Domaine Le Sanctuaire
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Time stands still at this magnificent historic residence set within glorious parkland, one of 18th century Montpellier’s rare architectural gems within the ci...
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Time stands still at this magnificent historic residence set within glorious parkland, one of 18th century Montpellier’s rare architectural gems within the city’s only remaining vineyard. Here you are just 5km from the heart of Montpellier, often claimed to be one of France’s most beautiful and vibrant cities.
It’s a true privilege to be able to stay at Domaine Le Sanctuaire. The origins of the house date as far back as the 17th century when it was once a rural farm, then the Orangerie and winter greenhouses were added in later years by a Montpellier family passionate about exotic plants. One of the 19th century greenhouse frames remains and is now home to a heated swimming pool!
Passing through various generations of the same family, the vineyards were re-planted in the early 20th century, then the estate was seized by the Germans in WWII who hid their tanks in the woodland. Fortunately, the house returned to the original family who then built up a reputable wine business on the estate. Most recently, the house has been remarkably renovated and restored to create a luxury 5-bedroom holiday home exuding historic charm and 21st century style. Furthermore, it is an idyllic setting to host a French wedding in romantic surroundings.
The house is simply beautiful – step inside to admire its architecture, typical of the region but also inspired by Italian design. Furnishings are chic, sensitively juxtaposing preserved historic detail across the many rooms, whilst modern features have been added including air-conditioning. On the ground floor we adore the elegant salon, family lounge and gorgeous kitchen whilst upstairs there are five king-size double bedrooms with stylish furnishings, striking fixtures, antique pieces and contemporary en suite bathrooms. The sixth bedroom is a twin, connecting to one of the doubles, ideal for a family.
Alongside the heated swimming pool within the frame of the former winter greenhouse, a summer kitchen is perfectly positioned by the terrace overlooking the olive trees and parkland. Play traditional pétanque, relax on the lawns, admire the exotic plants and take walks through the woodland. Part of a working vineyard, the property is surrounded by vines – wine-tastings and tours can be arranged via the on-site concierge. The concierge can also help organise a range of bespoke experiences such as tours of the city centre, visits to local oyster farms and yet more wine-tasting in Languedoc vineyards.
Spend time soaking up the history of Montpellier with its museums, galleries and shops as well as the city’s exciting food and wine scene. The owners especially recommend a tour of the University’s medical faculty, the world’s oldest practicing medical school dating back to the 12th century.
Montpellier’s sunny climate and close proximity to the Languedoc coastline also make this part of southern France so appealing – La Grande Motte and Sète can be reached within half an hour whilst the seaside resort of Palavas-les-Flots is only 14km by car.
Not to mention the endless wine tasting opportunities of this region including the famous Languedoc vineyards of Pic Saint-Loup in the foothills of the Cévennes whilst many other wineries can be found in Sommières and across Hérault villages near historic Pézenas reached within an hour by car.
What you should know…
- All areas in front of the estate are exclusive to guests and there is a private entrance for privacy. As this is a working vineyard, there are agricultural buildings, a wine cellar, and outbuildings that are located behind the property and are not accessible to guests without prior arrangement such as a scheduled wine tasting or tour.
Property Features
House Interiors
Ground Floor
- Entrance hall
- Formal salon
- Family lounge with TV, books and games
- Dining room with table for up to 14 guests
- Kitchen and bar. Kitchen fully-equipped including oven, microwave, fridge, freezer, Nespresso coffee machine
- Cloakroom
- Orangerie
First Floor
- Bedroom with double bed (200x200cm), private terrace and bathroom with walk-in shower and two sinks
- Bedroom with double bed (180x200cm) and bathroom with bath and two sinks
- Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) and bathroom with walk-in shower and two sinks
- Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) and bathroom with walk-in shower and two sinks
- Bedroom with double bed (160x200cm) and bathroom with shower and two sinks (shared with twin bedroom). Adjoining bedroom with twin beds (80x200cm)
Outside Grounds
- Heated swimming pool (14x3m, depth: up to 1.3m) within the former winter greenhouse (with gated access)
- Poolside sun loungers
- Al-fresco dining terrace for up to 14 guests
- Barbecue
- Boules court
- Molkky game and table tennis
- Garden furnishings
- Parkland (including large pond)
- Parking spaces
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Air-conditioning
- Heating
- Satellite TV
- Sonos audio system
- Table tennis
- Molkky game
- Boules
- Hairdryers
- Washing machine and dryer
Location
About the surrounding area of Domaine Le SanctuaireIn the Languedoc region of France, Domaine Le Sanctuaire is set within Montpellier’s only remaining city vineyard just a 10-minute drive from the heart of Montpellier, often referred to as one of France’s most beautiful cities. Arrive by TGV train from Paris Gare de Lyon or fly into Montpellier, Nîmes or Béziers Airports.
