Getting away from it all Languedoc
Skip the bustling Riviera and plump for an indulgent château spa break in the heart of France’s biggest wine region
WHY GO?
with its rolling vineyards, peaceful countryside and golden sandy beaches, the Languedoc-roussillon region in the south of France is experiencing a boom in popularity. Stretching along the coast from the Côte d’azur to the Spanish border, it’s a more tranquil alternative to the glitzier haunts of the Riviera, and good weather is all but guaranteed. From stunning scenery to vibrant towns and pretty fishing villages, there’s plenty to see and do, whether you’re here for a girlie spa weekend or a romantic break.
CHATEAU CHIC
Fly into Béziers on the coast and drive north for half an hour to the glamorous Château St Pierre de Serjac. nestled between the wine-making villages of Pouzolles and magalas, a regal treelined avenue takes you to the gates of this luxury rural outpost. The elegant reception room overlooks a 30m heated infinity pool, stretching out in front of a sprawling sunny terrace with views of fields and vineyards. To the left is the dining room; to the right, the original drawing room has been converted into a decadent yet relaxed art Deco-meetslouis Xvi-style bar. ask the barman, Damien, for the signature cocktail, the Serjac – a glorious concoction of gin, basil, pepper and elderflower – as a welcome drink. Upstairs are eight large boutique-style hotel rooms, but if you want a little more space, the original outbuildings have been converted into 36 luxury self-catering properties with gardens and private pools.
SUBLIME SPA
Relaxation is the order of the day here. Once you’ve swooned with delight at your huge room with its sumptuous velvet furniture, it’s time to hit the spa. Hidden down in the gardens, the light-filled solarium has glass sliding walls and houses an aromatherapy hammam, sauna, hot tub and alpine-style pool. Enjoy an ayurvedic toning massage (£78), then curl up in a fluffy robe with a green tea (or a glass of chilled estate rosé) in the solarium, with the scent of fresh lavender floating in on the breeze.
GENTLE ACTIVITIES
Set in 200 acres of woodland, olive groves and vines, with trails for walking, running and biking, there’s plenty to do for the more energetic. The grounds play host to a tennis court, ping-pong table and a boulodrome, as well as a micro gym within the spa. Take to the manicured gardens for a stroll or a spot of yoga, book a personal trainer or borrow bikes from the hotel and head out to explore.
HIT THE BEACH
A holiday in the south of France isn’t complete without a visit to the beach, so hire a car and head to the golden bays at Serignan and Portiragnes, just a 25-minute drive from the château. The tiny village of Roquebrun on the River Orb is 40 minutes away and is rated as one of the most beautiful in France. Stroll around the Mediterranean Gardens (www.jardin-mediterraneen.fr) to work up an appetite, then head to La Cave Saint Martin (lacavesaintmartin.fr) for a glass of organic rosé and your fill of artisan charcuterie, cheese and smoked anchovies. Afterwards, go canoeing in the river (canoeroquebrun.com/en/). Or, if handling your own oars isn’t your style, drive down to the canal port in Colombiers, pack a picnic, rent a small boat for a few hours and float down the beautiful Canal du Midi.
BEST BITES
There are plenty of restaurants to try in the surrounding towns and villages, or if you want to cook for yourself, the kitchens in the self-catering properties are fully equipped – just pop to the Intermarché in nearby Magalas. But for a feast to remember, dine at the château. The menu is pan-mediterranean, with Italian and Catalonian influences. The filet de boeuf was truly the best steak we’d ever had. Follow with roasted figs and champagne granita – washed down, of course, with a glass or three of the estate’s own vintages – and you’ll waddle upstairs feeling full of joie de vivre. Just make sure you pick up a case of the Château St Pierre de Serjac wine, to bring that holiday feeling home with you.