Cesseras

House Photos

This unique dwelling was built 150 years ago by the current owner's great-grandfather and was used until recently as the family's wine cave. The owner grew up here in Cesseras, where his family has lived since 1630, and he can remember when running water first came to the village in the 1950s. The fountain where he and the rest of the 350 residents used to go for water still stands at the edge of L'Amandier and adds to the charm of this quiet village, which remains undiscovered by tourists.

The wine cave was carefully converted to a second home for the owner's family a few years ago. He and his wife are artists who live in Paris, and their taste and imagination show in the furniture, artwork and craft pieces they have gathered to make a beautiful living space.

The house enjoys a splendid view of the surrounding countryside. The Plaine de Cesseras unfolds through the adjacent vineyards and runs to Le Mont d'Oupia far in the distance. Around the house, the gardens abound with a variety of flowers, while the small orchard includes fig, almond and olive trees with fruit ripe for the picking.

A covered stone terrace overlooks the pool and gardens and provides an ideal spot for outdoor dining. A hammock invites you to relax and take in the idyllic and restful surroundings.

The warmth of the village, the charm of the countryside and the history of this family dwelling combine to make it an ideal retreat as well as a base for exploring the many cultural and historical aspects of Languedoc.

Beds and Baths:
Sleeps six to eight in one king, one queen and two twin bedrooms (one of which also has a crib). The master (king) bedroom opens onto the terrace, while the queen bedroom is on the lower level and opens directly onto the courtyard. Two full baths, one with tub and shower (on main level), one with shower only (on lower level near queen bedroom).

Living Space:
The main floor of the house is located nine feet above ground, thereby affording a splendid view of the surrounding countryside through large windows. Large open-plan living/dining area with fireplace and dining table seating eight. Kitchen separated from living/dining area by high countertop.

Outdoors:
Pool bordered on three sides by lawn and small orchard of fig, almond and olive trees, and on the fourth side by an expansive view of vineyards. Covered terrace opens off living room, with hammock overlooking pool and vineyards. Barbecue grill by pool.

Essentials:
Modern kitchen with dishwasher, microwave, food processor. Washer and dryer. Two TVs, one with VCR. Radio, tape player and CD player. Full central heating.

Details:
Children welcome. Property is not handicapped-accessible. Smoking permitted on terrace only. Telephone in house for making local calls and receiving long-distance calls.

• Small convenience store and boulangerie in the village. 
• Olonzac, five minutes away, has the nearest supermarché, a charcuterie, fish market, gourmet takeout, and several good restaurants and bars. A nice café there carries international newspapers.
• The café La Marianne is a short stroll from the house and, on summer evenings, wine and food can be enjoyed under the plane trees on the terrace.
• Tennis courts in the village. Golf in Carcassonne and Béziers, each 40 minutes.
• Canoeing at St. Pons, 30 minutes. Mediterranean beaches are 45 minutes away.
• Wonderful walking and biking along the towpath of the nearby Canal du Midi. Good hiking in the foothills of the Corbières and Montagne Noire. Bike rental shop in Olonzac.
• The lovely village of Le Somail, on the Canal du Midi, is filled with wild oleander and roses and has a wonderful antique book store, Livres Anciens. 
• The village of Minerve, built by the Celts and the Romans, is perched dramatically on a steep rock between two rivers. Today its narrow medieval alleys and gates provide a backdrop for small shops run by local artisans.
• The Cathar castles are immense structures built on rocky peaks during the
• Albigensian Crusades of the early 13th century, and several can be visited during an interesting day trip.
• Minervois and Corbières wines are grown throughout the region and many vineyards are open to visitors.
• Outdoor markets nearby in Olonzac on Tuesdays, Lézignan-Corbières on Wednesdays, Ferrals les Montagnes on Sundays, and Narbonne six days a week.

Transportation:

• The nearest train stations are in Narbonne, 25 minutes, and Béziers, 40 minutes. The TGV to Paris is 5 hours.
• The nearest airports are in Carcassonne and Béziers, each 40 minutes away.

Rates:

• Rates include linens and towels, heat and electricity, firewood, and cleaning after departure, as well as two hours of cleaning during the week. 
• Security deposit required.

 Note: Rentals begin on Saturday after 3:00 p.m.