I’m feeling very pleased with myself for discovering this place. Actually, I didn’t discover it, a friend told me about it, but I did put in the legwork by driving over to check it out. And to be honest that wasn’t very hard either. Just a 20 minute drive along the A750 and another ten minutes through rolling fields and vineyards took me from Montpellier to Ceyras, a pretty little village not too far from Lake Salagou.
Hidden behind the village church is a gorgeous chambre d’hôtes (bed and breakfast) Liouty, run by a couple of French sisters. Laure and Claire, who also speak perfect English. I was greeted by Laure at the rear door, which opened up into a beautiful courtyard where guests are welcomed on the first evening of their stay with an aperitif.
Upstairs there are three beautifully decorated guest rooms with thick old stone walls and shutters that keep them cool in the summer. The largest room has a private bathroom and would be perfect for a couple. There are another two rooms: a double and a children’s room that share a bathroom. You can rent these separately (the children’s room can accommodate two single adults), or book them together. Both of them look out over the hilly landscape that lies just beyond the river Lergue below. A ten minute walk down a small mud track will take you to the river where you can swim and picnic. Laure told me that she likes to take a little dinghy along the river and stop off at the little hidden creeks along the way.
Back at the guest house there’s a lovely, relaxing living room with sofas, dvds, cds, books and even a baby grand piano, tuned and ready to be played. The adjoining vaulted kitchen is perfect for preparing drinks, picnics, warming up food and keeping things fresh in the fridge (no cooking though). Claire and Laure also offer a prepared picnic, a copious breakfast of fresh, organic local produce and if you ask in advance they’ll even prepare an evening meal in the courtyard once a week.
It feels like a perfect place for everyone. The village is very quiet and unspoilt, but it’s only ten minutes from the large town of Clermont l’Herault and a great base for discovering Lac Salagou and the other wonderful places in the area. And it’s an idyllic spot for families as the quiet village is safe for young children to play and of course kids will love to swim in the river.
Where to eat:
In Clermont l’Hérault, Laure recommends Les Remparts a family-friendly restaurant with good quality food at reasonable prices.
A La Maison Sous Le Pont, Route de Ceyras, Saint Felix de Lodez) serves delicious, fresh pizzas and tapas on a pretty terrace with weekly music concerts.
If you drive along the nearby Herault river you’ll discover a few guingettes along the way; perfect for a summer meal, drink and maybe some music.
What to do nearby:
- Take a picnic to Lac Salagou.
- Discover the dramatic rock formations of Mourèze.
- Visit the beautiful town of Pézenas.
- Taste some wine at local vineyards.
Liouty can be found in the village of Ceyras (2 rue de l’Eglise, 34800 Ceyras), 10 minutes from Clermont l’Herault. Rooms are €80 for a double and €50 for the twin room. Look on the website for other special rates. There is also the possibility of renting the whole place as a gîte during the spring and autumn. Call +33 467962476 to make a reservation.
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