Languedoc villa is a spacious stone property (300m2) with large pool (12x6m) and 1 hectare of garden with wonderful views. The property has 3 spacious double bedrooms and two twin rooms, one of which is only suitable for small children. There are two large TV lounge areas, a separate dining room, a modern kitchen with character features such as old tiles, exposed beams and long windows throughout. There are two bathrooms and 3 w.c.s. Over centuries Languedoc villa has been a church, a village, a retreat for monks from a nearby Abbey and finally became a winery in the 19th century.

Languedoc villa facilities:

You enter Languedoc villa into a reception area, where one sees fabulous exposed stonework, beams, old tiles and beautiful rugs. From the reception area the curved staircase that goes to the upper level. The dining room, with antique table and chandelier and with huge glass sliding doors onto an 'interior courtyard for eating outside. Next to the dining room is the modern kitchen, which is fully equipped with dishwasher, washing-machine, American fridge / freezer, gas oven, electric kettle
coffee machine (filter and espresso.)

Large lounge with two seating areas, one with the TV (UK satellite channels) DVD/CD and the other with sofas in front of the fireplace. Beautiful French windows open out onto the garden. The house has exposed stone walls and beams and is full of character with antiques. Languedoc villa has wifi internet access.

On the first floor is a small twin room, with small beds not suitable for adults, plus a cot. There is a second TV lounge, with two sofas. A double bedroom, with beautiful wooden antique bed and marble washstand and overlooking the front courtyard. There is a separate w.c. next to a large bathroom with bath, hand-held shower overhead & basin. The second twin room has two small antique sized single beds (80cm). Another double room, there are windows on two walls in this room overlooking both the courtyard and the garden. The final double room, has seagrass flooring and a beautiful antique brass bedstead. This room has access to an en suite shower room, with shower, basin and w.c. This last room also has a door onto a charming covered terrace.

Outside - A wonderful shady 'pool house' overlooking the pool, with lots of cushioned seating, plus a courtyard with an old table for alfresco dining and relaxing. There is enough parking for 4 to 6 cars. On the right is a separate games room with ping-pong table. Garden furniture and 2 BBQs are also available. On the other side of the house is the garden area, with a large shady courtyard, walled on 3 sides, with large antique table for 10 people. w.c. in this courtyard. There is a large swimming pool 12 x 6m with steps down into it for easy access, with decking on one side. There is a lawned area beside the pool, with a more wooded area below. Please note there is no wall between the two, so as not to spoil the views and the open feel of the grounds, so this garden is not suitable for small children.

There are two other totally separate small properties on the Domaine grounds. The keyholder /guardian will be living in one of them, leaving you totally independent within your property.

Languedoc villa prices:

Prices are weekly and include linen and towels and after stay clean. Minimum stay 2 weeks in July and August.

High season (June 30 - Sep 1) : €4000 now €3400

Mid season (June and Sep) : €2400

Languedoc villa - our verdict:

Last visited May 2009. Languedoc villa is in a truly stunning location, with amazing views and surrounded by Mediterranean plants and nature. The character property can sleep up to 10 in 5 bedrooms, the Languedoc villa is very spacious and the grounds are magnificent. An ideal holiday rental in France for 2 families holidaying together.

Languedoc villa customer comments:

'We thoroughly enjoyed our stay and Domaine de Montarel. The setting is idyllic and peaceful, it is only a short drive to Pezenas and the owners could not have been more helpful and accommodating. We would definitely go back.' Mr Hanson August 2010.

Languedoc villa is located near the village of Alignan du vent which has two shops, two boulangeries, café, bar, hairdresser, pharmacy and twice weekly market.

Vineyards dominate the gentle rolling landscape around Alignan du Vent. The village is in the midst of the Hérault. The local co-operative (wine) is an easy stroll around the back of the house. Here you can stock up on the local wines and delicacies. The several shops include two boulangeries and are complimented by a twice-weekly open market.

Visit the nearby town of Pézenas. It has 70 odd listed buildings dating from the renaissance to the 18th century. Its arcaded courtyards and staircases provide it with a distinctive architecture. Moliere spent a number of seasons here in the 1650s. From mid-June through September it is the prefect venue for the festivals, concerts and exhibition called the Mirondela dels Arts.

On your way to the Mediterranean stop off at Agde. Founded by the Greeks, It overlooks the Hérault River. It has its own harbour with lovely black basalt sand, good hotels and restaurant. The Bassin de Thau - 20km away - is one of the largest lagoons along the Mediterranean shore. Its fame lies with the oysters and mussels it produces. You can backtrack to Marseillan for an oyster lunch and to try their own aperitif, Noilly-Prat. Further up along the Bassin is Meze, another fishing port and very popular destination for seafood.

Sète is France's biggest Mediterranean fishing port. It is an attractive town laced with canals and many fish and seafood restaurants. You can pick up a boat tour back around the Bassin. Have a look at Béziers. Aside from its tragic history it is best known for its rugby team and the August feria, a festival with bullfights and Spanish feel. In 1209 during the albigensian crusade, virtually the whole population was burned alive in the cathedral where they had taken refuge. The town regenerated in the 1660s with the building of the Canal du Midi.

To reach Languedoc villa you can travel down by car from Britain via the channel ports or from Paris. It is about a 9 hour drive from Calais, and 6 hours drive from Paris (non-stop). The Portsmouth to Le Havre overnight ferry, or the EuroTunnel to Calais, enables you to reach the region within the day using the A75 autoroute from Clermont Ferrard, via the newly completed Viaduc at Milau.

You have your choice of airports across the South of France to reach Languedoc villa. You can:

Fly to Perpignan (1 hour)

Fly to Carcassonne (1 hour)

Fly to Montpellier (45 mins)

Fly to Nimes (1 hour 15 mins)

Fly to Beziers (30 mins

Languedoc villa booking policies are as follows. 30% deposit paid upon booking balance due 8 weeks before arrival. Security deposit required, €400 cash on arrival, returned less deductions for any breakages on morning of departure plus £300 cheque to be returned 7 days after departure.