This French apartment rental is located in the pretty medieval village of Neffies in Southern France, this spacious and bright French apartment rental is converted from an old wine grower’s house and sleeps 6-8 people in three double bedrooms. The apartment also comes with two bathrooms (1 en- suite), a private pool (7.3m x 4m) and a lovely courtyard garden. The open-plan living area provides UK and French satellite TV, and wi-fi connectivity. Uniquely, the pool can be accessed directly from the living area through large sliding windows – your own in-house pool bar! The property is within a 2 minute walk of the many village facilities – bakers, general store, bar, restaurants; a 35 minute drive from the sandy Mediterranean beaches and fishing ports (renowned for their seafood) and 10 minutes away from the bustling historic town of Pezenas. Neffies is a small wine producing village that is surrounded by vineyards and hills, and is the perfect place for exploring the sights and tastes of Languedoc-Roussillon.

French apartment rental - facilities:

The main entrance to this French apartment rental is from the courtyard garden and pool area. A small gate (providing additional pool security) and two steps lead into the dining area with table and chairs and a cast-iron banquette. The living area has an exposed stone wall and ample seating, including a window seat running the length of three sliding windows (which open on to the pool). There is a TV with satellite reception of UK Freeview channels, French and other European satellite channels, wifi, DVD and CD stereo with an Ipod dock. A separate shower room, with basin and WC, leads off the far end of the living area.

The newly installed kitchen has an oak-topped peninsular dividing it from the dining area. There is also a free-standing dresser for extra storage. Equipment includes a 5-ring range cooker, fridge-freezer, microwave, dishwasher, and through a door into an antic- room are laundry facilities with a washing machine, iron and ironing board..

The three double bedrooms are accessed from the living/dining area. Bedroom 1 has an en-suite bathroom with a corner bath, sink and WC. Bedroom 2 can be made up for double or twin occupancy, with bedroom 3 providing twin beds. All bedrooms are furnished to a high standard with appropriate storage units.

Outside: there is a small undercover seating area adjoining the shallow end of the pool (1.2 metres deep), and an outside shower. The pool is alarmed and extends to the far wall of the property, to a maximum depth of 2.1 metres. The courtyard garden has a planted border and potted plants. There is a BBQ and an expanding dining table with chairs plus an area for sun loungers. Parking space for two cars lies just inside the main gates.

The friendly English owners of the property live on site, but they will ensure that your privacy is guaranteed. However, they will be on hand to answer any questions, give you help, advice and recommendations about local activities and attractions, and will be happy to make any reservations you may require. A welcome pack including milk, juice, wine, bread and butter,tea and coffee will be waiting for you in the apartment. In addition, for a small fee, the owners offer a shopping service in advance of your arrival.

French apartment rental - prices:

Prices for this French apartment rental are per week and are inclusive of linen and towels (including pool towels), a welcome pack, and end of stay clean.

High season (July & August): €1375

Mid season (June & September): €980

Low season (October-May) : €775

Change over day in high season is usually Saturday but outside these months arrival/departure days, and duration of stay are flexible. Weekend and B & B stays are available out of high season. Single couple discount during low & mid season and longer term winter rentals are available: please enquire. The swimming pool is open between May to September.

French apartment rental - our verdict:

Last visited December 2011. Excellent value for money and ideal for a family holiday in South France. This French apartment rental is all on one level, ideal for someone with limited mobility or small children. Neffies is in a great location for exploring the sights of the Languedoc and South of France. Wifi internet, private pool, UK TV and friendly owners to help if required. Highly recommended.

Guest comments:

" The spacious, beautifully decorated gite made for such a relaxing, enjoyable break. We loved the village, surrounding countryside and accessibility to beach & city alike. Pity our time here hasn't been longer but we definitely hope to return."

R. family, Dublin.

"A fantastic introduction to the Languedoc region . . . The gite is great; beautifully set out and tastefully decorated, with everything you need . . . Thank you for being such generous hosts."

T & W party, Cornwall.

"We really enjoyed the pool and evenings spent eating on the patio. . . . The village has a great restaurant, lovely pub & well stocked shop. . . . A perfect week."

C-R party, Northumbria.

This French apartment rental is situated in Neffies, which is an excellent location for visitors to explore this beautiful corner of France. Located on the edge of the “Parc Naturel regional du Haute-Languedoc” the surrounding vineyards produce award- winning wine, many of which can be sampled at the village Cave. Also in the village is a bakers, for your daily baguette and morning croissants, and there is a well-stocked provisions store, which has a meat and deli counter. A van visits once a week selling fresh seafood, including local oysters and mussels direct from the producers. The village also provides a post office, children’s play area and tennis courts. The family-friendly bar serves French fare lunchtimes and evenings, with great views from their terrace. Alternatively, one of the best restaurants in the area is tucked behind Neffies’ Gothic church. The restaurant was praised in a 2010 Sunday Times article as being as “friendly and toothsome as you like”.

Less than fifteen minutes drive away (or you could take the bus, which stops near the property) is the ancient market town of Pezenas, “one of the quiet glories of Southern France” (The Independent 2010.) with it's atmospheric old quarter, artist’s studios and boutiques, and wide variety of bars and restaurants. There is also a fabulous market on Saturday, and on Friday evenings during the summer there are wine tasting events with the added bonus of the shops staying open until midnight.

A thirty-five minute drive will take you to the Mediterranean coastal resorts where you’ll find long stretches of sandy beaches with safe, shallow waters for swimming, all kinds of water sports, and a lively buzz in the cafes and bars. Some of the many family attractions here include a Dinosaur Park (near Meze), an African Animal reserve (Sigean), Aqualand water park (Cap D’Agde) and the Aquarium at Montpellier.

Fresh water swimming can be enjoyed at a small lake ten minutes away at Vailhan, at Lac du Salagou in the National Park, or at the many river beaches, where you can also find canoeing and kayaking. Or, you could hire a bike and go cycling along the tow paths of the magnificent Canal du Midi. Golf is available nearby at Lamalou - les - Bains (9 hole), Cap D'Agde and Beziers.

Explore the bustling port of Sete, built on a confluence of canals, and watch the local spectacle of water jousting. Meander through the narrow cobbled streets of the regional capital, Montpellier, with its shady squares and exclusive boutiques. Or just simply relax by your own pool.

This French apartment rental is easily accessed from two main autoroutes, the A9 and A75: approximately 20 minutes from both.

The region is well-served by low-cost operators from the following airports, with driving time to this French apartment rental being:

Beziers 30mins
Montpellier 1 hour
Perpignan 1 hour 15mins
Carcassonne 1 hour 15mins
Nimes 1 hour 45mins
Girona 2 hours
Barcelona 3 hours

Booking terms for this French apartment rental are as follows.

25% deposit within 7 days of booking.
Balance due 6 weeks before arrival.