La Primelle Type: Gîte/House/Villa Sleeps Max: 3/6 Bedrooms: 1/3 Swimming Pool: Yes Town: Nr. Lodeve Region: Hérault Ref: FD22417/L3

La Primelle is set in 7 acres of terraced gardens adjoining a national forest with an extensive network of tracks and footpaths offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and a haven for wild birds and animals such as deer, red squirrels and sanglier. A hundred metres below the property, the Primelle stream wanders through a fertile valley where olive and fruit trees are interlaced with vineyards and leads to the pretty village of St Etienne de Gourgas, nestling beneath the magnificent cliffs of the Cirque du Bout du Monde. This stunningly beautiful area which enjoys a reliably sunny Mediterranean climate marks the transition between the coastal plain and the 800m high Grand Causses. These four limestone plateaux, famous for the production of Roquefort cheese, are a unique landscape protected by a national park.

La Primelle was once the caretaker's cottage and is situated some distance apart from Latigat, the main house. It shares exclusive use of the grounds and swimming pool with the owners, and offers a magnificent environment for lovers of nature and those seeking a peaceful holiday. The wooded gardens provide havens of shade from the hot Mediterranean sun. La Primelle is a newly modernised, stone-built cottage furnished in Scandinavian style and comprises: · One double bedroom with en suite shower and washbasin; an extra single bed on is available onrequest. · There are a further two bedrooms with an en-suite shower room in the main house 30 metres away, one with a double bed the other with two singles. Linen is provided. (Please bring your own swimming towels) · Separate WC and cloakroom area. · Corner kitchen with microwave/convection oven, 4 ring hob and large 'fridge. · Large living/dining room with sofa and easy chairs; antique pine dresser and round dining table for six. · French doors leading on to west-facing terrace with summer kitchen and barbeque and lovely views over the valley. · Washing machine and ironing facilities available. · Mountain bikes available by prior arrangement at nominal rental. · Tennis court (due to be re surfaced this spring - if unavailable there is a court in the village) · 8.5m X 4.2m shared pool. If you would like to make a firm reservation please complete our Booking Form.

Local Facilities/Places of Interest

Within easy reach of the (free) A75 autoroute and Montpellier airport, La Primelle is 2 Km from the picturesque village of St Etienne de Gourgas where olives, goats cheese, fruit and veg. and charcuterie are available directly from producers. The medieval village of Soubes is a further 2 Km and has a shop, bar and restaurant. Lodeve, the principal town of the area, is a 12 minute drive away with its supermarkets, a lovely 13C cathedral, museums and a Saturday market. Nearby sights include the natural wonder of the Cirque de Navacelles, the wild and spectacular Herault Valley, medieval St Guilhem le Desert, the Grottes de Clamouse and Demoiselles with their stunning natural limestone formations, and many charming Languedocian villages and vineyards. Further afield, the Mediterranean with its wide sandy beaches and fishing villages is less than an hour's drive, as are the beautiful towns of Pezenas, Sete, Beziers and of course the vibrant city of Montpellier. To the north lie the Cevennes mountains and the numerous spectacular gorges (Tarn, Doubie etc.) which cut deeply into the limestone plateaux of the Grande Causses. Nimes, the Pont du Gard and the Carmargue offer yet further opportunities for exploration. Locally available activities include hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, horse trekking, and bird watching. Swimming, canoeing, wind surfing and fishing can be enjoyed in the numerous rivers, streams and lakes, which include the Herault River and nearby Lac Salagou.