ABOUT THE AREA

Exploring and Activities

Exploring

The nearest large town is Beziers, approximately 12 km to the South. Steeped in medieval history with a magnificent Cathedral at its centre, Beziers has superb restaurants (many clustered around tree lined squares), an opera house and art galleries. Traditional markets supply a wide range of local produce including freshly caught fish and sea food, cheeses and excellent fresh fruit and vegetables.

The famous Canal Du Midi passes through the town of Beziers. The canal offers a wide range of activities including boat trips and magnificant walks.

Montpellier, the capital of the Herault is a vibrant cosmopolitan city packed with boutiques, cafes & restaurants. The historical centre is a labyrinth of pedestrian walkways with wonderful garden squares and architectural marvels around every corner.

In addition to Pezenas there are numerous other medieval towns and villages to visit including St Guilhem-le-Desert (about 40-minute drive) and the cite of Carcassonne (about 1 hour away but worth the trip). Just over an hour's drive will take you to the heart of 'Cathar' country with its imposing castles and monasteries such as Montsegur and Queribus.

Activities

Cap d'Agde has some 14 kilometres of fine beaches and in the summer months you can sit at cafes and beach restaurants with the sand between your toes whilst feasting on delicious local fish and other delights from the region. The quieter coastal port of Valras Plage offers several restaurants and extensive golden beaches which shelve very gradually giving safe bathing for adults and children.

As well as beaches, there are beautiful lakes, rivers, mountains and gorges within less than an hours drive from Hotel de Vigniamont. 'The Heric Gorge' is one of the most outstanding beauty spots in the Espinouse mountain range. Closer to home the Barrage des Olivettes or Lac Salagou are wonderful places to swim. The Lac also offers a vairety of non motorised water sports.

Towards the North in the valley of the River Orb, the beautiful hamlet of Roquebrun nestles in its own Mediterranean micro climate. White water canoeing, cycling, fishing and excellent mountain walks are to be found here, as well as an excellent restaurant.

For Golfers there are a choice of courses. St Thomas Golf Course is 15 minutes away and considered a great course to play, alternatively the course at Lamalou les Bains (40 minutes drive) is renowned for its outstanding beauty set in the heart of the Languedoc National park.

Fishing, biking, tennis are all available locally and for the less energetic, a morning or late afternoon short stroll through the picturesque vineyards will give you a flavour of this wonderful countryside.