Apartment in Saint-Chinian, Occitanie

Romantic get away on the square in Saint-Chinian with fantastic walking and wine

Romantic get away on the square in Saint-Chinian with fantastic walking and wine

Photo gallery for Romantic get away on the square in Saint-Chinian with fantastic walking and wine

Airy and spacious
Living room
Full kitchen and dining
Luxurious king size bed
Bathroom with shower cubicle

Overview of Romantic get away on the square in Saint-Chinian with fantastic walking and wine

9.6 out of 10 Exceptional
1 bedroom1 bathroomSleeps 260 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning

Check out the area

Saint-Chinian, Occitanie
  • Popular LocationPlace du Marché6 min walk
  • Popular LocationCanal du Midi20 min drive
  • Popular LocationHaut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park21 min drive
  • AirportBéziers (BZR-Cap d'Agde)47 min drive

Rooms & beds

1 bedroom (sleeps 2)

1 bathroom

Bathroom 1

Spaces

Kitchen
Dining Area

About this property

Romantic get away on the square in Saint-Chinian with fantastic walking and wine

With high ceilings, original beams and part stone walls, this large (approx. 60 sq m) open-plan first floor apartment suite provides light, airy, comfortable accommodation for two, as well as a large sofa-bed in the living room, which can sleep a further two.

A half-height wall separates the en-suite bedroom from the living room and modern, well-equipped kitchen. Both rooms overlook the village square and the impressive hills beyond.

The living area

The sunny living room has a large L-shaped sofa that converts to a double bed. This can also be used as a single bed – or for watching TV with your feet-up! English and French TV, books, games, radio/CD and DVD player provide a relaxed ‘home from home’ environment. In addition, free broadband WiFi Internet access allows you to keep in touch.

The bedroom

The bedroom is furnished with a luxurious, comfortable king size bed, bedside table with lamps, built-in wardrobe, dressing table, etc..

The bathroom

The fully tiled bathroom is equipped with an enclosed shower, wash basin with mirror, WC, hair dryer, etc.

The kitchen

The modern, well-equipped kitchen with a breakfast table and storage cupboards provide everything you will need should you wish to cook gourmet meals, or simply eat a take-away pizza. Equipment includes a fridge/freezer, electric oven, hob with extractor, microwave/grill, washing machine and dryer, dishwasher, as well as the usual kettle and toaster, with sufficient glasses, cutlery and crockery for at least four people.

Extras

All linen and towels are provided, meaning that airline weight restrictions do not cause a headache – or additional cost. A cot and high chair is available on request. There is a small additional charge for the hire and laundry of beach towels.

About Saint-Chinian

Saint-Chinian was founded by monks who, in 825 AD built a monastery here. They then went on to create vineyards that saw the start of the prosperous local economy. It survived unscathed from the Albigensian Crusades and went on to become even wealthier during the industrial revolution. Today, wine continues to be the main industry, and with a population of approximately 2000, the village remains full of life all year-round.

Things to do locally

The area surrounding Saint-Chinian, and the nearby Haute Languedoc Natural Park, is a great place for walking and bike rides. Walkers and hikers will find free English language guides in the Tourist Office.

If the heat gets the better of you and you need to cool down, there are a number of options. Just around the corner from the apartment is a natural pool with picnic site. The town has its own heated open-air public swimming pool (open from June 1st) whilst the long, free, Mediterranean beaches are only 40 minutes away by car. Alternatively, join the locals and swim in the clear water of the River Orb at Roquebrun or the river Cesse at Bize-Minervois (we prefer the Cesse). The area also offers the chance to try lots of wine tasting, rock-climbing, fishing, painting, golf, horse-riding and canoeing.

You could also come on a cruise with us on our new cruiser, Sianga, and spend a leisurely day cruising on the Canal du Midi. This stretch of water provides 54 kms of beautiful cruising without having to deal with locks.

Food and drink:

Within a few minutes walk are several restaurants, a pizzeria, and two café bars. The renowned red and rosé AOC Saint-Chinian wines are available from local, friendly producers offering free ‘degustation’ (tasting).

