101 things to see in Sommières, Languedoc

  

Sommières is an enchanting medieval town situated in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

Its many shops, cafés and restaurants populate the historical centre.

Cobbled streets intertwine leading to secret passageways and strangely placed dead-ends, making it easy to get lost in this little town, nonetheless part of its charm. Weird and wonderful antique shops sell everything from 19^th-century chairs and decrepit mirrors to leather cigar cases and hip flasks.

 Small perfumeries and handmade soap shops fill the old streets with a fresh scent, fusing with that of the crèperies selling pancakes, waffles, sorbets and gelatos.

Restaurants are situated underneath picturesque medieval arches, circling the central square and running along the river that stretches on the town’s outer banks.

Make sure you stroll through at a gentle pace; let yourself to be distracted by the diverse boutiques and tempted by the many menus! Make sure to finish your meal with a ‘noisette’ (the French term for a small milky coffee) at a café lining the river.

Tip: Go to the fantastic Sommières Saturday morning market. Not only does it sell ANYTHING you can think of, but tables are also arranged in the plaza where you can sit and enjoy fresh oysters and other tapas-styled regional delicacies. 

Properties surrounding the town of Sommières include:

• the perfect venue for weddings and large parties.

• Bastide Langlade

• Le Vieux Moulin- First floor gîte

Check out our video of Domaine de Montmel and Sommières town!

La Vie en Rosé - Wines of Southern France

THE ROSÉ WINES OF SOUTHERN FRANCE ARE SOME OF THE BEST IN THE WORLD - NOW IS THE TIME TO BOOK THAT HOLIDAY AND COME TRY THEM FOR YOURSELF.

The recent rain followed by glorious sunshine means conditions have been ideal for the vineyards to get a favourable start to the growth spurt, the countryside is gloriously green with flourishing vines as far as the eye can see - the life blood of the Languedoc and Provence begins anew.

To savour that delicious pink nectar, two lovely stone built properties in the portfolio of South France Villas, offer you the perfect base to sample the delights of regional Rosé wines.  

In the Languedoc, close to Beziers, HE086A Bastide Pinede - a fabulous traditional stone built Bastide, with a contemporary interior, private pool and large garden, sleeping 8 in 4 en suite bedrooms, is perfect for that family holiday.  In this area the Wine Domaines of  Le Rosé de Bessan, Domaine La Baume and Les Crus Faugeres are all easily accessible for tastings.

HE086A Bastide Pinede

If you want to discover more why not let the experts take the strain and contact Languedoc Wine Tours  to book your place on one of their various programmes.

In Provence, VR014A Bastide des Vignes, a lovingly restored barn, renovated by the Owners with passion, offers 5 bedrooms, amazing interiors with stirking bespoke art, pool and extensive gardens - an oasis of tranquility.

This Bastide nestles amongst vines, which are part of Domaine de Rimauresq.  Rimauresq is a 'Cru classé, which produces Cinsault, Mourvedre and Tibouren for their rosés - it is one of the most prestigious vineyards in Provence and their 'R' logo is appreciated worldwide.  The vinery is a mere 15 minutes away from this stunning property.  From here access to the Routes des Vins is easy where you can taste the delights of Cote de Provence, Bandol, Coteaux Varios and Coteaux d'Aix en Provence.

VR014A Bastide des Vignes

Provence rosés are amongst the best in the world, Their pale rose petal colour, delicate aromas and explosion of sun filled fruit on the palate make them a perfect accompaniment to all dishes or ideal for that aperitif! 

Rosé is possibly one of the oldest known types of wine in the world and there are three major ways to produce rosé wine - skin contact, saignée and blending. 
So, enough of the lecture, time for some practical, simply contact South France Villas who will be delighted to book you a property so you can enjoy your personal "voyage a vin".

Skin contact - black skinned grapes are crushed and the skins allowed to remain in contact with the juice for a short period, normally 1-3 days, the longer they are left, the more intense the colour of the final wine. 

Saignée (the French word for bleeding) - when the winemaker desires to impart more tannin and colour to a red wine, some of the pink juice from the must can be removed at an early stage in what is known as the Saignée and this can be fermented separately to produce rosé.

Blending - the simple mixing of red wine to a white wine to impart colour. This method is discouraged in most wine growing regions, especially in France, where it is forbidden by law, except for Champagne, but most producers use the Saignée method.

