Farmhouse rental in Sommieres, France - Lovely stone house, secluded pool, landscaped gardens, nestled amongst vineyards - Property 871693

Relax and totally unwind in the grounds of the house - on one of the various terraces or on the fabulous sun deck by the swimming pool, set in a secluded area amongst the beautifully landscaped gardens - a real oasis of calm! Enjoy the gastronomic delights: For the foodies there is an abundance of lovely restaurants within easy driving distance and the lovely local markets (particularly Sommières on Saturday morning and Calvisson on Sunday morning) overflow with the wonderful fresh produce which encourage you to test out your culinary skills. Hans and Monika, the property owners will enthusiastically offer their reccommendations and Hans will happily deliver morning baguettes and croisants to your breakfast table, whilst discreetly leaving you to enjoy the rest of the day. However they are equally delighted to offer their excellent and locally renowned Table D'Hote service on their own lovely outdoor terrace, a terrific way to relax and spoil yourselves without even leaving the property! And of course, the numerous local wine domaines offer a superb choice of wines to help the food go down. Activities and attractions, near and far.: The area is rich in cultural attractions and historic sites, has lots to offer the outdoor enthusiast and has the vast sandy beaches of the mediterranean coastline. For those who prefer not to wander too far from the property, you can either soak up the atmosphere and relax by the pool, or take advantage of some on-site art activities tutored by Monika in her atelier, situated at the rear of the pool area. In her 'Magic of Art' studio, you can watch whilst she produces wonderful mosaic creations, stylish jewellery and vibrant paintings and workshops are offered to both children and adults. If you can tear yourself away from the tranquility and if you want to explore a little further than the beautiful countryside immediately surrounding the property - at once vineyards and 'garrigues', naturdal scrubland covered with fig and olive, oak and plane trees, there is an unending list of attractions and activites in the area. For food and wine lovers, there is an abundance of gastronomic delights and wine domaines: A visit to the region would not be complete without visiting one of the many markets where pallets of local produce are displayed in glorious multicolour with aromas to entice, whilst the numerous fabulous restaurants also make use of the many Specialities of the Region on their menus such as:The Picholine Olive; Uzès Honey;The 'Pelardon' is the traditional goat's cheese of the Cevennes; The Uzège Truffle; Asparagus; Figs; Chestnuts; Camargue Rice; Shellfish. Dishes such as 'Boeuf à la Gardianne' and 'Brandade du Morue' should be tried and savoured! Wine: Being a part of the largest wine producing region in France means that there is a wealth of expertise to be drawn on. Visit the numerous 'caves cooperatives' and private cellars and taste the various appellations such as St Gervais, Chusclan, Laudun, Pic St Loup and Regional Côtes du Rhône, Costières de Nimes and Tavel Rosé Culture lovers can wander in and wonder at the towns and cities of historical significance in the area such as Nimes, Uzès, Montpellier, Arles, Orange and Avignon (Provence) or visit the delightful mediaeval towns of Vézénobres, Aigues Mortes, La Roque-sur-Cèze and St Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault). The area is a playground for both culture and fun: From the Mont Aigoual, the highest point in the Cevennes, to the fine sands of the Mediterranean, without forgetting the famous Pont du Gard, the Gard offers a wide range of breathtaking sites and a varied and beautiful choice of heritage. Lush green forests, areas of wild garrigue and beautiful coastline have made this area, witness to 2,000 years of history and one of the main birthplaces of Roman civilisation, a stunning mosaic of the warm and dazzling sunlight of the Midi. To list all the activities and attractions available to the visitor would take volumes. Suffice to say that whether you are looking for leisurely family entertainment which can be found lazing the day away on the long sandy beaches or in one of the numerous fun parks such as La Bouscarrasse or Espace Grand Bleu Water Parks near Uzès and La Grande Motte. From sports enthusiast to culture vulture: Both the climate and the landscape lend themselves to an outdoor lifestyle in this part of the South France. With the sea, rivers, mountains and endless rolling countryside never more than a short drive away and consistent sunshine throughout the spring and summer months, it is like a playground for the outdoor enthusiast. There are a number of golf courses within easy reach or enjoy activities such as: cycling and mountain biking, walking and hiking, horse riding and pony trekking, water based activities such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and canoeing; climbing and caving, fishing, skiing and snow sports and airborne activities such as parachuting, ballooning and micro lighting. There are a number of 9 and 18 hole golf courses around Nimes, Uzès and Montpellier. Golf de Nimes Campagne Route de St. Gilles. - 18 holes, 6135m Par 72. Gold de Nimes Vacquerolles 1075 Chemin du Golf 30900 Nîmes Golf d'Uzès, Pont des Charrettes - 9 holes, 2995m Par 36 La Grande Motte. East of Montpellier on the coast. Golf de Coulondres, St. Gély du Fesc - 18 holes, 6174m Par 73. Cap d'Agde. Near Beziers on the coast. Fontcaude, Massane, Montpellier. Northeast of Montpellier just (S of A9) - 18 holes. Servanes, East of Arles.