Up steps and along a lavender-lined path to this secluded hillside retreat. Flowering broom and sweet peas rub shoulders with evergreen oaks, linear vineyards and, in the distance, history soaked Villemagne-l’Argentière. Sun dapples onto decking, a hammock is waiting and a canvas sail protects you from summer’s soporific heat.
This traditional country home has local stone walls, tiled floors and robust beams; book and music collections live under the stairs. Stoke the open fire, lounge in the sitting room, or gather in the kitchen around stockpiles of market-bought charcuterie and St Chinian wine. The bedrooms are very private – ideal for two couples travelling together and the converted attic is great for extra guests. You’ll find all the basics in the kitchen and a bottle of wine waiting.
Hire mountain bikes, puff to the top of the hill, paddle in the river just below you or walk further for deep water and diving holes.
I'd love to stay here in warm weather to explore that steep and astonishing hillside above, swim in the clear river below, and curl up on the deck like a little wild animal while my bread bakes in the genuine brick oven. Then off to bed in a clean-cut, uncluttered bedroom beside one fine country antique. The next day would be a Languedoc history binge: Villemagne is a treasure-house of memories.