Self catering holiday properties in SW France. Villas - apartments - gites - cottages

Constantia is a traditional ivy-covered village property overlooking the Canal du Midi in the enchanting hamlet of le Somail. One of the most picturesque bridges in France straddles the canal which is home to a colourful flotilla of pleasure craft, and is now designated a World Heritage Site.

Behind the house the vast vineyards of the Minervois stretch away north to the Montagne Noire, and to the west orchards of peach and nectarine provide delicious fresh fruit in season. There are two excellent canalside restaurants and a bar in Somail, a supermarket is just 2kms away, the lovely old town of Narbonne 13kms, and the Mediterranean beaches 26kms. Le Somail is a perfect location within easy reach of beaches, lakes and mountains and Constantia is an ideal base from which to explore this fascinating region.

A wooden staircase leads from the entrance up to its two bedrooms. Opposite the twin bedroom is a bathroom with shower whilst the master bedroom has an en suite bathroom with bath and shower. Across the landing is a magnificent split-level open plan living area with traditional beamed ceiling and windows on three sides. The well- equipped kitchen has a fridge/freezer, dishwasher, electric oven and gas hob. This is separated by a breakfast bar from the spacious dining area. Comfortable sofas face one another on the upper level to create a more formal feel whilst below there is relaxed seating with a television.

French windows open onto the roof terrace with barbeque, garden furniture and views across the vineyards. The washing machine is in the third bathroom located on the ground floor en route to the pool which is shared with the friendly couple next door who run a boat hire business on the canal.

Nazaire is a pretty little village sitting between the river Aude and the famous Canal du Midi. The village house has been attractively refurbished to provide an excellent holiday home. The front door leads into an entrance hall off which are two twin bedrooms and bathroom/utility with shower, basin, wc, washing machine and ironing board. On the first floor there is a lounge/dining room with satellite TV, video, and radio; double bedroom and bathroom with bath, bidet, basin and wc. The kitchen is bright and spacious and has breakfast bar, gas cooker, fridge/freezer, microwave, dishwasher and leads out onto a delightful roof terrace.

The house is on the outskirts of St Nazaire which has a cafe/bar, tabac, boulangerie, and general store. There is also a tennis court in the village. Nearby at Mirepeisset is a lovely lake for swimming, boating and fishing and with a bar/restaurant serving snacks and local specialities. The surrounding park is a delightful spot with a childrens' play ground, and in the French school holidays, pedalos and pony rides.

The nearby Canal du Midi is perfect for a lazy days boating and the long sandy beaches of the Mediterranean are close by.

Gruissan is one of the liveliest and most attractive resorts in this part of the Mediterranean, with a marina and yacht harbour, an old fishing village and a lagoon famous for its pink flamingoes. The main resort surrounds the marina and in addition to shops and supermarkets offers a huge choice of excellent cafes, bars, and restaurants.

There are tennis courts, an outdoor cinema, casino, and a nightclub just outside the town. There is a small sandy beach a few minutes walk from the apartments and numerous others a few minutes drive away for swimming, sailing and windsurfing. The nearby Massif de la Clape offers a chance for both casual and serious walkers to enjoy the cool wooded hills of this rugged natural park noted for its rare orchids and exotic birdlife.

Apartment Marisol is in a prime position overlooking the marina and offers ideal accommodation on two levels comprising three bedrooms - one double, one twin and one with bunk beds, and attractive open-plan living and dining area with modern kitchen equipped with cooker, microwave, fridge/freezer, and washing machine.

There is a bathroom, separate wc, and the balcony has glorious views across the marina.

The secluded swimming pool complex has a large main pool, a smaller pool for children and is reserved solely for residents of the apartment building and it offers a delightful alternative to the beach. The pool is open from June to the end of September.