L'Atelier

This 1870s house, part of a terrace, sits in the heart of old Béziers. A short walk away find the magnificent 12th-century cathedral siting in a beautiful square with superb views. The quirky bed-sitter is all yours; a long counter round the original stone sink, a seating bench for two (not large) people, a folding metal table and chairs, a wicker chair for reading.

Carole lives on the two floors above and hangs a breakfast basket on your front-door grille each morning with croissants, baguette, a flask of hot milk. Cheese, charcuterie and eggs are also available if your stay is longer than two nights. In the fridge you’ll find milk, butter, jam, yogurt and fruit compote. Tempting to nip back to bed with it all. A good shower later and you’ll be on your way to explore the town, not so large as to be overwhelming and with lots of surprises.

Step onto the street where children zoom their scooters, mums chatter.