Romantic get away on the square in Saint-Chinian with fantastic walking and wine
About
With high ceilings, original beams and part stone walls, this large (approx. 60 sq m) open-plan first floor apartment suite provides light, airy, comfortable accommodation for two, as well as a large sofa-bed in the living room, which can sleep a further two. A half-height wall separates the en-suite bedroom from the living room and modern, well-equipped kitchen. Both rooms overlook the village square and the impressive hills beyond. The living area The sunny living room has a large L-shaped sofa that converts to a double bed. This can also be used as a single bed – or for watching TV with your feet-up! English and French TV, books, games, radio/CD and DVD player provide a relaxed ‘home from home’ environment. In addition, free broadband WiFi Internet access allows you to keep in touch. The bedroom The bedroom is furnished with a luxurious, comfortable king size bed, bedside table with lamps, built-in wardrobe, dressing table, etc.. The bathroom The fully tiled bathroom is equipped with an enclosed shower, wash basin with mirror, WC, hair dryer, etc. The kitchen The modern, well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast table and storage cupboards provide everything you will need should you wish to cook gourmet meals, or simply eat a take-away pizza. Equipment includes a fridge/freezer, electric oven, hob with extractor, microwave/grill, washing machine and dryer, dishwasher, as well as the usual kettle and toaster, with sufficient glasses, cutlery and crockery for at least four people. Extras All linen and towels are provided, meaning that airline weight restrictions do not cause a headache – or additional cost. A cot and high chair is available on request. There is a small additional charge for the hire and laundry of beach towels. About Saint-Chinian Saint-Chinian was founded by monks who, in 825 AD built a monastery here. They then went on to create vineyards that saw the start of the prosperous local economy. It survived unscathed from the Albigensian Crusades and went on to become even wealthier during the industrial revolution. Today, wine continues to be the main industry, and with a population of approximately 2000, the village remains full of life all year-round. Things to do locally The area surrounding Saint-Chinian, and the nearby Haute Languedoc Natural Park, is a great place for walking and bike rides. Walkers and hikers will find free English language guides in the Tourist Office. If the heat gets the better of you and you need to cool down, there are a number of options. Just around the corner from the apartment is a natural pool with picnic site. The town has its own heated open-air public swimming pool (open from June 1st) whilst the long, free, Mediterranean beaches are only 40 minutes away by car. Alternatively, join the locals and swim in the clear water of the River Orb at Roquebrun or the river Cesse at Bize-Minervois (we prefer the Cesse). The area also offers the chance to try lots of wine tasting, rock-climbing, fishing, painting, golf, horse-riding and canoeing. You could also come on a cruise with us on our new cruiser, Sianga, and spend a leisurely day cruising on the Canal du Midi. This stretch of water provides 54 kms of beautiful cruising without having to deal with locks. Food and drink: Within a few minutes walk are several restaurants, a pizzeria, and two café bars. The renowned red and rosé AOC Saint-Chinian wines are available from local, friendly producers offering free ‘degustation’ (tasting). There is a Spar supermarket a two minutes walk, while a larger supermarket is only a very short car ride away. Places to visit: The local scenery is stunning. Safe beaches, historic chateaux, abbeys, the mountains of the Haut Languedoc Natural Park with its picturesque gorges, natural rock pools, river swimming and canoeing, are all within 40 minutes, or much less, from your front door. Golf is available in Saint Thomas (35 minutes), Lamalou les Bains (45 minutes) or Carcassonne (one hour). The Spanish border is about a 90 minutes drive, while in winter inexpensive Pyranées skiing is available in a little over 2 hours drive – making it possible for a day trip. Roquebrun (20 minutes) RoquebrunThe tower of Roquebrun is the sole remaining trace of a Carolingian castle built to protect the inhabitants from barbarian invasions in the year 900. The picturesque village, with its local canoe centre, is perched over the banks of the river Orb and has a Mediterranean garden that is well worth a visit. In summer the river beach is used for picnics, swimming as well as trout fishing. Minerve (20 minutes) Minerve a miraculous village, almost an island, perched over the meeting of two rivers where they tunnel through deep gorges, and where in 1210 Simon de Montfort massacred the Cathars during the crusades. Beziers (25 minutes) Entering Beziers across the river OrbEntering Beziers across the river Orb. The long “Allée Paul Riquet” esplanade, with the theatre at one end