The French House - Libellule, Languedoc, South of France

Libellule

Libellule, Neffiès. Charming 11th century village with all amenities surrounded by vineyards. Mediterranean coast just 40 minutes. The medieval village of Neffiès lies on the plain that runs from the beautiful 'Montagnes Noires' to the excitement of the Mediterranean coast. With a population of just 700, Neffiès is one of the famous Languedoc 'circulade' villages, with houses and streets spreading out in a circular fashion from the central church. All necessary facilities nearby including grocery store, newsagent, bakery, café bar and excellent restaurant. For more shops and restaurants, the vibrant town of Pézenas is just 15 minutes away, with a fantastic Saturday market, a huge choice of pavement cafés and restaurants, four supermarkets, excellent shopping and full calendar of summer activities, concerts and festivals. Vailhan (10kms) offers a delightful swimming lake and picnic area. Good restaurant, too. Superb Mediterranean beaches only 45 minutes away. Water sports and beachfront restaurants galore.

Highlights include: - The Cap d'Agde with its harbour and waterside cafés, fashionable shops and nightclubs, golf, bike hire, marine centre, casino and huge water park 'Aqualand'. Seafood restaurants and harbour in Sète. Seafood 'capital' in Bouzigues. Visits to the Noilly Prat museum and cave in Marseillan, and (Paul) Ricard in Bessan. North of Neffiès lie the beautiful Languedoc National Park and the 'Montagnes Noires'. There is great freshwater lake swimming in Lake Salagou, which also features a host of water sport activities. Ideal country for hiking and trekking. There are also many natural wonders including the Gorges d'Heric and the breathtaking 'Grottes des Demoiselles', a huge cave with enormous columns that appear to support the roof. But everywhere there is... wine tasting! If the Languedoc were a separate country, it would be the world's fifth largest wine-producing country. The Village House: truly a taste of old France here in this lovingly restored house in the heart of the village, just seconds from the picturesque square with its typical café, grocery store and bakery. There's also an excellent traditional restaurant.

Astounding 180° views from the totally private roof terrace. Up here, there's also a fully equipped enclosed summer kitchen with BBQ, sink and fridge. And two foam single sofa/beds for sleeping under the stars! The house has been completely renovated from top to bottom, while leaving many of the original features, tiled floors, exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings. Spacious and airy and very tastefully decorated and furnished to a high standard. Two bedrooms with ensuite facilities and lovely traditional rustic dining room. Entrance off a narrow street, just steps from the picturesque square. Original staircase to first floor: Kitchen with new fitted units, fridge freezer, gas stove, microwave. Dining room with large table and chairs, fireplace, original stone sink, large windows and small balcony with flowers. CD player. Bedroom 1: one double with ensuite shower, WC and basin. Wide staircase leads up to: Beamed sitting room with sofa and armchairs, exposed stone walls, TV with free-to-air UK channels. Utility room with WC and washing machine. Bedroom 2 with 4-poster bed and canopy plus occasional single bed, with ensuite WC, shower and basin. Bedroom 3 has one single bed. Steps up to roof terrace with magnificent 180° views over rooftops and countryside (primarily south-facing). Table and chairs and parasol; Sunloungers; BBQ with griddle and hotplate. Covered summer kitchen, fully equipped with sink and fridge, cutlery and crockery. Sitting area with twin single foam sofa/beds. Comment: “This is the holiday home of a charming English lady. She has decorated the house with original artwork and describes it as 'a little quirky'. The bathrooms are all tiled with larger showers than you will find in most French houses. A wonderful spot for a truly South of France village experience.”

Please bring own swimming towels.

Weekly rents:

March, April and October - £350
May, June and September - £400
July and August - £525
November, December, January and February - £200 with reductions for long lets.