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Vineyards dominate the gentle rolling landscape around Alignan du Vent. The village is in the midst of the Herault.  The local co-operative (wine) is an easy stroll around the back of the house. Here you can stock up on the local wines and delicacies. The several shops include two boulangeries and are complimented by a twice-weekly open market.

Visit the nearby town of Pezenas. It has 70 odd listed buildings dating from the renaissance to the 18th century. Its arcaded courtyards and staircases provide it with a distinctive architecture. Moliere spent a number of seasons here in the 1650s. From mid-June through September it is the prefect venue for the festivals, concerts and exhibition called the Mirondela dels Arts.

On your way to the Mediterranean stop off at Agde. Founded by the Greeks, It overlooks the Herault River. It has its own harbour with lovely black basalt sand, good hotels and restaurant.  The Bassin de Thau - 20km away -  is one of the largest lagoons along the Mediterranean shore. Its fame lies with the oysters and mussels it produces. You can backtrack to Marseillan for an oyster lunch and to try their own aperitif, Noilly-Prat. Further up along the Bassin is Meze, another fishing port and very popular destination for seafood.

Sete is France's biggest Mediterranean fishing port. It is an attractive town laced with canals and many fish and seafood restaurants. You can pick up a boat tour back around the Bassin.  Have a look at Beziers. Aside from its tragic history it is best known for its rugby team and the August feria, a festival with bullfights and Spanish feel. In 1209 during the albigensian crusade, virtually the whole population was burned alive in the cathedral where they had taken refuge. The town regenerated in the 1660s with the building of the Canal du Midi.

South of France rental cottage booking terms.  A deposit of €250 is required at the end of the 5 days to confirm the booking with the balance of the rent due eight weeks before arrival. A 'Damages Deposit' of €300 is also due eight weeks before arrival - this will be returned one week after departure. (For your convenience you may pay in £Sterling, $US dollar or €Euro.)
Cancellation  The deposit is not refundable unless the rental house can be re-let; whereupon the deposit will be retuned less an administrative charge of €50. If the house cannot be re-let the renter remains liable for the full cost. Every attempt will be made to help the renter change the date of booking if requested before eight weeks of the holiday start date. Cancellation insurance is the responsibility of the renter and is recommended.

Children and the Physically Challenged  Parents with children who require constant supervision may find the house difficult. The house is not suitable for anyone not able to use uneven steps.

Occupancy  The number of people occupying the house must be agreed with the us, the owners, before the start of the holiday, and we have the right to refuse a booking. The house can be occupied form 4pm on the first day of the holiday rental period until 10am on the last day of the holiday rental period.

To reach this South France holiday gite you can travel down by car from Britain via the channel ports or from Paris. It is about a 9 hour drive from Calais, and 6 hours drive from Paris (non-stop). The Portsmouth to Le Havre overnight ferry, or the EuroTunnel to Calais, enables you to reach the region within the day using the A75 autoroute from Clermont Ferrard, via the newly completed Viaduc at Milau.

You have your choice of airports to reach this South France rental cottage rental in Languedoc Roussillon. You can:

Fly to Perpignan (1 hour)

Fly to Carcassonne (1 hour)

Fly to Montpellier (45 mins)

Fly to Nimes (1 hour 15 mins)

Fly to Beziers (30 mins)