Villas St Pierre de Serjac

Rooms

There are over 30 villas, ranging from 2 to 4 bedrooms, with or without pool, plus a 1-bedroom apartment – so you've plenty of choice (unless you leave it late to book, of course). Some are attached, others stand alone; most are on 2 levels – so be prepared for stairs.

If you only need a room not a villa, note there are eight guest bedrooms on the top floor of the main chateau itself.

We stayed in a 3-bedroom villa with private pool (one of the Maisons des Vignerons), and were blown away by the space. From the entrance hall, we emerged into a gorgeous kitchen-diner, then down to a vast lounging area, whose central glass doors open onto a garden terrace with dining for 8, loungers, BBQ and our own private heated pool. The views are of the vineyards and it is a sweet spot for a sundowner. You can keep an eye on the pool from inside, although they are all gated or alarmed for safety.

In our house (the layout varies in others), one bedroom was on the ground floor, with a full bathroom next door: tub, shower, Cinq Mondes toiletries and stacks of the fluffiest towels and robes. Upstairs were 2 further ensuite bedrooms, with acres of wardrobe and storage space, and a Freeview TV in the master bedroom. It's all très chic, the muted straw and cream palette enlivened by colourful light baubles and bold artworks. And it's ultra high-spec too: expect Smeg appliances and enough wine glasses for a house party (see Eating). Despite (I'd like to say 'because of') all this, we felt instantly at home!

Cleaning is not included; the end-of-stay clean costs extra. As it's unlikely you'll want to extensively clean the property yourself, we recommend this.

Features include:

• Air conditioning
• Bathrobes
• Central heating
• Cots available
• DVD player
• Hairdryer
• Safe box
• Toiletries
• TV
• Washing machine
• WiFi

Eating

Each villa has a brilliantly equipped kitchen, including dishwasher, coffee maker, microwave, toaster and all the utensils you could need to whip up a mini Gallic feast. You may want to do a quick shop en route from the airport, as the villas don't come with supplies (besides a welcome pack with some local products. tea, coffee, dishwasher tabs and condiments). We enjoyed lazy breakfasts and the occasional lunch 'at home' – there are surprisingly good little supermarkets in the adjacent villages of Roujan and Pouzolles (both within 10 mins' drive).

But trust me, you won't be cooking every day. In summer, a family-friendly lunch menu offers pizzas, sandwiches and snacks on the terrace, while in the evening there are kids' meal times and the occasional paella night or BBQ. But if you fancy spoiling yourselves one evening, book a baby-sitter and a table at the Domaine's restaurant: a quiet, elegant space for candlelit à la carte dinners.

Try the basil cocktails (the barman really knows his stuff), then whet your appetite on smoked tuna tartare with sweet peppers, or asparagus with eggs and caviar. Mains include fresh fish, roast pigeon or lamb (spiced up with morels and spring greens when we stayed), or cod with cuttlefish and chorizo. But do leave room for a soupcon of fruit parfait or Tonka bean chocolate. It's not a cheap dinner, but it is special.

There are also 2- and 3-course set lunches, and a fantastic but pricey buffet breakfast if it all gets too much. The kitchen can arrange BBQ packs or picnic lunches with advance notice. If you simply want fresh bread or croissants in the morning, just let them know and send the kids out to collect it.

There are a few restaurants in Puissalicon village, which is a 25 minute-walk or 10 minute-bike ride through the vineyards, or less than 5 minutes by car.

Features include:

• Bar
• Barbecue
• Breakfast
• Coffee maker
• Dishwasher
• Fridge
• Full kitchen
• Hob or stove
• Kids' meals
• Meal delivery service
• Microwave
• Oven
• Restaurant
• Restaurants nearby
• Toaster

Activities

• On site, you can build up a sweat on the tennis court, cool off in the main infinity pool, warm up again with a game of boules or table tennis, or get further afield and hire one of their road bikes with the option of an early-morning guide
  
• With wine domaines at every turn of the road hereabouts, you can taste vintages of every colour, age and varietal – both olive oil and winemaker organised tours are on offer (so you don't have to drive home!)
  
• Don't miss the Saturday market in Pézenas – it takes over the whole town centre – for excellent fruit and veg, saucissons, cheeses and fish. Also, Halles of Béziers is a vibrant hub of independent food shops, cafes and bars
  
• Do book at least one afternoon in the spa for a relaxing treat – our Moroccan massage was a blissful stress buster, and there's a full treatment menu, steam room, sauna, indoor pool, and Jacuzzi
  
• Outside the domaine, there are lots of family-friendly days out, from kayaking to horse riding and sailing, and beaches are a 35-minute drive away: reception will guide you
  
• The 18 hole, 7400-yard golf course at Béziers St Thomas (20 mins' drive) welcomes non-members

Activities on site or nearby include:

• Cycling
• Golf
• Hiking
• Historical sites
• Horse riding
• Kayaking
• Kitesurfing
• Private guided tours
• Sailing
• Shopping / markets
• Table tennis
• Tennis
• Vineyard tours
• Well being
• Windsurfing
• Wine tasting

Best Time to go

Our Top Tips

Location

The St Pierre de Serjac estate lies between the villages of Pouzolles and Magalas in the Languedoc region of southwest France. It is 35 minutes from the coast and 25 minutes from Béziers.

By Air:
Béziers Airport (32km) is the nearest; Montpellier (85km) has more flights; and you could consider Carcassonne or Nimes (120-130km). You'll want a hire car – see our recommendations.

By Train:
If you'd prefer to travel overland from the UK, there are good services to Montpellier, and then on to Béziers if you like. If you are coming from London and your train is not direct, we recommend you change trains in Lille (a platform change) rather than Paris (a station change).

Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.

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