heating costs included?
Yes, except during winter when fair usage policy applies. Excess charged extra.



Linen & towels included?
Yes.

End of stay cleaning included?
Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit.

Changeover day?
Friday or Saturday. All other changeover days on request.

Minimum stay?
7 nights from mid-June to September. 4 nights during all other periods.

Pets welcome?
On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. If accepted, a pet supplement of €7 per pet per day will apply (paid at time of balance payment).



Smoking Allowed?
Outside only.

Pool opening dates?
The pool is open approximately May to end-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming.



Tax?
French Visitors Tax payable to Oliver's Travels at the time of balance payment (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required).



Other Ts and Cs?
Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed.
Smoking - not allowed