The Region

On the southern-most edge of the Massif Central, within the region of the Languedoc Roussillon, the department of Hérault's natural amphitheatre opens out to the south-east into the Golfe due Lion. The department is one of those with the highest amount of sunshine throughout the year in France and boasts an astonishing range of landscape, from deep gorges, the mountains of the Caroux and Espinouse (1000+ metres) to the limestone plateau of Larzac (716 meters), from the gentle foothills of the Cevennes, to the salt lakes and pools of the coast though to the shimmering Mediterranean sea.

The region also encompasses the urban centers of Toulouse (about 3 hours' drive), stylish Montpellier, just inland from the Mediterranean and about 2 hours' drive away, together with Nîmes and Carcassonne. There are regular flights to all these cities - Montpellier and Nîmes being the most convenient for St Geniès.

Activities in the Area

Being in the National Park of the Haut Languedoc, the mountains surrounding St.Genies are superb for walking, cycling and bird-watching. The River Bouissou, where the locals enjoy swimming, runs in the valley below the hamlet and there are tennis courts at nearby Plaisance. Facilities for horse-riding can be found at St.Gervais-Sur-Mare. The River Mare provides many fishing opportunities and there is a small but livelt swimming and leisure activity area at Clairac, near to Villemange (about 16km). You may also enjoy a good range of water sports and swimming at Lac du Laouzas (24 km) and canoe/kayak trips near Bedarieux . There is also a golf course in a magnificent position just outside Lamalou-Les-Bains.

As mentioned, this area is wonderful walking country, with a high double viewpoint just a few km from the house, but for more strenuous climbing, or simply to admire the depth and scale, Les Gorges d’Heric (30 km) are magnificent.

There is also a wide variety of entertainment throughout the summer at St.Gervais, Bedarieux and Lamalou-Les-Bains (including an Operetta Festival at this renowned spa town which also has a swimming pool and a casino!). A short drive further south takes you into rolling vineyards, with opportunities to taste and enjoy the local wines direct from the growers.

Places of interest in the Region

The Mediterranean with its superb sandy beaches is about 1 ¼ hours drive. The sophisticated towns of Montpellier (good for sight-seeing and shopping), Narbonne (the ancient Roman capital), Beziers (with its beautiful Cathedral) and the amazing fortified city of Carcassonne are all within 1 - 2 hours drive.

Further a field and for those determined to see the full range of landscape and places of interest in this beautiful, unspoilt part of southern France, Perpignan, the magnificent Pyrenees, the Cote Vermeille and even Spain are about 3 hours drive away.