JUNE 2011: SOME KEY DATES STILL AVAILABLE!
Two August weeks left
La Terrasse des Pecheurs
Traditional portside charm with modern comforts
3 Bedrooms
Sleeps 6
In the "fishermen's street" of Marseillan village's quiet Tabarka harbour, this smart 3-bedroom, 2-bath townhouse is a favourite hideaway, just a gentle stroll from the bustling restaurants and cafes of the main port.
A couple of hundred yards from those quayside tables, yet who would guess from the timelessness of the Tabarka where the only sounds of a summer evening come from the dusk cries of crickets and swallows, the calls of optimistic seabirds following a late returning fishing boat and the gentle tinkle of the breeze rustling through the rigging of boats safely moored for the night.
The oyster beds of the etang provide fabulous seafood suppers to be savoured on the south-facing terrace and market fresh ingredients can always be prepared in the fully fitted kitchen in the bright and airy first floor salon.
On the Ground Floor:
Tiled porchway leading to the Entrance hall, double bedroom and bathroom/wc.
On the First Floor:
The salon-sejour with smart, modern, fully-fitted kitchen, complete with washing machine/drier and dishwasher, microwave and the option to cook with either gas or electricity.
The comfortable lounge and dining areas with TV and DVD player and (new for 2012) English and French TV channels lead to the sunny south-facing terrace with its parasol and outdoor dining suite.
ASK US ABOUT THE OPTION OF WI-FI INTERNET ACCESS DURING YOUR STAY AT THE TERRASSE DES PECHEURS.
When the sun is at its height - remember this south facing house basks in the glorious sunshine all year round - we've worn T-shirts on the terrace on Christmas afternoon (although we needed our pullovers by evening!) - and summer is relentlessly golden, the living room provides cool shade as the wind gently billows the drapes and filters the sunlight.
Here, you can snuggle up with a good read and lose yourself in the guilty pleasures of flit-lit, reading other people's Languedoc adventures.
Or you could spread out a large scale map of the region and lean over the kitchen table, planning your own excursions to the many treats and treasures of the coast and the arriere pays.
So bring books and maps with you - choose from the excellent range of bargains at the LanguedocBookshop.com: click HERE
Look out on the sleepy street when the breeze blows from the church tower and hear the village bell chime the (approximate) hour and turn your head and peek down towards the little boatyard of the Port Tabarka, the view punctuated by the masts of sailing boats.
On the Second Floor:
This floor, with a showerroom and wc, is home to the sunny south-facing master bedroom and a third twin bedroom.
Fling open the shutters each morning to greet the dawn.
From the bedrooms, look out over the Pêcheurs quarter.
Perhaps sunrise views over the spectacular oysterbeds of the Etang de Thau, the quaint little Port Tabarka and other vistas to the mountain-lined horizon across the little park, or gazing over the rooftops and treetops of the village.
Perfect for families with teenage kids - and also ideal for two couples too, with bedrooms and bathrooms on the ground and top floors, and the living area in no man's land. Peace reigns supreme as each party has its own space at each end of the day! This house has been a firm favourite with our guests for five years.
2012 RATES held at 2010 prices
(£ sterling price per week)
| Jan - Feb | 320 |
| March - April | 350 |
| May | 449 |
| June | 549 |
| July - August | 690 |
| September | 549 |
| October | 399 |
| November-December | 320 |
| Christmas New Year | 475 |
"I taste the wind, and know the day; The fishermen's rule, the farmer's way"
Email us for euro rates
Enjoy our diary of events in and around Marseillan and the region during your stay, with tips on nearby markets and festivals and reviews of the best restaurants in the village and port.
EMAIL US REGARING OUR WINTER LONG BREAKS
Ask for information on sight-seeing, itineraries, wine tasting, dining further afield and other trips. We can also arrange cycle hire (subject to availablity and a locally paid deposit). Weekly bookings Saturday 5pm - Saturday 10am. Other changeover days possible out of season to take advantage of Ryanair's best fares.
BON APETIT: With fine dining in the village, comfort food on the quaysides, crepes and ice cream for treats between meals and the option of a glass of rose and tapas at a cafe or brasserie table, you need only stroll around the corner to take refreshment as the locals indulge in water jousting or the eccentric Marseillanais sport of Lou Capelet.
Should you really want to earn an appetite or simply cool down, there is plenty to do out at sea, on the lagoon or along the canal: Boating and watersports within a few minutes walk of the house. Miles of long sandy beaches on the Med and the infinite leafy tree-lined Canal de Midi, with its timeless locks and solitary fishermen...
... or take it easy, look out the back bedroom window of the house, and enjoy the views of the Port Tabarka and the lagoon beyond!
Further afield, dip in clear mountain lakes and canoe white waters in the gorges of Haut Languedoc as eagles soar above. Play Pétanque on the shady village square or book a tennis court along the Oystermen's road. Children can always let off steam in the Parc Tabarka playground two minutes walk away - skate ramps, volleyball and table tennis areas.
Shopping: Sunday morning's legendary Brocante fleamarkets at Marseillan Plage resort, 5 minutes drive from the village, hailed by BBC TV as the ultimate continental boot fairs. Find Gallé crystal, Limoges teacups and 1950s copies of Paris Match alongside antique bedspreads and wedding dresses.
Dozens of Domaines offer wine tastings (local Picpoul de Pinet white wine ideal with oysters).
The village co-operative is on the other side of the port and the nearest private winery is just yards from your front door.
Further afield, great St Chinian, Corbières and Faugères vintages are but a sip and drive away.
Closer to home, Marseillan's world famous vermouth Noilly Prat, ever the heart of a true dry martini. Famers markets sell Fougasse breads, Pelardon cheeses and garrigue herbs.
All reservations must be accompanied by a 25% deposit. Balance 8 weeks before arrival.