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The Domaine de Monteils was originally a priory, founded in the 9th century, by the monks of Cluny. In this time the monks cultivated yellow saffron, which was rare in the South of France, and we still find a few saffron flowers in the Park. The surrounding vineyards were planted in 18th century. The Domain then became a wine estate. Today we make use of the wine storehouse and its old presses, a former forge and reconverted stables. Close to Domaine de Monteils French gites to rent, France, there are many popular places to visit:

Avignon: This city was residence of the pope in the 14th century. Many monuments remain from this period including the Pope's Palace, the famous "Pont St Bénézet", la "place de l'Horloge" and its theatres. . .

Uzès: this little town of arts is the home of the First French Duchy. With its paved streets, 17th century mansions and many antique shops, Uzes is a real jewel in the Languedoc! Visit the Fenestrelle medieval tower, la "place aux herbes" and its provençal market.

Le Pont du Gard: This famous Roman aqueduct, now classified as an UNESCO world heritage site, is one of the most impressive archeological remains from the Roman Empire.

Aigues-Mortes: the remparts of this medieval town are surrounded by the salt lakes of the Camargue, home to thousends of pink flamingos. This charming little town is well worth the visit

Nîmes: this Roman city is well known for its arenas and "ferias", and also "la maison carrée", the gardens of la Fontaine and the covered market . The nearby town of Arles is also well worth a visit for its arenas ant antique theatre.

Montpellier: this very lively university town, is the dynamic heart of Languedoc. The historical center of the city is pedestrianised and contains many 17th Century mansions, narrow paved streets, boutiques, and squares around the "Place de la Comedie".

Cevennes National park: just a short journey from the Domain de Monteils, you will find this paradise for the walkers with its chestnut groves its valleys and sources, proposes idyllic walking itineraries.

Camargue: with its legendary wild white horses, large black bulls, beautiful pink flamingos and rare birds, the Camargue is a paradise of nature, flora and fauna.

Sommieres: is an exceptionally picturesque medieval South France town, which offers plenty of sightseeing and activities, both locally and in it's surrounding areas. One of Sommieres's key features is it's Roman bridge, built by the emperor Tiberus in the First century AD. Above the town stands a castle, built in the 10 century. A wide range of festivities take place in Sommieres, including the Medieval fair in April, and the Town's Saint's fair in the summer. You should also visit Sommieres' Saturday market, which served as the set during the filming of the French film "Manon des Sources".

Mediterranean beaches: Only 25 km from Domaine de Monteils you will find endless sandy beaches of the Languedoc.

Anduze: this famous pottery town which produced world renowned glazed vases is a picturesque place. Also close-by is the celebrated Bambouseraie bamboo gardens. Also from Anduze you can take a Steam train through the Cevennes and enjoy the outstanding views.

In the surrounding area there are many festivals, concerts, antiquies markets, traditional provencal food and handycraft markets throughout the year:

* Truffle day at Uzès in January

* Theatre festival of Avignon : end of July

* "Fête de la Saint Louis" at Aigues Mortes : end-August

* "Printemps des Comédiens" at Montpellier in June

* "Ferias" of Nîmes in June and September

* Dance festival at Montpellier in July

* "Fêtes de la mer et de la St Pierre" at Le Grau du Roi in June

* "Fête de la figue" at Vézenobres in September

* "Fête de la châtaigne" at Anduze in October

* "Vendanges" of Uzès vineyards in September

If you wish to reserve these French gites to rent at Domaine de Monteils, there is a 25% non refundable deposit upon booking. Balance payable 6 weeks before arrival. 10% security deposit returned within 14 days of departure.

You can reach these French gites to rent at Domaine de Monteils, by taking the A9 autoroute to in between Montpellier and Nimes. Exit the A9 at junction 26 and follow the D142 and then D12 towards Sommieres. Drive through Sommieres and follow the D35 in the direction of Anduze and Quissac. You will find Domaine de Monteils close to the villages of Carnas, Saint-Clement and Gailhan.

To reach these these French gites to rent at Domaine de Monteils, you can fly to:

Nimes airport - 20 minuites

Montpellier airport - 40 minutes

Avignon airport - 40 minutes