There is a Spar supermarket a two minutes walk, while a larger supermarket is only a very short car ride away.

Places to visit:

The local scenery is stunning. Safe beaches, historic chateaux, abbeys, the mountains of the Haut Languedoc Natural Park with its picturesque gorges, natural rock pools, river swimming and canoeing, are all within 40 minutes, or much less, from your front door.

Golf is available in Saint Thomas (35 minutes), Lamalou les Bains (45 minutes) or Carcassonne (one hour).

The Spanish border is about a 90 minutes drive, while in winter inexpensive Pyranées skiing is available in a little over 2 hours drive – making it possible for a day trip.

Roquebrun (20 minutes)

RoquebrunThe tower of Roquebrun is the sole remaining trace of a Carolingian castle built to protect the inhabitants from barbarian invasions in the year 900. The picturesque village, with its local canoe centre, is perched over the banks of the river Orb and has a Mediterranean garden that is well worth a visit. In summer the river beach is used for picnics, swimming as well as trout fishing.

Minerve (20 minutes)

Minerve a miraculous village, almost an island, perched over the meeting of two rivers where they tunnel through deep gorges, and where in 1210 Simon de Montfort massacred the Cathars during the crusades.

Beziers (25 minutes)

Entering Beziers across the river OrbEntering Beziers across the river Orb. The long “Allée Paul Riquet” esplanade, with the theatre at one end and the lovely Plateau des Poèts park at the other, is an attractive center to the town. In the middle of the esplanade is a statue of Paul Riquet, the founder of the famous Canal du Midi. Béziers is an excellent town for shopping. It has shops and stores of all sizes, from the Galeries Lafayette department store to small trendy boutiques.

Narbonne (25 minutes)

NarbonneNarbonne is the oldest town in the south-west of France. Founded by the Romans in the second century BC, it was a major port, although it now lies some 20 km from the sea.

Today the centre of Narbonne, bisected by the flower-bordered Canal de la Robine, is an attractive place for shopping and sightseeing. Without a doubt the best place to head for is the 100-year old Halles (covered market) by the bank of the canal. This award-winning market is said to be one of the best in France and the crowds milling around the 80-plus stalls are testimony to this claim. Open from 6 am until 1.00 pm daily, the market is overflowing with local produce: glistening displays of fresh fish and seafood, piles of melons, peppers and tomatoes, and the many varieties of charcuterie (cooked meats). It is cosmopolitan as well though … it’s one of the few places in the area with a good selection of non-local (and even non-French) cheeses.

On Thursdays there is also an open air market stretching along the canal bank near the Halles, with flower and clothes stalls, among others. The canal itself is lined with waterside cafés where you can refresh yourself in the shade of the plane trees.

Carcassonne (60 minutes)

The old Cité, CarcassonneThe old Cité. The mediaeval walled ‘Cité’ lies on the right bank of the River Aude and is featured on UNESCO’s World Heritage list. It is still home to a population of approximately 120, is now very touristic but well worth a visit to its shops and craftsmen. The ultimate stronghold, built in the 12th century, it was the home of the Trencavels, Vicomtes of Carcassonne. While there, if time, try to see Carcassonne town, a few minutes by car from the Cité. There is a large, pleasant, mostly pedestrian area with the main square lined by restaurants.

At a distance of 800 metres from the Cité, on the commune of Pech Mary, you can see the flight of the world’s largest birds of prey.

Montpellier (70 minutes)

A sophisticated city with lots of museums, great restaurants and shopping – and a great tram public transport system. The Fabre Museum is one of the biggest museums in France and holds Flemish, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and French collections. For more information visit the Tourist Office in the Place de la Comédie.

Perpignan (60 minutes)

Half Catalan, half French, Perpignan is Languedoc at its most exotic. The last major town in Languedoc before the Spanish border there’s a real mix of cultures in this corner of the region: Catalan, Romany and North African all co-exist in this sunny city of palm-lined squares.

Note: Times stated are approximate and refer to driving times by car.

