May take pets - please enquire Suitable for children Not suitable for elderly or infirm No smoking at this property Self-catering
Home description
Chez Squire, in Vissec is a 300+ year - old stone, counrty house, full of character and with a lovely atmosphere. We have modernized it somewhat, as it came with stone washbasins and no running water! Initially, the house consisted of three separate dwellings, forming an L-shape, so there are various changes in floor heights and many steps.....The view from the back garden is outstanding, looking up the ancient dry rtiver bed which is now dotted with wild flowers, amidst a beautiful variety of boulders, stones and pebbles. We have created a private terrace, perfect for breakfast and a large patio below for lunch and dinner, complete with a stone BBQ. It also provides a quiet, shady and restful oasis, for relaxing, reading or contemplation.
There is a large entrance - room combined with the kitchen area. Everything in the way of kitchen equipment is provided. A couple of stone steps up to the right finds the master bedroom with double bed and en suite shower/bathroom. To the left, one step down is the dining/living room with a large stone fireplace. Up some wooden stairs is a mezzanine double bedroom with two skylights and and beyond another large bedroom with three single beds and two windows. In the lower level of the house there is a large bathroom with a shower and a second 2 piece bathroom, plus the garden door opening onto the picturesque terrace with further stone steps to the patio and garden below which, in turn, opens onto the dry river valley. The house is spacious and comfortable; suitable for families or friends.
To see more photos please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/48399
The Languedoc-Roussillon / Gard region
Vissec is found at the foot of the Cevennes, on part of a high plateau which is now a spectacular conservation area. It has the perfect dry summer climate with sunny, hot days and cool, refreshing nights. The landscape changes from dramatic sweeping mountains to low plains of vinyards with all kinds of crops and vast uncultivated heaths inbetween. People are friendly and welcoming and it is easy to get by with little French, making use of mime ! The area has a fascinating history with many impressive Roman sites ; the Pont du Gard is a day trip. As it is a limestone region, there are many extensive caves and the river Vis which Vissec is named for (dry river Vis) , disappears underground in nearby Alzon and reappears most dramatically from the side of the gorge, just an hour's walk from the house. Languedoc is a well kept secret destination for those looking for the real 'South of France'.
Vissec area
Vissec is a stone village with higgledy piggledy red tile roofs, cupped in a bowl of wild hills. There is a ruined casle, a pretty church, a shady square and classic farmhouse....fields and chickens. Only a handful of people live there year round but families return to their properties every summer so there are all ages to be found playiing boules at midnight in August!
There are lots of activities for all ages in the area; on foot, driving or taking a day trip. There are three different market towns nearby (with conveniently different market days), which are very diverting, full of colour and local produce (especially cheese). There's a great choice of good and affordable restaurants, places to picnic, wineries to sample and local festivals to enjoy. The villages in the area traditionally go "en fete" in turn - Vissec's is usually the third week end in August. It is hard to stay away from the gorgeous rivers where you can swim or hire a canoe or kayak, or you can venture down to the Mediterranean for a day.
The Cirque de Navacelles is a famous local site which you can reach by following the gorge footpaths, or drive to, and then swim in the waterfall and eat delicious crepes! There are impressive cities like Montpellie, Nimes and tiny fortified Medieval towns like La Couvertoirade to visit..... grottes, Roman amphitheatres, cathedrals, museums, galleries all very impressive. That is why a week is too short!
How to get there
Vissec is well within reach of 3 airports or can be approached from the Paris/Montpellier motorway. Montpellier airport is approximately 1 hour and a quarter, Nimes is 1hour , twenty minutes and Rodez is 1hour and a half, driving distance. Cars are available for hire at each airport. There ae cheap flights via Ryanair or Easy Jet.
Nearest Travel Links
Airport:
Montpellier: 110 km
Railway:
Montpellier or Nimes: 105 km
Activities near Vissec
Sports: Watersports Horse Riding
Great for: Walking holidays Rural / countryside retreats Cycling holidays
Single beds (3), Double beds (2), Dining seating for 8, Lounge seating for 3, Sleeps maximum of 7
Other:
Linen and towels provided.
Outdoors:
Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available, Swing set
Access:
Parking space
Further details indoors: Being situated is such a gorgeous village with very little traffic, the house is safe and relaxing; Children and adults can explore the ancient buildings and the counrtyside, which is part of a large conservation area, simply by walking out from the house.......
Further details outdoors: There are several doors that open onto a small courtyard area at the front where there is also an old cart garage where the bicycles are kept. It is possible to drive down the narrow road to the front door or park in the square and walk down. Alternatively, you can drive across the riverbed and park behind the garden. The garden is exceptionally well located at the edge of the dry river bed with large shady trees and a thick laurel hedge fro privacy.
Further details
The house will be ready for you, freshly clreaned with beds made and towels provided. There is also a surprise welcome treat in the hall..... We have relatives living nearby, fluent in French and English who can offer help and advice if desired.
Conditions
The house is availble on a weekly basis but we recommend at least 2 weeks!.
Bookings start on Saturdays, after 3.00pm and we advise you to arrive in daylight.
Please leave the house by 11.00am at the end of your visit
A deposit of half the rent is due to secure the booking and the other half when you receive the key.
Cheques in pounds stering or euros accepted.
Rental rates
Rental prices originally quoted in: British £
Convert to:
Period
From
To
Weekly
Nightly rate
Minimum stay
Weekday
Weekend
All Year
29 Jan 08
30 Jan 09
350£ 350
0-
0-
1 Week
01
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the owner's discretion.
Prices are negotiable for longer lettings. (4wks+)
All Inclusive rate.
Half rent due to secure booking, half on delivery of house keys.
We accept UK cheques or Euro cheques.
Guestbook
....."We had a wonderful time. The house was very satisfactory; so well equipped. We ate in at night, usually sitting on the balcony with the last of the lilacs and all the iris in bloom. " May
....."We have enjoyed seeing and hiking many of the beautiful areas - a taste that will certainly bring us back.' July
...My sister was so impressed that she told her friends at work about the place we stayed in Vissec." May
Availability notes
To see availability please visit http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/48399
Click to view availability for this property.
Contact owner
To contact this owner please visit: http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/48399
Contact details for home 48399
Please mention Holiday Lettings
Name:
Lindsay Squire
Languages:
Contact Notes: Email
Advertiser joined: 31 Jan 2008 This property added: 31 Jan 2008