Villa Carreaux Bleus

In the dreamy Languedoc-Roussillon, a region filled with idyllic landscapes, vineyards and Mediterranean beaches, Villa Carreaux Bleus is a lovely holiday home just outside a wine village near the vibrant town of Beziers.

This is a place for care-free holidays; splashing in the heated swimming pool, playing boules, enjoying poolside lunches and gazing out to the countryside around you. The Moroccan-style outdoor lounge is a particularly enchanting place to enjoy a glass of Coteaux de Beziers wine before dining by the summer kitchen and barbecue as the sun sets for the day. Trailing roses, lavender and shady trees give the gardens a Mediterranean feel whilst North African influences add to the rather exotic vibe.

Inside, the interiors are relaxed and homely, ideal for a group of friends or maybe two families with four bedrooms scattered over three buildings; the main house, a pool annexe and two garden suites. The grand kitchen-diner, with its cathedral high ceiling and chandeliers, is beautifully equipped whilst the living space is equally impressive with doors leading to one of the terraces. Objets d'art throughout give this holiday home a real sense of character and warmth.

The lovely owners arrange for croissants to be delivered a couple of times a week and can give a bicycle tour of the area if you desire. Indeed, bikes and helmets are provided, including three child seats, ideal for days out exploring vineyards or following the towpath by the nearby Canal du Midi.

This region offers history, culture, incredible scenery and great beaches. Visit some of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages' within a short drive, experience atmospheric markets in towns such as Pezenas and admire some of France's UNESCO World Heritage sites in Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert and Carcassonne. Beziers, just 12km away, offers a true Languedoc experience with its great food, wines and long history of bull-fighting.

Hire canoes along the Orb river, swim in rock pools near Olargues or follow wonderful walking trails across the Herault. Of course, the Mediterranean is also so close with the long sandy beaches at the seaside resort of Valras-Plage just twenty minutes away.

You may prefer to spend your time exploring local wineries from Minerve to Meze and beyond, then savour your finds on the poolside terrace at the charming Villa Carreaux Bleus.

Features

Villa Interiors

• Living room with air-conditioning, modern fireplace, TV, piano and patio doors leading to terrace
• Open-plan kitchen and dining room, well-equipped including large gas cooker, 6 gas burners, toaster, microwave and dishwasher. French doors lead outside
• Utility room with washing machine and fridge-freezer
• Master bedroom with king-size bed (180x205cm), modern fireplace, lounge area and en suite bathroom with bath, separate shower and WC
• Guest WC

Separate Poolside Annexe

• Bedroom with double bed (140x190cm), air-conditioning, lounge area and en suite shower room with WC. Doors lead to poolside terrace

Garden Annexe

• Bedroom with double bed (180x205cm), air-conditioning, two sofas and en suite shower room with WC
• Bedroom with double bed (180x205cm), single bed, lounge area, air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with hand-held shower
• Separate WC

The two bedrooms in the garden annexe are both accessed from the outside and there is also an internal door between them (that can be closed if needed).

Outside Grounds

• Heated swimming pool (11.5mx5.5m, depth: up to 1.48m) with two pool alarms with code access. Open approximately mid-April to end-October. Heating via thermostat control (25-27C max)
• Summer kitchen with sink and charcoal BBQ
• Shaded dining area
• Sun-loungers and parasols
• Moroccan style al-fresco lounge
• Large garden (2000m2)
• Fountain
• Terraces
• 8 x bikes (3 with child seats)
• Cycling helmets (including 3 for children)
• Car parking (5 spaces on adjacent private land)

Facilities

• Wi-Fi
• Air-conditioning (some bedrooms and living room)
• Satellite TV (French and English)
• DVD player
• Boules
• 8 bikes (3 with child seats)
• Cycling helmets (including 3 for children)
• Four hairdryers
• Washing machine and iron
• Table tennis

Location

In the heart of the Herault department in Languedoc-Roussillon, Villa Carreaux Bleus is located just outside a wine-village only 12km from Beziers.

The local village has a handful of places to eat, a small grocery store as well as wineries as this area is covered with vineyards. There are further amenities in surrounding towns just a short drive away, as well as the city of Beziers. Local highlights include the Oppidum d'Enserune, a 10-minute drive away, with its fascinating museum and wonderful views down to the impressive Etang de Montady.

The Canal du Midi is also just a short journey away; the marina in Colombiers (5km) is a pleasant place to have lunch or even hire a boat for a day out on the canal. The Canal du Midi also offers walking and cycling routes along its tow path, a great way to see the region.

Beziers (12km) is a hidden gem in southern France; a vibrant town known for its excellent wines and a long history associated with bull-fighting. Look out for the 4-day long feria in August, the region's biggest event when the town comes alive with festivities and bull-fights! At any time of year it's a pleasant place to explore, visit the art galleries and the grand Romanesque cathedral or stroll by the Canal du Midi and Orb river. The food scene is particularly great from wine bars and bistros to Michelin starred restaurants.

Head west to the Minervois region and discover amazing walking trails through fields of olive groves, vineyards, wild gorges and spectacular landscapes. Explore delightful villages such as fortified Aigne (32km) with its incredible historic lanes, galleries and caves for wine-tasting or Minerve (38km), one of France's ‘Plus Beaux Villages' with its fascinating Cathar history.

Olargues (44km) and Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert (75km) are also two of Herault's classified ‘most beautiful villages in France'. Look out for the especially idyllic Gorges Heric (40km), near Olargues, where you can swim in rock pools. Closer to home, there is also wonderful scenery along the Orb river and you can hire canoes and kayaks in Cessenon-sur-Orb (15km) or Roquebrun (24km).

Pezenas (40km) is another delightful town, especially famous for its Saturday morning market. It's a town filled with art, theatre and history and in July and August there are vibrant night markets on a Friday evening where you'll find street food, live music and plenty of local wine.

The beaches of the Languedoc are also within easy reach. Valras-Plage (22km) is a traditional fishing village turned seaside resort with a bustling town, marina, 4km of sandy beaches and a variety of watersports. Further along the coast, beaches at Cap d'Agde (45km) and Marseillan Plage (50km) also offer plenty of family-friendly activities or head west towards the beaches of the Aude in Regional Natural Park of Narbonne, about 45 minutes away.

Also worthy of a visit are Narbonne (26km), Montpellier (80km) and the amazing Carcassonne (70km), a UNESCO World Heritage site.