Escapade romantique sur la place de Saint-Chinian

A romantic getaway in the square of Saint-Chinian, featuring a fantastic market and excellent wine.

With high ceilings, exposed beams, and partial stone walls, this spacious, open-plan first-floor apartment (approx. 60 m²) is bright, airy, and very comfortable for 2–3 people, featuring a large sofa bed in the living area.

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

The Living Area

The sunny living area features a large L-shaped sofa that converts into a double bed. English and French TV, books, games, a radio/CD player, and a DVD player create a relaxed, home-like atmosphere. You also benefit from free high-speed Wi-Fi access.

The Bedroom

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

The Bathroom

The fully tiled bathroom is equipped with a shower cubicle, a washbasin with a mirror, a toilet, a hairdryer, etc.

The Kitchen

The modern, well-equipped kitchen—featuring a breakfast table and ample storage—provides everything you need, whether you wish to cook gourmet meals or simply enjoy a takeaway pizza. Appliances include a fridge-freezer, electric oven, hob with extractor hood, microwave/grill, washing machine and tumble dryer, and dishwasher, as well as the usual kettle and toaster, plus cutlery and crockery for at least four people.

Extras

All bed linen and towels are provided, so air travel weight restrictions won't cause a headache—or incur extra costs. A cot and high chair are available upon request. There is a small additional charge for the rental and laundering of beach towels. About Saint-Chinian

Saint-Chinian was founded by monks who built a monastery there in 825 AD. They subsequently established vineyards, marking the beginning of a prosperous local economy. The town survived the Albigensian Crusade unscathed and grew even more prosperous during the Industrial Revolution. Today, wine remains the primary industry, and with a population of around 2,000, the village stays lively all year round.

Local activities

The Saint-Chinian area, along with the nearby Haut-Languedoc Regional Nature Park, is an ideal location for hiking and mountain biking. Walkers and hikers can pick up free English-language guides at the Tourist Office.

If the heat gets to be too much and you need to cool off, there are several options. Just around the corner from the apartment, you’ll find a natural swimming spot with a picnic area. The town has its own heated outdoor public pool (open from June 1st), while the vast, free Mediterranean beaches are just a 40-minute drive away. You can also join the locals for a swim in the clear waters of the Orb River at Roquebrun or the Cesse River at Bize-Minervois (we prefer the Cesse). The region also offers opportunities for wine tasting, rock climbing, fishing, painting, golf, horse riding, and canoeing.

Food and drink:

Several restaurants, a pizzeria, and two cafés are within a few minutes' walk. The renowned AOC Saint-Chinian red and rosé wines are available, with friendly local producers offering free tastings (*dégustation*).

There is a Spar supermarket just a two-minute walk away, while a larger supermarket is a very short drive away.

Places to visit:

The local scenery is magnificent. Safe beaches, historic castles, abbeys, and the mountains of the Haut-Languedoc Natural Park—featuring picturesque gorges, natural rock pools, river swimming, and canoeing—are all within 40 minutes (or much less) of your doorstep.

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

The Spanish border is about a 90-minute drive away, while in winter, affordable skiing in the Pyrenees is accessible in just over two hours—making a day trip entirely feasible.

Roquebrun (20 minutes)

The Tower of Roquebrun is the only remaining trace of a Carolingian castle built around the year 900 to protect inhabitants from barbarian invasions. The picturesque village, which has its own canoeing center, is perched on the banks of the Orb River and boasts a Mediterranean garden well worth a visit. In summer, the river beach is a popular spot for picnics, swimming, and trout fishing.

Minerve (20 minutes)

Minerve: a miraculous village, almost an island perched high above...