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South France Villas Blog

Tuesday 28 August 2012

LE VENDANGE – The grape harvest season is here!

The vineyards are buzzing with grape-pickers or vendangeurs as late August sees the harvesting season across France starting up. All the time and effort that has been put in throughout the year will finally prove worth their while. Of course, the warmer climate of the south of France means those jewel–like fruits have been swelling and ripening perfectly on the vine all summer, so that the Languedoc and Provence wine regions see the start of the Harvest season a little earlier than their northern counterparts. 
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south france villasVineyard workers spend long days in the balmy, late summer months collecting these wonderful fruits. A passion for the vines and the prospect of a wonderful new year of wines for the caves is what keeps the vignerons and vendangeurs going through this hard work. This treasured elixir is so much a part of the history, economy, lifestyle and culture that it is unsurprising that the whole region comes alive with excitement at this important time of year.
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The south of France is an area steeped in wine tradition. All throughout the Provence and Languedoc regions are scattered hundreds of caves, both small and large, with a myriad of different wines to be tasted. The most famous AOC regions in the Languedoc are Coteaux du Languedoc, Corbières, Faugères, Minervois, and Saint-Chinian and in Provence, celebrated of course for its rosé wines, the most well known regions are Coteaux Varois, Cassis, Bandol, Bellet and Côtes de Provence. There are plenty of family run caves that offer dégustations (wine-tasting) to the public, where you can go and sample these wonderful local  wines and buy bottles straight from the source. For more information on the wines of the Languedoc and Provence check out www.winetravelguides.com.


Fancy a wine-lovers holiday in the South of France where you can take some time to explore these vibrant wine growing regions? September is the perfect time to pay a visit to these areas. The warm late summer sun means that the weather is still perfect for that early evening glass of wine on the terrace. Everyone's idea of heaven!  To avail yourself of such opportunities, why not stay in comfort and luxury in one of South France Villas properties?

La Saisonnière
AM011A La Saisonnière is a beautifully decorated luxury villa in the Cote d'Azur. Close by is the Bellet wine-region that surounds Nice. It is one of the smallest AOC regions in France, but produces wines of excellent quality.  Wines from this area are difficult to come by outside of Nice so you are bound to discover something rare and original.



Saumane


VU014A Saumane a large Provençale house with stunning views, near the Coteaux d'Aix en Provence region close to famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape, A wine lovers dream!




Domaine de Montarel

HE054A Domaine de Montarel a spacious stone house  in the Languedoc near to the Coteaux de Languedoc AOC region and with easy access to all the other excellent wines that the Languedoc has to offer. Its hill-top position affords panoramic views of rolling hillsides covered in vines


Villa du Jardin


BR002A Villa du Jardin, a charming Provençal style villla, close to Aix-en-Provence in the Bouches-du-Rhones. The Vins des Sables made from vines grown in the sandy ground that surrounds the Camargue are worthy of note.





Are your taste buds are tempted? Why wait to check out these, and our other fabulous holiday properties? Click on the blue links or go to our website www.southfrancevillas.com.




Wednesday 8 August 2012

Corbieries - An underground adventure - Terra Vinéa

A reconverted gypsum mine would not usually be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of tourist attractions in the Languedoc region but Terra Vinéa in Corbières is definitely worth a visit.  


This quirky cultural activity centre boasts a (very French) twist. It’s a tourist centre dedicated to the history of wine! 


As luck would have it, the old mine, which is 80 metres below the ground, is the perfect temperature for storing the hundreds of casks of AOC Corbières wine from the Rocbère Caves.

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Adults and children alike can rejoice as this oenological attraction is suitable for the whole family!

 The visitor centre is equipped with 800 metres of interactive and informative galleries. A spectacle of light and sound, this multimedia experience takes you on a journey through the history of wine and Mediterranean culture – from the favourite tipple of the ancient civilisations to the modern day production of one of our most popular drinks. And the best bit…the free wine tasting at the end of the visit (a treat for the adults!).  



Situated at Portel des Corbières, Terra Vinéa is a short journey from our villas: Peyriac-de-Mer (A16) Maison Nadine (A22)  and La Platane (A2).


These beautiful villas provide the perfect base camp for visiting and exploring the Corbieres and Aude area.

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Peyriac-de-Mer: A beautiful  stone ‘Bergerie’ with a large views across the valley.   

au016a villa rental

Maison (AU022A):Contemporary villa with a private pool on the edge of a typical wine producing village with striking vineyard views:

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 Le Moulin (AU009A): a very spacious hill top village house in the Corbières. Large Private garden with fenced swimming pool.


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When visiting the Aude departement don’t forget the amazing Medieval fortress at Carcassonne and the breathtaking cathedral in Narbonne. Drop by South France Villas website for our properties in the Aude and other departements in the Languedoc region.

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Narbonne Cathedral
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Carcassonne Cité