Town house in the centre of the lively French small town of Olonzac, there are two bedrooms available sleeping 4.
Mid terrace town house in centre of the lively French small town of Olonzac, there are two bedrooms available sleeping 4 -1 double, 1 twin - two bathrooms with shower, fully fitted kitchen, a balcony to enjoy the sun, and a private courtyard for outdoor evening meals or barbeques. On street parking outside the front door, wired broadband service in the main bedroom, UK/Irish satellite tv and radio will keep you in touch with home.
Olonzac, midway between Carcassonne and Beziers, is the administrative centre of the commune, pop. just over 1500, with all services. A choice of restaurants and bars, shops, bakeries, and a supermarket, it lies in the broad valley between the Black Mountains and the Corbiers Hills and is the centre of the Appellation Minervois wine producing area.
The World Heritage areas of Carcassonne (a mere 20 miles away) and the Canal Du Midi (15 min walk) are on the doorstep, Mediterranean beaches are only 40 mins away, while the towns of Narbonne, Beziers and Carcassonne, all within 30 mins, are shopping Meccas in the French way.
Ideal for walks, either short through the narrow streets of the village or the pretty park (tennis courts available), or longer expeditions to the lake, the canal, or through the vineyards.
Nearby is the attractive Lac de Jouarres for swimming, walking, or fishing, or just to sit and enjoy the sunset at the restaurant lakeside.
Cycling is a national pastime and local drivers are extremely tolerant of cyclists on the roads, while the canal offers miles of towpath adventure for the off road enthusiasts.
Golf at Carcassonne, St Thomas (Beziers), or Cap D’Agde provide excellent courses much cheaper than the Spanish equivalent.
For the not so active, or on recovery time, a glass of rose outside the cafe of your choice is an ideal way to watch the world go by, and your cares melt.
Olonzac’s market on Tuesday mornings brings together all human life in the vicinity – a great atmosphere in this lovely small town.
Herault & Aude form the heart of Languedoc- Roussillon province, reputed to get more sunshine than any other part of France. Add the allure of miles of sandy Mediterranean beaches, the freshness of the mountains, and some of the best food and wine in the world.
Some of the best wine in France is now produced in the area and the small producers and village co-ops are only too happy to talk you through a tasting session.
Occupied by Greek and Roman colonists, the history buffs will have a holiday of delight as they trace the many remains of these civilisations.
A thousand or more years later the Cathar wars saw the eclipse of Toulouse’s power in the area, but the remains of the great castles are still to be viewed with awe among the Corbiers hills.
There are many, many, beautiful small villages throughout the landscape worth a visit, probably none more so than Minerve – named, like the area, for Minerva, Roman Goddess of wisdom and music, among other things. The village, built on outcrop of rock in a deep ravine, is as spectacular as beautiful.
So much more to be seen within a short drive; Rennes-le-Chateau whose story inspired Dan Browne’s Da Vinci code, Carcassonnes old city which did the same for The Labyrinth, Fontfroide Abbey; or for a days outing go north to the spectacular bridge of Milleau, then go down to Milleau town for lunch before following the road beneath the bridge to really appreciate its grandeur. Next stop along the route will be Roquefort-sur-Soulzon to visit the famous caves where the “king of cheese” matures, then whichever route you pick to return through the Parc Naturel du Haut-Languedoc, will provide unforgettable views.
A local bottle of wine, tea, coffee and basic essentials.
Shorter breaks & long weekend stays: A minimum of 3 nights is possible out of the main summer season. Please enquire for price and availability.