Why you Should Book your Holidays in the South of France

Head off to the Languedoc, Provence or Cote D'Azure for a perfect getaway. Why not combine your hobby with a holiday and have the best of both worlds?

If you are into cycling the amazing Tour de France you will will be passing close to many properties that are on offer from us - the buzz of the "Caravanne" heading through before the race leaders and the Peloton is a sight to see and sets you up for the awesome blur of riders speeding to the next destination.

For those who like to pursue their creativity and improve their culinary skills why not join a Cooking Course on offer from "Cooking in Provence" - to accommodate you the Owner has two properties Mas St Sylvestre (VU011A) and Mas St Ambroise (VU012A) on the doorstep.

Mas St Sylvestre and Mas St Ambroise

In the Languedoc a fabulous opportunity awaits you - a Gastronomic Experience with the Chef and Owner of Restaurant O Bontemps in Magalas not far from Beziers, who offers Cookery Days - create and eat what a great combination! You can stay at South France Villas property HE084A Villa Kharbashi and walk home!

Olivier Bontemps

To entice you further, the sights and smells of shopping in the traditional French Markets will whet your appetite - starting in the Spring with delicious Green Asparagus, followed by an array of soft fruits - mouthwatering Cherries, juicy Strawberries, flavoursome Apricots - for the inevitable jam making - and sweet tasting Melons, not forgetting the aromatic garlic and sweet onions.

If all this is too much like hard work a tour of a local vineyard for that wine tasting session  or a day out at the Jousting Tournament in Sete would fit the bill on the leisure front!

Fun in the sun is what holidays are all about - why wait?

South France Villas in the Sunday Times 2013 - Villa Setoise & Villa Frankie

The Sunday Times Travel Section on 3rd February 2013 focused on 25 Top Holidays in France for 2013 and once again two properties in the South France Villas portfolio made the selection.

Villa Setoise (HE063A)and sister property close by  Villa Frankie (HE065A) are on the coast at the bustling port of Sete in the Languedoc Roussillon, stunning in contemporary design and close to the beach - the perfect combination for that Mediterranean holiday with family or friends- what more could you want!

See the article here. 

Want to know more or make a booking - do not hesitate to get in touch with South France Villas who will be pleased to help with your reservation.  

Additional local information available from the Sete Tourist Office

Best Beach Villas South of France and Europe

The Times Travel section on Saturday 12th January 2013 featured "Europe's 50 Best beach villas" and two properties from the South France Villas portfolio were included. 

 The stunning Villa La Voile (PY001A)in the beautiful village of Collioure, on the coast near Perpignan came in at number 29 and in at number 31 the stunning Villa Palombaggia CR004A)in Corsica, near the stylish, sophisticated, cosmopolitan town of Porto-Vecchio.

(See more about South France Villas in the Press here). 
                                                     

To find out more about these two amazing properties and check availability do not hesitate to get in touch - we'll be happy to help you.

Why Your New Year's Resolution Should be to Explore The Languedoc Region Of The South Of France

Fantastic Beaches, Heritage And Wine.

Narbonne is a particularly good example of all the above and offers an all year round welcome for that great holiday - sandy Mediterranean beaches, the UNESCO site of the Canal du Robine, the remains of the Roman Road - the Via Domitia and of course, excellent wines from La Clape - one amongst many.  For history buffs the Cathedral in the town centre is one of the tallest in France!

Narbonne Cathedral and Square with Via Domitia

Set in the foothills of the Corbières and less than 1 hour from Carcassonne and the Spanish border and close Beziers, the natural landscape is a joy to behold and it is a great base from which to foray into the surrounding area - the local tourist offices abound with information on where to go and what to - Narbonne Tourist Office

Arboussier (AU001A )

To enjoy the region at your leisure why not stay in one of holiday villa rental properties such as Arboussier (AU001A) which sleeps 6 and is great value and ideal for families. Beaches are close and you can even enjoy an African Adventure at the nearby Sigean African Reserve Park.

If Carcassonne beckons, Domaine de Marseillens (AU026A) is in the perfect location for access to La Cité - a visit to the Dungeons is a must.

More information from Carcassonne Tourist Office and being close to Lac du Cavayere which has a beach area, water sports and plenty of acres for walking and those all important picnics - you get the best of all worlds!

                                                         

Courtyard with pool

Contemporary styling

         The Languedoc is waiting for you so why not come see for yourself!