Superb 2 Bedroom Cottage on the waterfront in Marseillan Village - La Madeleine

La Madeleine - Welcome to the cottage La Madeleine, on the banks of the port Tabarka in Marseillan, fishermen and winegrowers' district.. For centuries, this was the Port des Nacelles, Marseillan's modest harbour, where little sailing boats would be moored ready to be laden with barrels of wine from to be ferried across the lagoon to the bustling international trading port of Sete. Today, a haven for the last pecheurs of the village, a cluster of town houses and cottages look out where day boats, play boats and simple fishing craft bob by the jetties.

Just yards from the syncopace of the rigging of boats bobbing in the port, and just a few steps from the cellars of the Madeleine Saint Jean winery; just across the way from the field where fisherwomen hang their nets from the trees to dry amongst the poppies and cornflowers: bienvenue a La Madeleine.

Upstairs are two bedrooms, each with a double bed. One room has views across the wooden pergola below the window out to the little port and across the waters of the lagoon to the Mont St Clair of Sète. The other faces the courtyard.

The wetroom with its step-free walk in shower, mosaic tiles and contemporary wc are on the same level.

Downstairs is open-plan living, with a purpose-built fitted kitchen featuring integrated microwave,  fridge, oven and two-ring induction hob. There is even a dishwasher, hidden away so no sight of the washing up to spoil the holiday mood.. 

Tucked behind the kitchen is a washing machine and space to dry your laundry.

Sofa, chairs and table across the kitchen bar - and from the living room you may choose to watch the daily sunshine forecast on TV or look out of the window to the terrace and views to the fishermen's field and the port. Remember your Netflix password, or tune in to international TV channels, for a quiet night in.

But prepared to be lured away from the sofa  - by the terrace with its shady pergola - the perfect place for dining al fresco, on fresh oysters and mussels from the fishermen's sheds just across the waterfront park and plagette beach a few minute stroll from the house. Pull up a seat at the wooden table to dine en famille, or opt for finger food indulged on a comfortable recliner.

Wash down the meal and toast the sunset over the lagoon with a bottle of the Cuvée Père Joseph from your vigneron neighbours at the corner of the street. From sunrise over the water to the swallows' aerial ballet at disk, enjoy the breathtaking view of the Thau basin and the port. 

Or why not follow the banks of the port, past the boatyard, where sailors scrape the barnacles and repaint the hulls of their boats and amble along to the many restaurants on the quays of the main port - all but a couple of minutes stroll from home.

Upstairs are two bedrooms, each with a double bed, shower (walk-in style) and toilet upstairs.

This is after all the real South of France. Marseillan is a genuine Languedoc port village of fishermen and winegrowers, it has the perfect combination of simplicity and abundance, providing a warm welcome, magnificent views and an eagerness to share its treasures with family and friends.

Within easy reach of SIX airports with low cost flights from the UK

Eurostar & TGV rail link from UK stations, just 10 minutes from the village

Half an hour from the Mediterranean's lively capital of Montpellier

Nature reserves and natural parks

Two dozen excellent restaurants within a short walk of your front door

In the heart of Europe's largest wine region