GîteCANTO CIGALO near Valras / beach / air-conditioned + separate studio-garden-internet

This wonderful and extremely well equipped house and studio far exceeded our expectations. The location overlooking vineyards was stunning and its close proximity to shopping, restaurants, bars, wine caves and of course the Canal du Midi were all within easy driving distance. The description of the property on the website was accurate. The property was extremely well maintained, with Marcelline dropping round during our stay to clean the pool and to ensure that all was well. Marcelline was extremely friendly and provided us with some excellent local information. She was a real star and lovely to talk to. I would have no hesitation in recommending the beautiful, well maintained, spacious and lovely property. We are hoping to return ourselves perhaps next year. In terms of local places to visit, certainly the Canal du Midi. Columbiers is an ideal town to observe life on the canal. Les Escaliers, a small restaurant in Columbiers is worth a visit with a varied menu. Further afield, Beziers is stunning and the Les Ecluses de Fonserranes is well worth a visit too.

This is a wonderful property. The owners (Marcelline and Daniel) have invested their creativity and energy to make this a truly magical place.

We spent the first 3 weeks of July at the house with our family (3 children - ages 16, 13 and 8) and visited with friends who had rented 4 other properties in the area. Everyone concluded that Canto Cigalo was the best of the lot.

Key areas: the pool and beautifully tiled deck; the dining conservatory (excellent site for a late dinner); and the small pool-side studio (which became the private domain of our 2 teenage daughters for our stay).

The location is great - with easy access to all services, several close beaches, many major historic and recreation sites and an unbelievable number of excellent restaurants and wineries. Throw in the passage of the Tour de France a few kms from the house and excitement of Bastille Day and you have the ingredients for an unforgettable vacation.

I would not hesitate to recommend this property to anyone seeking a rural house to rent in the Languedoc area.

We tend to have very lazy holidays so spend a lot off the time round the pool. This year our daughters family joined us and she is expecting her second baby in August so expected to spend a lot of time within the property. The description is accurate the property is very well appointed, clean and well equiped. Very private, Ideal if travelling with friends or extended family as the seperate units allows personal space. The owners are very friendly and helpful absolutely delighted with this years choice.

Absolutely gorgeous mazet (villa) set in beautiful countryside just outside Beziers.

Five of us stayed in June 2008 and were not disappointed. You will need a car but, it's not far from a large supermarket and nearby towns. I'd also highly recommend doing a vineyard tour.

The main villa has a very well kitted out kitchen, lovely sitting room and bedrooms (especially the upstairs bedroom which is magical). The conservatory with it's massive dining table is perfect for eating and being sociable (a few wine fulled card games were enjoyed). The pool house is also gorgeous, with fantastic air conditioning and all mod cons.

The outdoor area boasts two separate table and chair sets to catch the sun at either end of the garden, with fabulous wind out parasol umbrella's and plenty of seating. Also includes 8 sun loungers with cushions, a gas bbq, set of boules, bicycles, a swing, a swinging chair and lovely planting everywhere.

I would definitely return in the future and would recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing base to discover the amazing Languedoc area.

Booked at short notice in Oct 2006 this place was absolutely stunning after our non-stop 1000mile car journey from Bradford - UK. So welcoming, tranquil and relaxing with truly hospitable owners who made sure our every need was catered for. We were two families who shared the villa with 7 kids between us and yet space was ample. The kids still say it was their best holiday. The villa is extremely well furnished with all mod cons and leisure facilities included. Beach is only ten minutes away as are a number of shopping outlets.

Will definately bear in mind for future holidays.