LANGUEDOC RENTAL
France minervois st chinian house rentals south france
VILLESPASSANS, NEAR MINERVE
SLEEPS 2/3
Villespassans is a small village in the heart of the hilly Minervois wine-making region of southern France, between Carcassonne and Beziers and about 45 minutes from the Mediterranean beaches. It is part of a larger area known as Languedoc, historically a romantic land of castles and troubadors. Villespassans dates back to the Roman era and is a typical hill village of the region. It has a population of about 100 regular residents which increases on weekends and during holiday times.
Larger photo - Cote de Lavande
INTRODUCTION
Languedoc is sometimes referred to as the “other” south of France, being less well known (and less expensive) than the Provence and Cote d’Azur areas. In many of the local auberges (country restaurants), you can get a fine meal, including wine, for about 15 euros.
In the village there are two local wineries which sell good-quality wine very inexpensively. There is a town hall, a 1000 year old Romanesque church, and a village square. In the evening, the village residents are often found relaxing in the front of their homes. They are very friendly and interested in any visitors to their village. A good opportunity to practice your French! I did not have any problem with communication, even with my ‘very’ limited knowledge of French. There are also a few English-speaking and German-speaking residents. (Our house caretaker is from England and has been a resident for several years.)
Our house is located on the site of the ancient village walls overlooking the vineyards. In the evening, the lights of Narbonne can be seen in the distance. The countryside is the typical rolling hills of the Minervois, less arid and austere than the craggier hills of the Corbieres to the south. The aromatic fragrances of wild lavender, thyme and rosemary permeate the air and clear streams wind through gorges and canyons.
Our house is located on the site of the ancient village walls overlooking the vineyards. In the evening, the lights of Narbonne can be seen in the distance. The countryside is the typical rolling hills of the Minervois, less arid and austere than the craggier hills of the Corbieres to the south. The aromatic fragrances of wild lavender, thyme and rosemary permeate the air and clear streams wind through gorges and canyons.
LAYOUT OF THE HOUSE
The house has a light and airy sejour (living room) opening onto a large and sunny tiled terrace with fine views over surrounding vineyards, the night lights of Narbonne, and the distant Pyrenees. There is a separate modern kitchen and bathroom with bathtub.
You enter the house from a quiet street and go directly into the kitchen. From the kitchen, through a glass and wood patio door, you enter into the main living area where there is a comfortable double sofa bed.
A spiral staircase leads from the main living area down to a large double bedroom and large recently refurbished shower room and toilet
BASIC INFORMATION
The electric current is 220 volts. The house contains a 4 band radio, CD player and TV. The kitchen is well equipped including an oven, hobb, microwave, electric kettle and toaster. The house has electric heating (heating costs are included in the rental). Banks are generally open from 9am to noon and 2pm to 4pm and are closed on Saturdays. Most banks have cash dispensers (ATM) that accept international credit cards and ATM cards.
Top view
Terrace overlooks the vineyards
View of top road
House and terrace
View of kitchen through to lounge
Double bedroom
Lounge / Dining area
The Sunday market at St Chinian
The local swimming hole on the river Cesse
Medieval town of Minerve
Location Map of Villespassans
A traveling baker visits the village every morning delivering fresh bread, tarts and croissants. Two days per week, the fish man and the butcher also visit the village. Full shopping facilities and many fine restaurants (are there any other kind in France?) are located in St. Chinian, Assignan or Cruzy, all about a five minute drive away (or a fifteen minute bicycle ride). Full banking facilities, bus and other services are found in St. Chinian.
There are many activities and attractions in the area. The Mediterranean coastal cities of Beziers and Narbonne are a thirty minute drive away, and the Mediterranean beaches are only a few minutes beyond. The most famous medieval walled city in France, Carcassonne is less than one hour’s drive to the west. To the north, you will find the dramatic limestone landscapes of Haut Languedoc and the Tarn Gorge as well as the red city of Albi and its famous cathedral.
Whether you are physically active or not, there are many adventures awaiting you in the area. France has a very well developed system of hiking trails and there are many in the area, including a walking circuit that leads from the town square through the countryside. It is also suitable for biking. There are several wonderful river swimming holes within biking distance.
For the rock climber, there are several established climbing areas within a few kilometers, including one located on the Massif de la Clape, a limestone cliff on the Mediterranean coast near Narbonne.
The Languedoc-Rousillon area is also a haven (or heaven) for wine lovers, with St. Chinian being the heart of the AOC (appelation d’origine controlee) region of the same name. The Berlou and Figueres are just two of the notable nearby “vignobles” (vineyard regions).
There are many other pastimes to keep your interest, such as cycling along the Canal du Midi, canoeing down the river Orb, or fishing in one of the many streams, to name a few.
For those interested in history, the Languedoc area abounds in historic sites. The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times as the numerous caves and dolmens discovered thereabouts testify. The medieval town of Minerve (about fifteen kms away) was the site of a historic siege during the days of the Albigensian crusades in the 13th century and has been preserved virtually unchanged since those days. To the south you will find the craggy outlines of the ruined fortresses of Peyrepetouse, Montsegur and Queribus, scenes of the last desperate struggles of the Cathar rebels.
Languedoc is also home to the famous medieval abbeys of Font-Froide, Fontcaude and LaGrasse, all of which are less than an hours drive away.
Also of interest is the curious circular port town of Gruissan, made famous in the movie “Betty Blue”.
The Spanish border is an hour and a half to the south along the “Catalane” expressway; Barcelona is an hour and a half further on.
ACCESS
International airports are found in Toulouse, Carcassonne, Montpellier and Perpignan. Car rental agencies can be found at all train stations and airports in the area. The TGV (fast train) leaves directly from the Roissy-Charles De Gaulle airport at Paris and arrives at the station in Montpellier in 5 hours. Villespassans is a one hour drive from Montpellier, 2 hours from Toulouse and 20 minutes from Narbonne or Beziers. Local trains run almost hourly between Narbonne/Beziers and Toulouse or Montpellier. Although Villespassans can be reached by taxi/bus, a rental car for at least part of your stay is recommended, for the full enjoyment of the region.
WEATHER
The climate in the Languedoc region is Mediterranean, with summer temperatures soaring towards 30C (over 80F) in July and August; perfect beach and river swimming weather. June and September are less hot but just as dry. Autumn is cooler, making this a good time of year for a tour of the vineyards during the cheerful bustle of the grape harvest, or a visit to the Cathar strongholds. The coming of mild spring weather brings a burst of colour to the fields and orchards. It is an ideal time of year for exploring the gorges by canoe, or for pot holing, rock-climbing, biking and hiking.
COTE DE LAVANDE SLEEPS 2/3
Rentals run from Saturday to Saturday during high season. During low season, it is sometimes possible to accommodate alternative arrival and departure dates. Heating cost, and linen are included in the price. $ and Euro prices are approximate; rental costs are based on the £GBP value.
| 2008 WEEKLY RATES | RATE (£GPB) | EUROS | $US |
| July, August | £300 | €435 | $550 |
| All Other Times | £250 | €360 | $460 |
Contact: David and Marianne Knowles, 73 Brian Avenue, Norwich, NR1 2PD, England
E-mail: villespassans@southfrance.com Phone: + (44) (0)1603 471732
South France Guide | Languedoc Sights | Art Workshops | France Vacation Properties
Languedoc Properties for Sale
Advertise your house for vacation rental