the french house








The French House is set in the pretty village of Magalas, about 10 miles north of the historic city of Beziers and 10 miles west of the lively country town of Pezenas. Magalas is a proper French village, with its local shops, two cafes, a couple of restaurants and a weekly market. It’s always bustling and full of life.

Amongst other shops there are three boulangeries (one of which is a yummy chocolatiere!), a good pharmacy, a general store, a tabac/newsagent, a boucherie and a bank which accepts UK cards in its cash-machine, there is also an excellent supermarket on its fringes (about a mile away), which is visited by locals from miles around for its superb quality

the village

the med!
Magalas is just a few miles from the sea and a wide choice of beaches, marinas and resorts, not to mention the famous tree-lined Canal du Midi, where you can take a boat, cycle or just stroll and picnic. Twenty minutes drive inland you can explore the wooded hills and rivers of the stunning Parc Naturel, which offers a range of adventure sports such as walking, climbing, canoeing, cycling and horse-riding. There is a famous water-park at Agde for that family day out and also a couple of well-regarded golf courses within easy reach.
This coastline is regularly described as “the world’s longest beach” and offers a choice of styles from the family-oriented (safe and child-friendly) to the natural and completely unspoilt. A range of water-sports is available at many places along the coast.
The region is full of history from the Roman city of Nimes to the castles of the rugged Cathar country and the mediaeval walled city of Carcassonne. For shopping, as well as Beziers, you have the chic university city of Montpellier on your doorstep, whilst Pezenas, only twenty minutes drive away, is undoubtedly one of the most delightful old French country towns you will ever find, with a thriving arts community and a lively main square full of cafes and restaurants.

You can even visit Spain, which is only 90 miles away down the autoroute.

bezier bridge
grapes By the way, don’t forget the wine. We are close to the Appellation villages of St Chinian and Faugeres. There are dozens of growers in the surrounding area, whilst the local (just one mile away) Chateau la Croix Belle produces some stunning and much sought-after wines which are seen regularly in the restaurants of celebrity chefs, only here you can buy them direct for a fraction of the price in the UK.