Property manager

Kate and Ferdi

Languages

Dutch, English, French

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning

House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM

Children

Adults only

Events

No events allowed

Pets

No pets allowed

Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Damage and incidentals

You will be responsible for any damage to the rental property caused by you or your party during your stay.

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed EUR 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transportation to and from this property

About the area

Saint-Chinian

Located in Saint-Chinian, this apartment is in a rural area. Chateau de Combebelle and Domaine Navarre are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park and Canal du Midi. Discover the area's water adventures with rafting and fishing nearby, or enjoy the great outdoors with hiking/biking trails and horse riding.

What's nearby

  • Place du Marché - 6 min walk
  • Canal du Midi - 20 min drive
  • Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park - 21 min drive
  • The Nine Locks of Fonseranes - 24 min drive
  • Beziers Cathedral - 25 min drive

Getting around

  • Saint-Pons-Herault Station - 25 min drive
  • Béziers (BZR-Cap d'Agde) - 48 min drive

Restaurants

  • Café du Helder - 11 min drive
  • Cafe du Balcon - 4 min walk
  • Le Faitout - 13 min drive
  • Pizzeria Tillou - 4 min walk
  • Les Brasseurs de Castigno - 7 min drive

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
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Rating 10 - Excellent. 4 out of 5 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 5 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 5 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 5 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 5 reviews" "

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Sue W.

Great location, clean and comfortable
We had a wonderful time in St Chinian for 4 nights and wished we had more time. Kate and Ferdi were wonderful hosts and made sure our arrival went smoothly and we also appreciated the welcome kit. The kitchen is very functional, the apartment clean and cosy. We would recommend to others. We also loved some of the local sights and easy to do day trips as far away as St Guilhem le desert and Sete. Road access is very good and free parking outside apartment.
Stayed 4 nights in Nov 2018

8/10 Good

sylvie g.

joli appartement
l appartement etait propre il ne manquait rien.juste une chose qui nous a manquer un balcon
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2018

10/10 Excellent

Oliver V.

Perfect holiday home
Excellently equipped and furnished holiday home. Friendly owners and lots of information about the area. Saint-Chinian is a large village/small town located in a perfect piece of mediterranean countryside (wine, garrigue, umbrella pines...). The ideal base for exploring this beautiful part of Languedoc. We spent two weeks and loved every minute.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Allan D.

Superb!
The apartment is in a beautifully presented house overlooking the market square, a fantastic position. It is fully equipped, very clean and so comfy. It's obvious that the owners take great pride, its a pleasure to stay. The area has much to offer, both in its historic architecture and of course it's wine! We absolutely loved staying in Les Tournesols, thank you Kate and Ferdi.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Derek M.

Home from home in the Haute Languedoc
Kate and Ferdi were very accommodating (absent) hosts. Wine on arrival and emails to make sure we were ok (before and after we got there). Les Tournesols has all the comforts of home and would suit a couple or family with young children . A lovely old French square with the local Cave 25 metres away (daily free wine tasting). Market on Sunday (especially) and Thursday with lots of local food and wares. The locals were lovely and very friendly. We had never been to the South West of France. Oh my goodness. St Chinian sits between the Haute-Languedoc to the North (stunning walking) and to the South the beautiful cities of Beziers, Narbonne and Carcassonne. If you're feeling energetic there's cycling along the Canal du Midi or canoeing down the Orb. Something for everyone. Loved it :-)

About the host

Hosted by Kate and Ferdi

Host profile image
I am from the UK and my husband, Ferdi, is from South Africa. We recently moved from Zambia, Africa, to Saint-Chinian and we love our new life.

Why they chose this property

We fell in love with the village of Saint-Chinian and the surrounding area, and were very lucky to find this amazing property.

What makes this property unique

The beams and part stone walls show the real character of the apartment, and it has been lovingly refurbished to be comfortable and modern, in a fantastic location overlooking the market square. Around the corner is a beautiful natural swimming pool in a small river and picnic site.

Languages:

English, French, Dutch
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