Situated in the conservation heart of this medieval circulade village, Alignan du Vent, is this South of France holiday gite. It is a newly restored and renovated village townhouse which was once part of a larger 15th century house. The South of France holiday gite has two double bedrooms and one single and can sleep 6 in comfort. The grand staircase lends the house a very atmospheric quality. The South of France holiday gite is located in the centre of this friendly village which has two shops, two boulangeries, café, bar, hairdresser, pharmacy and twice weekly market.

South of France holiday gite facilities:

Living Area - with table and 6 iron backed chairs, various deck chairs, CD, books and games. Satellite TV/DVD, IPod/MP3 speakers. Wifi internet access available.
Kitchen - dishwasher, fridge/freezer, electric stove/cooker with oven, microwave, quality cookware and dishes.
Beds - 2 double, 1 single,

Bathroom - shower, basin and toilet, washing machine and drying stand, Iron and ironing board.
Mezzanine - Garden Table and chairs, sun lounger, umbrella, sofa that makes into a bed.

Care should be taken on the stairs, because of age they are uneven and may not suit someone with mobility problems. Likewise the house would be difficult for those with young children needing supervision. Deck chairs, beach umbrella available to take out (and return)

South of France holiday gite prices:

Prices are per week and include linen and towels. Normal rental pattern is for a Friday changeover, though out of high season, the changeover can be flexible.

High season (25 June - August 26) : €500

Mid season (28 May - June 24, 27 Aug - Sep 30) : €450

Low season (Sep 25 - May 27) : €390

South of France holiday gite - our verdict:

Last visited April 2010. This South France holiday gite is perfect for 6 people holidaying together. Set amongst the vineyards but 10 minutes form Pezenas and 30 to the coast and beaches. Ideally calculated to explore the sites of the Languedoc region.

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 this South France holiday gite 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 this South France holiday gite rental in Languedoc Roussillon. 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)

South of France holiday gite booking terms. A deposit of €250 is required at the end of the 5 days to confirm the booking with the balance of the rent due eight weeks before arrival. A 'Damages Deposit' of €300 is also due eight weeks before arrival - this will be returned one week after departure. (For your convenience you may pay in £Sterling, $US dollar or €Euro.)
Cancellation The deposit is not refundable unless the rental house can be re-let; whereupon the deposit will be retuned less an administrative charge of €50. If the house cannot be re-let the renter remains liable for the full cost. Every attempt will be made to help the renter change the date of booking if requested before eight weeks of the holiday start date. Cancellation insurance is the responsibility of the renter and is recommended.

Children and the Physically Challenged Parents with children who require constant supervision may find the house difficult. The house is not suitable for anyone not able to use uneven steps.

Occupancy The number of people occupying the house must be agreed with the us, the owners, before the start of the holiday, and we have the right to refuse a booking. The house can be occupied form 4pm on the first day of the holiday rental period until 10am on the last day of the holiday rental period.