L´Amandier gite is situated in Neffies, which is an excellent location for visitors to explore this beautiful corner of France. Located on the edge of the “Parc Naturel regional du Haute-Languedoc” the surrounding vineyards produce award- winning wine, many of which can be sampled at the village Cave. Also in the village is a bakers, for your daily baguette and morning croissants, and there is a well-stocked provisions store, which has a meat and deli counter. A van visits once a week selling fresh seafood, including local oysters and mussels direct from the producers. The village also provides a post office, children’s play area and tennis courts. The family-friendly bar serves French fare lunchtimes and evenings, with great views from their terrace. Alternatively, one of the best restaurants in the area is tucked behind Neffies’ Gothic church. The restaurant was praised in a Sunday Times article as being as “friendly and toothsome as you like”.

Less than fifteen minutes drive away (or you could take the bus, which stops near the property) is the ancient market town of Pezenas, “one of the quiet glories of Southern France” (The Independent) with it`s atmospheric old quarter, artist’s studios and boutiques, and wide variety of bars and restaurants. There is also a fabulous market on Saturday, and on Friday evenings during the summer there are wine tasting events with the added bonus of the shops staying open until midnight.

A thirty-five minute drive will take you to the Mediterranean coastal resorts where you’ll find long stretches of sandy beaches with safe, shallow waters for swimming, all kinds of water sports, and a lively buzz in the cafes and bars. Some of the many family attractions here include a Dinosaur Park (near Meze), an African Animal reserve (Sigean), Aqualand water park (Cap D’Agde) and the Aquarium at Montpellier.

Fresh water swimming can be enjoyed at a small lake ten minutes away at Vailhan, at Lac du Salagou in the National Park, or at the many river beaches, where you can also find canoeing and kayaking. Or, you could hire a bike and go cycling along the tow paths of the magnificent Canal du Midi. Golf is available nearby at Lamalou - les - Bains (9 hole), Cap D`Agde and Beziers.

Explore the bustling port of Sete, built on a confluence of canals, and watch the local spectacle of water jousting. Meander through the narrow cobbled streets of the regional capital, Montpellier, with its shady squares and exclusive boutiques. Or just simply relax by your own pool.