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’.
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 Domains 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 on the Terrace in 'Laurens’ and
lunch on the ‘Ramblas’!
Beziers 17 km. The cathedral dominates this busy market town,
rising majestically above the river Orb. The lively Feria in August
lasts five days; bull-fighting, paellas, flamenco dancing, and
partying in the streets until the early hours of the morning.
Mediterranean beaches 20km.
Valras, Serignan,
Portiragnes Plage.
Parc Naturel du Haut Languedoc
30km North of Beziers are the mountains and rocky gorges of the
Caroux mountains. Great canoeing
on the river Orb.
Narbonne
25 km. Once the capital of Roman Gaul.
Famous cathedral.
Cap d'Agde 30 km.
'Aqualand'
(huge water-slides,
etc.) 27-hole golf course.
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