Saint-Chinian
T
he town and the
area of Saint-Chinian are named after a 9th century monk called Anian
who settled here and worked tirelessly to clear the area and plant the
vines. He was canonised in the 11th century and the region got its name
due to the way the word Saint is pronounced in the local language which
is ‘Sainch’.
The little town runs a fabulous market on a Sunday morning where you can buy fresh locally grown produce including wonderful cheese, bread and charcuterie to enjoy with the delicious wines of the region.
The Saint-Chinian wine appellation extends from the adjoining area of
Faugeres westward to Minervois. It is an arid, mountainous
area in the foothills of the
Cévennes and produces mainly reds and rosé wines. There are two areas
producing two distinct styles of wine. In the north around the villages
of Berlou and Rochbrun the vines are grown at around 200m on arid schist
soils that produce sharply etched wines with a
delicate bouquet, minerality and good acidity. The tannins in the wines
soften early and the wine is often silky smooth within a few years of
the vintage. The wines from the southern area around the town of
Saint-Chinian are grown at around 100m and the soils are clay limestone
and produce softer, rounder wines with flavours of blackcurrants,
raspberries and cherries. They have a wonderful deep colour and are
often age worthy. These wines have been highly regarded since the late
1800’s so much so that patients were prescribed them in the hospitals of
Paris!
We have found some stunning places for you to stay in the Saint-Chinian
South of France Holiday Villas
For holiday villas in the south of France take a look at South of France Holiday Villas. They have a wide selection of hand-picked holiday villas in the South of France for rent at affordable prices in the sun-drenched Languedoc, Provence and Cote d'Azur areas, all within easy reach of beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
Pure France
Holiday rental French villas with private pools in the Languedoc Roussillon.
Maison de La Place
Maison de la Place.
Beautiful one and two bedroomed apartments in Saint-Chinian.
An ideal all-year round base for either a short-break or longer stay,
Maison de la Place comprises three independent floors tastefully
designed as a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom/two-bathroom apartment, or a
flexible ‘home-away-from-home’ for a group of friends. Situated in the
heart of Saint-Chinian, a thriving wine village, these stylish, spacious
and sunny (south facing) apartments, newly converted in late 2007,
provide free high-speed WiFi broadband internet access, English and
French TV and radio, and yet retain some of the original features of one
of the oldest buildings in this lively, historic village. Their sunny
open aspect and large windows directly overlook the large village square
with its thriving twice-weekly markets (Thursday and Sunday). Both
apartments have electric heating plus fully equipped and fitted kitchens
complete with electric oven and hob, microwave/grill, fridge/freezer,
dishwasher and washing machine/dryer. They are absolutely ideal for
singles, a romantic hide-away for couples and families - or groups of
friends who can enjoy privacy and independence within the one property.
Midimaison.com
Midimaison.com have a range
of holiday cottages to choose from near the town of Saint-Chinian. We
have highlighted a few below and you can take a look at the full range
by visiting their web site.
La Roque
La Roque is a wonderfully restored village house who's origins date back to the 17th century. It offer 3 good bedrooms, a spacious living room and a modern kitchen/diner. Throughout the house the floors are paved with beautiful, authentic tiles. All ceiling have exposed beams. It's partly covered terrace and south facing garden provide ample choice between sun and shade. The house is located in Tudery which is a tiny village and there are no shops except for Mr Bordes, the wine grower who sells a good local wine, but St Chinian with it's shops, supermarkets, restaurants and open market is nearby.
l’Amandier
’l’Amandier’ is located on the edge of Cazo, a small working hamlet of not more than 20 inhabitants. Cazo is surrounded by vineyards and is very quiet but close to the bustling little wine-town of St Chinian where a good, regional market is held twice a week, on Thursday and Sunday. St Chinian also has supermarkets, shops, wine stores, cafés and restaurants. The house has recently been completely restored, conserving authentic detail, such as antique floor tiles in the kitchen and lounge and a marvelous marble sink. At the back of the house there is a walled and partially roofed over courtyard from which you walk straight into your South-West facing terrace and garden bordering on the vineyards.
La Vigne 
La Vigne is situated on the edge of the hamlet of Cazo, only a few kilometres from St Chinian. There is no through traffic but sometimes a flock of sheep pass through the hamlet! Time does not seem to pass here. The house has been completely restored only a few years ago. The floors have kept their original tiles and many other authentic details are still perfecly intact. The furnishing is in French country style and is very complete. There are two spacious bedrooms one with a double bed and the other with twin beds and a child's bed. From the first floor bedroom you will have a delightful view over the garden and vineyards. There is a comfortable bathroom with bath/shower. The thick walls keep the house deliciously cool in summer whereas the central heating provides for a comfortable stay during the winter months.
En Passans
En Passans is situated at the edge of the village, and overlooks the vineyards. Around the corner there is a small épicerie that also sells bread. It is a very pleasant village house owned by an artistic South African lady who used to be a professional musician. The interior has been beautifully done up in French country style. Creature comforts have not been forgotten, the place is well furnished (really good furniture, not the sort of thing you often find in rentals), has good beds and the kitchen is completely equipped (gas cooker with 2 electric ovens, microwave, dishwasher, washing machine, wash dryer, blender etc).In the salon there is a colour TV with DVD/video player and satellite dish. The whole place breathes an atmosphere of quality. The furnishing, the tables and chairs, the paintings on the walls; everything is beautiful, including the garden furniture.
Midihideaways.com
MidiHideaways.com -
The holiday properties for rent on this site are all located in the
Languedoc-Roussillon. Whether you are looking to rent an apartment, a
village house or a villa with swiming pool for your holiday, you'll be
able to find something to suit your needs. We have highlighted some of
their cottages below.
L'Ardiere in Pierrerue
L'Ardiere is perfect hideaway with great views, in the village of Pierrerue, close to Saint-Chinian. The apartment is perfect for a relaxing time on the terrace or a great base for exploring the surrounding area. The sloping garden is overlooked by a terrace and planted with typically Mediterranean plants. Comfortably furnished and well equipped for two people.
Acanthus in St Chinian
Acanthus is
located in the centre of St Chinian, only a short walk away from the
market square and shops and restaurants. Completely renovated and
elegantly furnished, it provides comfortable accommodation all year
round for up to four persons, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms,
Broadband internet access available via WiFi .
L'Horizon in St Chinian
L'Horizon is a newly renovated village house, offering comfortable surroundings for up to six guests. The house is arranged over four floors and every care has been taken to create a home away from home. This three bedroom and two bathroom house is located in the village of Saint-Chinian and available year round.
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