The Capestang region was occupied by man very early on. Archeology bears witness to this : paleolithic tools, 54 roman villas, the Domitian way, the Visigoth tombs. In the Middle-Ages, the fortunes of this area were made from the saltpans, fishing and agriculture. Many centuries ago, the village grew to become a town with a proud collegiate church and a château for the Archbishop of Narbonne. Places of Interest St Etienne\'s Collegiate Church (Historic Monument) is a surprisingly powerful building and a fine example of 14th C Southern Gothic architecture. It was never finished however, the nave and transept were in fact just begun and the remains of the earlier Romanesque church can still be seen to the west.

The Château (Historic Monument) has a truly remarkable main hall with a splendid 15thC painted ceiling that is regrettably not yet open to the public for safety reasons.

The Canal du Midi, half way up the hill, dominates the village. The long vault of plane trees on its banks is a deliciously cool oasis in summer.

 Festivals and Events

April: Second-hand goods sales and a variety of entertainment.

June: National Music Day ~ Scèn\'Arts in the streets July: The Round Basin Fête, Second-hand goods sales

August: Local Fair days, Second-hand goods sales

October: grape harvest celebrates, Day of Hope

December: Christmas Market, Evening Saint Sylvestrer 

Local Activities

 Rugby, Foot, Handball, French bowling pitch, tennis courts, signposted walks, boats for hire, guided visits to the village and the bell tower.

Local Produce

 This reputed wine-farming area (Vins du Pays des Coteaux d'Ensérune) runs from the hills to the lake with its Camargue like scenery.

HOW TO GET HERE

 Airports are at Montpellier, Nimes, Carcassone, Rodez, Toulouse and Perpignan are all within an acceptable distance.

Air: By Ryanair from Stanstead to any of the above and also by Flybe from Southampton to Toulouse.

Car hire is available from all the major reputable companies at the airports mentioned.

Road: The best route is via Clermont Ferrand and the centre of France (the motorway is free south of Clermont) which will take you via the A75 in the direction of Montpellier & Beziers. If you wish to avoid Paris then we suggest the Rouen, Evereux and Dreux route to Orleans and then to Clermont Ferrand. If coming via the Normandy ports, e.g. Cherbourg, then it is also possible to take the route via Le Mans and Poitiers towards Clermont Ferrand.

Change over day is Saturday. To allow for preparation between guests, the house will be available for 4.00 pm on the date of arrival. You should vacate the house by 10.00 am on the day of departure.

Bed linen, bath & beach towels and tea towels are included and changed weekly.

A security deposit of £400.00 is required, due for payment with balance of rental.

Sorry, but no pets and no smoking in the house.

We can arrange for a chef to cook for you as well as a airport collection and babysitting.

We recommend that you take out insurance to cover any losses due to unforeseen circumstances. The owners are resident on site and will be happy to give advice on local restaurants/markets/ trips etc!