Charming Village House in Villeneuve-les-Beziers-Herault, Close to Beziers

A charming village house recently renovated to a high standard in the popular village of Villeneuve les Beziers which is on the Canal du Midi. Just 10 minutes drive from the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean and close to Beziers, this property makes a perfect base from which to explore the many holiday activites available locally or just spend a relaxing few days in a village that manages to combine modern amenities with the celebration of its medieval past.

The owner of Maison Danton, Jennifer Viner, has spent many years living in France and has collected interesting and historic pieces with which to furnish and decorate the house. A brand new fitted kitchen and shower room were fitted in 2009 and the whole house has been recently rewired and redecorated.  

Maison Danton sleeps a maximum of 4 people in a double and a twin bedroom.  Weekly lets, short breaks and longer term rentals are all available so please ask. Midweek starts and unusual periods are all possible to fit in with your travel arrangements.

Accommodation:
The ground floor is entirely open plan to give a spacious airy living room with an open plan kitchen, circular dining table and a chaise longue. A small tv connects to French channels.

With windows at the front and rear of the house, sunlight streams into the house reflected by the simple white walls. Wooden shutters on the windows allow for security and to reduce the impact of the midday sun during the summer months.  Electric heaters in each room make Maison Danton suitable as all year round holiday accommodation.

Built on 3 floors Maison Danton is connected by an original stone circular staircase which winds through the middle of the house. The number of floors and the staircase may make this house unsuitable for small children or anyone with reduced mobility.

At the very top of the house with views over the rooftops is a deceptively spacious roof terrace. Access is via a glass door situated within the twin bedroom. A second dining table and chairs on the terrace allow for alfresco dining or just relaxing in the sunshine. With no through traffic, Maison Danton is a corner of tranquillity in what can be a lively village during the summer months.

The village of Villeneuve les Beziers can be traced back to medieval times and has a good range of shops, bars and restaurants. The canal du midi slices through the middle of the village and the many boats meandering along the canal seem to mirror the steady pace of life. Wander the streets and find examples of the history and architecture of the village. Find quaint squares planted with trees and semi exotic plants shading a seat or fountain where you can rest out of the midday sun.

Superb communication links exist with the motorway being only 10 minutes drive from Villeneuve les Beziers. Beziers Cap d'Agde is the nearest airport with flights from the UK and Denmark. Other international airports include Montpellier (80kms), Carcassonne and Perpignan (100kms), Nimes (120kms). The TGV stops at Beziers and via a change at Paris or Lille links with the Eurostar to Brussels and the channel tunnel with trains to central London.  

Villeneuve les Beziers is a bustling village on the Canal du Midi. Villeneuve is still predominantly a wine growing village although more recently the rise in tourism in this area has brought a second vibrant industry. New restaurants and bars have opened for visiters and locals alike, flowers adorn street corners, window boxes and patios during most of the year and Villeneuve has become an all year round holiday location. This is in contrast to many of the coastal villages which effectively close during the off-season.

The village offers a host of services: There are a number of market stalls selling fresh produce, 3 bakers, a general store, 2 cafes, 4 restaurants, a pizzeria, a post office and an impressive new Mediatheque with computers available for the internet. Just outside of the village (approximately 1km away) is a multiscreen cinema with 12 screens in total, more restuarants, shops and a large hypermarket. Villeneuve has municipal tennis courts if you feel energetic and a path along the canal du Midi offers pleasant canalside walks or cycle rides.
There is a regular bus service to Beziers which is the nearest large town. Beziers has a large tree lined boulevard at its centre with bars and restaurants that spill out on to the streets during the summer months. Regular markets occur on the square (with the Friday flower market being the most popular). Just a short walk away is the magnificent cathedral with incredible views over the surrounding countryside. Beziers contains a range of interesting shops and boutiques, a theatre, musuems, parks and art galleries. There are many festivals throughout the year culminating in a grand summer 'feria' that includes music, theatre, street spectacles and bull fighting. The centre of the town is closed every evening for 4 days during August for the festivities.

The delightful waterside village of Agde is only 20 minutes drive from Villeneuve with its beautiful painted village houses, winding streets, fascinating shops, superb restaurants and traditional markets. Buy some of the best fresh fish in the Languedoc from Agde and, if an early riser, it is possible to buy directly from the returning fishing boats.

Nearby is Pezenas which has become synonimous with Moliere and is a thriving centre for artisans. A selection of delightful shops are dotted amongst the winding medieval streets in the heart of the old town. Included are antiques, local produce, and art galleries. There are also bars and restuarant many with outside tables for that necessary rest and rejuvenating drink. The Saturday market is a must for anyone who enjoys browsing.The sandy beaches and azure blue seas of the Mediterranean are a mere 8 kms away. There is a wide choice of beach resorts nearby including Cap d'Agde, Serignan Plage, Valras Plage and Marseillan Plage. Whether you prefer busy beaches with bars, restaurants and nightlife, family orientated beaches with good facilities or just the peace and quiet of a unspoilt sandy corner in a nature reserve, there is a beach option for you.

30 minutes drive away are the Cevennes and the Minervois. Hills and mountains with Cathar village such as Minerve which sits astride deep gorges. Also microclimates such as Roquebrun "the little Nice of Languedoc" wih its Mediterranean gardens and canoeing on the river Orb. The area has an incredible history to explore with castles and abbeys. Valmagne for example with its magnificent wine. The medieval walled city of Carcassonne is only an hour away or a little further is Nimes with its Roman amphitheatre which is still used for outside concerts during the summer months

The countyside surrounding Villeneuve les Beziers is awash with vineyards. Langudeoc Roussillon is one of the largest wine producing regions in France. Take advanatge of the wonderful choice of visits and tasting opportunities on your doorstep. Appellations include St Chinian, Minervois and Faugueres.