Located in the famous wine region of Languedoc-Rousillion, a five minute walk from the vibrant heart of the historic old town of Pézenas, we discovered this lovingly restored 19th century former winegrower’s residence.
Perfectly nestled close to the centre of Pézenas with the Cevennes Mountains to the north and the Mediterranean Sea with its glorious beaches to the south, Maison des Fauves has been transformed into a beautifully appointed, artfully decorated, stylishly curated and spacious home for eight guests. At its heart, a 15-metre long 'grand salon' offers a wonderfully convivial open living space with bespoke kitchen, flanked by separate dining and lounging spaces. Interiors are traditionally French with vibrant twists of colour inspired by the glittering pool and Mediterranean gardens outside. Thick stone walls and lofty ceilings offer a welcome retreat for those seeking a cool, relaxing refuge from the heat of the Languedoc summer.
Outside, a spacious terrace is the perfect spot for alfresco dining or reclining by the glistening silver-green tiled pool. Guests are surrounded by the scents and colours of the pretty garden designed around the original market garden planting, where you can enjoy the shade of the magnificent lime and walnut trees as well as a stunning Albezia tree.
The well-preserved heart of old Pézenas is on your doorstep (600m) and offers a wonderfully eclectic mix of history, artisans, sports and culture with some fine examples of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Atmospheric winding streets and alleyways are now home to artisan workshops (each Wednesday and Friday are ‘Les Nocturnes’ - late night shopping until 11pm). During the summer months guests can enjoy the local Pézenas Estivales, an event every Friday evening where wine and local produce come together. A wide choice of pretty boutiques, antiques shops, restaurants and cafés offer a wealth of choice and the famous bustling Saturday market is not to be missed. For those in search of French gastronomy, there are two Michelin starred restaurants in the area and you can be eating oysters in the town of Mèze on the Etang de Thau also in 20 minutes. A 25-minute drive takes you to the expanse of Mediterranean beaches, water sports at Lac de Salagou (51km) or the rivers and gorges of the Cevennes to the north. The colourful city of Narbonne is just 60km for day trips and Montpellier airport is a 45-minute drive.
