Lodeve holiday home to let, Soubes with walking, log fire, balcony/terrace, rural retreat, TV, DVD

Print this pageEmail to friend

Maison Soubes (house)

Home description

Our home offers a balance of the peaceful countryside, walking access to a picturesque village and its community life, the convenience of a nearby market town, proximity to a range of tourist destinations including Montpellier, Nimes, Avignon, Carcassonne, the Mediterranean - all in a part of France that is known for its friendliness, beauty, variety of activities, and hours of sunshine.

The two storey house is set along a country lane on an acre of gently terraced land, bordered by a crystal clear stream for cooling down in the summer. The views are breathtaking towards the dramatic hills and limestone plateau of the Larzac, ever-changing with the light and seasons.

An easy 10 minute stroll along a botanical path takes you to the square of the picturesque and historic hilltop village of Soubes, with a bar/restaurant, post office, and general store. The cathedral town of Lodeve, with its weekly market, all commercial facilities and a range of cultural and sporting activities, is 10 minutes away by car.

The house is comfortable, tastefully decorated and well-set up, with a variety of living spaces both indoors and outside. It has an orchard which guests are welcome to enjoy.

The house is set up for relaxation, exploration and conviviality, from the outdoor living of summer to the cosy log fires of winter.

The number of markets in the area guarantee that guests who enjoy cooking will have a range of fresh local produce to experiment with and enjoy. To assist you, the kitchen is well set up, we have cook books in English and French, and there are a number of areas to dine both indoors and outdoors, including the large dining room and outdoor tables.

There are also a number of excellent places to eat in the area, from award-winning gourmet restaurants to unpretentious local cafes. A very good winery is within walking distance, and you will only be able to begin your exploration of the vast range of inexpensive and excellent wines of the Languedoc.

We are situated in an area that is well-known for its range of recreation especially walking trails, the nearby Lac du Salagou (for swimming and other water sports) and easy access to cultural activities and sightseeing from Carcassone in the west to Avignon in the east. To the south, Montpellier is about 30 minutes away, and a short distance further takes you to the beaches, ports and sea-food restaurants of the Mediterranean. To the north is the renowned viaduct of Millau, the gateway to a leisurely day trip along the gorges of the Tarn river.

Barcelona is about 3 ½ hours drive away, and the house offers a good base for overnight or extended excursions to a wide range of destinations in southern France and northern Spain, including the ski resorts of the Pyrenees.

Activities in the Soubes/Lodeve area include:
Swimming/windsurfing
Walking/Hiking
Art and language courses
Festivals
Markets
Scenic tours
Concerts
Museum/Art Gallery
Lerab Ling Buddhist monastery

Maison Soubes	Lounge with French doors opening on to terrace and panoramic views
Open fire in lounge	Well-equipped kitchen adjacent to outside terrace/eating area

To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/18461

The Languedoc-Roussillon / Herault region

The Languedoc offers a range of easily accessible holiday experiences, from the beaches of the Mediterranean , through the hinterland with its wineries, gentle hills and national parks, to the rugged limestone escarpments and dramatic landscape of the Larzac plateau.

Each season offers a mix of experiences, and while the area is known for having the highest number of sunny days in France, the proximity of the Pyrenees and smaller mountains provide good down-hill and cross-country skiing in the winter.

For nature lovers, the scenery is varied and breathtaking, with walking trails and a host of outdoor activities.

For those interested in history, there are many geological sites, prehistoric remains, traces of roman culture, roman and gothic art, walled cities of the Knights Templar, medieval festivals, and museums.

For those wanting to balance relaxation with excursions, the range of historic towns and villages offers numerous choices for day-trips, and the proximity of other tourist areas including the Dordogne, Bordeaux, Pyrenees and Provence, as well as Spain allows a mix and match of experiences to suit everyone's interests.

Gastronomes will be spoiled for choice with the number of wineries, first-class restaurants, markets, and local products (from cheeses to olives to oysters).

Lovers of culture will find a range of international, national and local events and festivals, as well as art galleries. The Musee Fabre in Montpellier has an international reputation for its collection, including Flemish, impressionist and contemporary art. The nearby town of Lodeve also has a good museum and art gallery.

For families with children, there are is a wide range of activities in the area, including swimming, boardsailing in the nearby Lac de Salagou, canoeing in the Herault River and visiting spactacular caves.

The Languedoc has a history of spiritual connections with a number of sites that are considered significant in different theologies. Religious history can be traced in the landscape, remains and existing buildings. The St Jacques de Compostelle pilgrimage trail crosses the region, and approximately 20 minutes away is a major international Bhuddist centre, Lerab Ling, which attracts people from all over the world to its summer retreats.

And 'retail therapy' is well catered for , from specialist local producers, craftspeople and artists to the the fashion outlets of boutiques and major shopping centres.

