Location & Surrounding Area.

Laurens lies on the sun-kissed coastal plain between Mountain and Mediterranean.

Be sure to enjoy the spectacular view from the old chateau that these days houses the local town hall.

Laurens' next door neighbour is Faugeres, most famous for its wine, but before tasting it, check out the spectacular 360 degree view from the top of the windmills

Historical Beziers is only 15 minutes away, and is a vibrant town bustling with traditional Mediterranean shops and its magnificent Cathedral that looks out from its great height over oceans of vineyards. The Canal du Midi cuts through town, ideal for boat hire, or cycling along the tow path. Each summer the ‘Feria’ Carnival brings tourists from around the world. Make sure to take lunch at ‘Le Canard Bleu’ for traditional Mediterranean cuisine, it’s the best value in town.

Renaissance Pezenas is just 20 minutes away, with its winding cobbled stone streets housing Antique Shops and Art Galleries. The Saturday Market is a must for holiday makers, and there are many pavement cafes plus a huge choice of restaurants. Indeed, expect to find no better coffee in the whole of France than at ‘Cardamone Café’.

The famous town of St.Chinian is a mere 15 minute drive away – be sure to include the fantastic Sunday market in your vacation.

The coastal plain provides literally hundreds of Domaines for superb wine-tasting – its obligatory! Samples will be generous, and in many cases (like ‘La Croix Belle’ in nearby Puissalicon) guided tours are provided.  

The award-winning Restaurant ‘La Boucherie’ can be found in close by Magalas, but be sure to book in advance for Evening Dinner

A little north, the stunningly pretty’ Gorge D’Heric’ (once described as a ‘sabre slash’ between the Mountains Espinouse and Caroux. The gorge is a must for walkers, abseillers and swimmers, the micro-climate providing beaches and rock pools. Spend a day here, take a picnic, and take a hike up to the plateau. Horse riding, Golf and Kayaking are also available in the Orb valley. Nearby Olargues has been described as ‘one of the prettiest villages in the whole of France, and Roquebrun (with its Mediterranean Garden’ enjoys the nickname of ‘Petit Nice’.

Lake Salagou is wonderful for fresh water swimming and water sports.

The additional nearby towns of St.Pons, and Lamalou-les bains (spa town) provide the visitor with plenty of choice with many cultural events and fetes taking place throughout the summer. Children will love the ‘Farm Zoo’ at Cessanon.

To the south, the nearest beaches are at Valras Plage and Vias Plage. Serignan Plage is a quieter option, but for ‘all the fun of the fair’ head to Cap d’Agde (30 mins) with its theme parks and the renowned ‘Aqualand’ water sports park.

To the east, you can discover the ‘Pont du Gard’ en route to Provence, or head west for the fortified ancient City of Carcassonne – readers of the ‘Da Vinci Code’ might want to seek out the ‘Holy Grail’.

Skiers can head for the Pyrenees (90 mins) and Barcelona is just 3 hours away if you fancy breakfast on the Terrace at ‘Laurens’ but lunch on the ‘Ramblas’!

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ACCESS

International airports       UK / EUROPEAN FLIGHT LINKS HERE!

Perpignan 105km (Ryan Air Stansted, Flybe Birmingham & Southampton)
Carcassonne 100km (Ryan Air Stansted)
Montpellier 79km. (BA Gatwick, Ryan Air Stansted)
Nimes 125km (Ryan Air Stansted)
Avignon 165km (Air France & British Airways Heathrow)
Marseille 220km (Thomsonfly Coventry, Easyjet Gatwick, Air France; Heathrow & Gatwick, British Airways).
Girona (Spain) 195km (Ryan Air, Buzz, Easyjet)
Toulouse 195km (Flybe; Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Southampton, Easyjet Gatwick)

Beziers - Paris three flights daily

Railway: Beziers and Agde have railway stations with nearby car rental. Paris to Beziers
 is 4.20 hrs by TGV (Train de Grande Vitesse).

Road: 765 km south of Paris which is about 6 hours drive and 1050 km South of Calais

Rates: Saturday to Saturday