Minervois is the scenic area around Minerve, stretching mostly north of the river Aude in Languedoc, in the south of France. It’s a rolling land of vineyards and quaint villages, loved by artists and anyone looking for a relaxing holiday in a hidden corner of rural France.
French Chateau Hotels, Bastide Cabezac, Bize Minervois in Languedoc
Close to the vineyards and the pretty village of Bize Minervois, the three star Bastide Cabezac greets visitors with warm Mediterranean colours, yellow and blue, for sun and sea, cypress and olive trees and a vine trellis leading to the entrance. The shaded patio looks across to the swimming pool among oleander and potted plants. The river Cesse is just a few feet away.
The chateau hotel offers a cosy atmosphere throughout, with 12 spacious rooms and suites, each one individually designed, with air conditioning and natural toiletries either stimulating or soothing. The Olive Tree gourmet restaurant serves local cuisine based on fresh quality products, from Leucate oysters to pumpkin soufflé.
Chateau de Siran, Boutique Hotel in Languedoc Minervois
The Chateau de Siran is a 16th century manor house, recently renovated and converted into an elegant boutique hotel. Individual décor is the hallmark of its eleven rooms, spacious with digital lighting, and soothing tones enhanced by touches of colour, from poppy to lilac or green. Some have Tuscan-style frescoes on the walls while bathrooms may offer a walk-in shower or a large corner bath.
The Renaissance style staircase cannot fail to impress and attention to detail is apparent throughout, including in the renowned ‘Heart of the vineyards’ restaurant where Chef Philippe Haond prepares a varied and tempting menu. Cookery lessons and wine workshops are available. Guests can also enjoy the solarium and great views of the vineyards.
Luxury French Gite, Les Aliberts near Minerve in Languedoc
Just one km from the beautiful village of Minerve, Les Aliberts sits on a hilltop with all round views from the vineyards on one side to the village on the other and by clear weather, from the Black Mountain to Mount Canigou and the Pyrenees. The Master’s House is a traditional building of local stone and red tiles, set in Mediterranean gardens where almond and olive trees grow alongside pomegranates and maritime pines.
There are five gites altogether, independent and privacy guaranteed in and out. All the gites have either a patio or garden, with barbecue and garden furniture, a fully equipped kitchen and a fireplace. Styles vary from a contemporary touch to more traditional, sometimes displaying the original rock strata, but all are designed to allow plenty of light and fabulous views. The largest gite has five bedrooms and two bathrooms.
The outdoor pool is open from May to the end of October and looks out onto the vineyards. The relaxation area includes lawns, jacuzzi and hammam.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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