Lodeve / Soubes area

Soubes is the perfect base for all that the Languedoc has to offer, while having its own charm and sense of community.

The pride of those who live in this picturesque hilltop village is evidenced by the respect for the local heritage and environment. The history of the village has been preserved, with a well sign-posted walking tour also allowing unexpected discoveries of past and present village life.

Soubes is surrounded by wooded hills, and rocky outcrops, with spectacular views both from and around the village.

The slow and gentle pace of Soubes, and the opportunity to explore the countryside and experience French living in some depth is seductive.

In addition, Soubes has specific events of interest, such as music and a running-of-the-bulls festival in summer, wineries and walking tours.

At the same time, Soubes is well served by a network of good roads and the nearby autoroute, linking the area to the nearby town of Lodeve, with its lively Saturday market and excellent museum/art gallery, and providing easy access to all the tourist interests of the Languedoc.

How to get there

A car is recommended, with easy rental from airports, TGV stations. Lodeve has daily bus services to Montpellier, and both car rental and taxi services. However there is no public transport between Soubes and Lodeve (approximately 5 kms).

Air
The nearest major airport with transfers to/from international flights is Montpellier, approximately 45 minutes drive away.

There are a number of other airports in the area which link in to budget flights, particularly from the UK, including: Beziers (45 minutes), Nimes (1 ½ hours), Rodez (1 ½ hours), Carcassonne (1 ½ hours), Toulouse (2 ½ hours), Perpignan (2 hours).

Rail
The nearest TGV station is Montpellier, which connects with Paris, Toulouse, Marseille, Barcelona and CDG airport.

Car
Paris is approximately 6 ½ hours away, via the easily accessible autoroute system. Note: extra driving time is needed during peak summer-holiday season, particularly at weekends.

Activities near Lodeve

Facilities

Further details indoors:
The house consists of : three double bedrooms; a bathroom with bath, shower and toilet; fitted kitchen; lounge leading to a sheltered terrace with table at one end, and a larger terrace with table at the other; dining room (seats 10); second toilet; utility area.

The house is also well insulated, double-glazed with wall-mounted electric heaters in all rooms, an open wood fire in the lounge, a wood stove in the dining room and fans in all bedrooms.

One double bedroom is downstairs (plus toilet on that level), with French doors to an outside courtyard. The other two double bedrooms,and bathroom/toilet are upstairs, accessible by a standard wooden staircase (ie not spiral, or steep).

The house has a good library of books, games, CDs, DVDs, as well as quality guide books, cookery books and tourist information.

We have a manager who speaks English and French fluently, who will attend to any emergency matters.

The house is non-smoking, and pets are not allowed.

Further details outdoors:
The property is fully fenced, with private gate access to the river. The river is shallow, with clean, clear water, and is safe for cooling down. There is a swimming hole within a few minutes walk.

There is a sheltered terrace, with reading table, and two larger terraces with outdoor dining table and panoramic views.

Further details

The land is gently terraced. The house has steps and stairs, with the bathroom upstairs. Therefore, unfortunately, the property does not have disability access and is not suitable for toddlers.

Conditions

The house is available on a weekly rental basis, with changeover on Saturdays. Latest check-out time is 10am, and earliest check-in 4pm unless by negotiation.

Rental rates

Period	From	To	Weekly	Nightly rate		Minimum  stay
				Weekday	Weekend
Low season	14 Nov 09	27 Feb 10	400£ 364	0-	0-	1 Week
Early season	27 Feb 10	29 May 10	600£ 545	0-	0-	1 Week
High season	29 May 10	4 Sep 10	800£ 727	0-	0-	1 Week
Late season	4 Sep 10	30 Oct 10	600£ 545	0-	0-	1 Week
Low season	30 Oct 10	26 Feb 11	400£ 364	0-	0-	1 Week

NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.

Tariffs are quoted in Euros, and payable, by electronic transfer ( plus any bank transfer charges).

A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to secure the booking.

The balance is required at least 6 weeks prior to planned arrival. Refund of the balance will be considered on a sliding scale.

Guestbook for Maison Soubes

'The holiday will definitely go down as one of the greats - caves, gorges, windsurfing, festivals, markets, scenery, villages, swimming in the mill pond. The house is terrific and had absolutely everything we needed. Everyone is talking already about a return trip next year so watch this space'. Duncan family, Scotland

'We had the most wonderful time. Thank you for everything. It could not have been more perfect.' Stephenson family, New York

'The house was everything you said it was and more. We were very pleased, it was well equipped and provided for.' Strange family, UK.

Availability

See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here

Send Enquiry

To contact this advertiser please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/18461

Contact details for the advertiser of home 18461
Name:	Eva Les
Tel:	+61 (0)8 83636075
Be aware of time-zones Please mention Holiday Lettings when contacting this advertiser
Languages:
Contact Notes: Email
Holidaymaker FAQs
Advertiser joined: Dec 2006