"Tucked away in the hills above Frontignan, overlooking the mediterranean sea, "Le Pioch Michel" had always been referred to by visiting friends and family as "a small paradise".
This year for the first time in 3 decades, the owners opened the gates of their estate, inviting guests, outside of their inner circle, to stay in their summer apartment.
We were one of the first of those guests to experience the pleasures that a stay at "Le Pioch Michel" has to offer, and what a pleasure it was.
Early morning dives in the private swimming pool, breakfast on the garden patio, lazy afternoons backing in the sun next to the pool, or reading a book under the shade of the lovely pines.
Simultaneously enjoying a game of "petanque" and the spectacular panoramic view of the mediterranean countryside. Long late evening diners, prepared on the poolside barbecue while nipping a glass of local wine.
Such were the delights of the estate that during our week short stay, we hardly left the place to go to the sandy beaches we had come all the way south for in the first place ;)
But when we did venture outside, there were always some handy tips on interesting places from the owners.
Frontignan has a typical southern France town centre with a market twice a week. The area has those long sandy beaches at but a 5 min drive, Séte with all its canals 15 min, and Montpellier is a must do just 30 min away. Park your car at one of the P&R sites for 4€ incl. 4 tram tickets, there is no better way to enjoy this wonderful city.
One of the highlights of our stay was the afternoon boat trip that mr. Nougier offers. During the long trip we sailed along the Etangs, the canals off Séte and visited the oyster farms.
As a native and proud "Sétois" he was the perfect guide showing us all the "secret places" only known to those who'' live in the area all their live.
As I''m sitting here back in Holland writing this review, I''m wondering if there was anything "not positive" to write about our stay at "Le Pioch Michel"…..
…..and the answer is…no.
Maybe just a few notes.
Although just a few kilometers out of town, you are in the "campagne" with all off its wildlife, including those swarming around your ears (wasp''s and mosquito''s).
And being out in the countryside also means that internet providers don''t always provide (a new provider will hopefully have changed that by now), you do need a car to get around, and you have a couple of big dogs to guard your property. Upon arrival Mr Nougier told us that should we be "not at ease" with dogs, he would keep them locked up during our stay.
Truth is that at first glance Vulcan and Vladi are both impressive or intimidating (depending on your ease with dogs) but turned out to be two of the most gentile and well trained examples of Berger de Bosse.
Not only did their presence add to the fun of our stay, but they gave us a safe feeling whenever we ventured out on a trip while leaving our belongings in the house.
Actually…that was the only "downside" of our stay…..having to leave what truly has been a week in a "small paradise"