Location & Surrounding Area
St Genies de Fontedit is nestled amongst the vineyards of
the southern department of Herault. Part of the Languedoc
region, it enjoys fine weather for much of the year.
Situated 15 minutes from the mountains, 15 minutes from
Beziers and 25 minutes from the coastal resorts of the
Mediterranean, it offers everything you need from a holiday
in the sunny South of France.
About 4km from the main road, it is quiet, yet easily
reached, and has a life all of its own. The "Grand Cafe" in
the middle of the village with its beautiful mural, is a
perfect place to watch the world go by. Also in the centre
of the village, on the way to the ancient church, is the
"Frog Fountain".
There are numerous shops right here in St Genies, so you
don't have to travel far to get what you need. We have a
butcher, a baker (no candlestick maker!), a grocer, a
hairdresser, a florist, a cafe, a tabac, a post office, a
wine co-operative, the Mairie (town hall) and a school. This
all gives the place a buzz without making it too lively. If
you need a supermarket, there's an Intermarche just down the
road on the little trading estate. Here too is a pizzeria, a
bell museum and a wine cave (free tasting available!). It's
really pleasant to just stroll around the quiet streets of
the village, and admire the different styles of architecture
on display.
|
If you fancy a walk around St Genies, you could walk up to
the 14th century disused windmill and admire the views of
vineyards and mountains to the north. Then walk along past
the olive groves and down past the new villas. Then amble
out to the Chapel of Saint Fulcran with its ornate altar,
set in a small wood. Let the kids play on the seesaw and
the slide while you sit listening to the crickets and
enjoy yet more views. |
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The altar at St Fulcran |
Lively in the off-season, off the beaten track in
the
summer, St Genies de Fontedit is a great
centre for your
holiday in the South of France.
and with its peaceful
position in the ancient
quarter, La Maison Jaune is the
perfect choice! |
Summer festivals and concerts.
Montpellier is less than an hour away, and offers excellent
shopping and hypermarkets. Enjoy the superb Tram system,
alight at the ‘Place de Comedie’ for sightseeing and
refreshment.
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, St.Chinian 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 in the courtyard at
St Genies and lunch on the ‘Ramblas’!
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
We
accept all major cards for deposits or full payment