The on-site concierge can arrange private wine-tasting within the large working vineyard (which also includes the caretakers' residence, offices, outbuildings - these parts are not accessible to guests). You can also learn all about the fascinating history of the domaine’s parkland and see where German troops hid their tanks in the woods during WWII. It is amazing to be staying within a working vineyard, a green oasis in the outskirts of the city.
The heart of historic Montpellier is 5km away. Concierge can arrange city tours for you; they especially recommend a tour of the University’s Faculté de Médecine which dates back to the 12th century, the oldest practising medical school in the world. As well as admiring the exquisite architecture throughout the historic quarter, soak up the ambience on the city’s main square, Place de la Comédie, explore the warren of medieval lanes and stroll along grand boulevards. There are some fantastic museums including the Museum of Languedoc, Museum Fabre and MO.CO contemporary arts centre.
Montpellier unsurprisingly has a vibrant food and wine scene. Close to MO.CO, head to the covered gourmet food market at Les Halles Laissac whilst Les Halles Castellanne is in the heart of the historic centre where the old flower market used to be. There are various other Farmer’s and outdoor markets throughout the week and many restaurants pride themselves on serving locally produced cuisine from farm to table. Visits can be arranged to the oyster farms of Étang de Thau – Mèze (29km) is just half an hour away.
The wines of Languedoc are not to be missed and can be sampled in city wine bars or further afield. In the foothills of the Cévennes, one of the most famous Languedoc vineyards is Pic Saint-Loup (30km), a paradise for wine enthusiasts and hikers alike.
There are many more pretty Hérault wine villages and Languedoc vineyards in the countryside east of Béziers alongside the beautiful town of Pézenas (58km) which hosts a wonderful historic market on a Saturday morning. If you can find the time, don’t miss a trip to Saint-Guilhem-le-Désert (42km), classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.
The popular beach resort of Palavas-les-Flots is around a 15-minute drive away with its many restaurants, marina and long beach with summer watersports. Continue along the coast to more remote spots, superb kite-surfing and coastal walks, perhaps as far as the impressive ruins of Cathédrale de Maguelone. La Grande-Motte (28km) is an attractive seaside resort and beach whilst in the other direction is the vibrant town of Sète (27km) with its canals, boat trips, watersports and summer beachside restaurants beyond the marina.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Montpellier-Méditerranée Airport
(15km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport
(60km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 3 |
Nîmes Airport
(65km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Montpellier Saint-Roch
(5km) |
||
| Nearest City |
Montpellier
(5km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
In and around Montpellier
(Within 2-5km) |
||
| Nearest Supermarket |
(Within 1.5km) |
||
| Nearest Beach |
Palavas-les-Flots
(14km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf Montpellier Fontcaude
(11km) |
||
Region
Languedoc-Roussillon is one of those areas of France where you can feel like you’re totally cut off from the rest of the country. Commercial tourism has been very slow to capitalise on the region, meaning you can still enjoy a slice of authentic French rural life at its finest. A mixture of landscapes also makes it a great place to visit, with a good stretch of coastline offering a totally different experience to more bucolic interiors. Whatever you’re looking for, our range of villas and chateaux in Languedoc means you can get exactly the kind of holiday you want with accommodation that’s perfectly tailored to you, your friends and your family.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesFamilies will love the beautiful parkland at Domaine Le Sanctuaire with idyllic terraces, the heated swimming pool and woodland walks. Play boules or traditional molkky within the grounds whilst there is a delightful family lounge inside with books and games.
The city of Montpellier has so much to appeal to children of all ages. Pick up a treasure map from the tourist office and set off exploring the old quarter and warren of historic lanes. Great museums include Museum Fabre and the MO.CO contemporary arts centre whilst the city zoo and La Serre Amazonienne (a family-friendly greenhouse trail) are both located north of the city.
Just outside the city centre, the Odysseum district (10km) is home to a huge shopping centre alongside Planet Ocean World, a colourful ice-rink, rock-climbing gym, cinema, bowling and more.
There are some fantastic beaches within easy reach from the nearby seaside resort of Palavas-les-Flots to the coastline around La Grande-Motte and Sète, both around half an hour away offering a range of child-friendly activities and seasonal watersports.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Easy By Train
- Beach Nearby
- <1hr to Airport
- Watersports
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Boules/Petanque
- Children's books
- Pool Safety Feature
- Heated Pool
- Outdoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Toys
Services Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
Extras
Oliver's Extras
- Wine-Tasting Available
- Chef/Cook Available
- Maid Service Available
- Babysitting Available
- On-Site Concierge
- Chauffeur Available
- Private Tours Available
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Extras included at this property:
- 4 hours of daily cleaning
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- On site concierge
- On site wine tours and tastings
- Extra cleaning
- Private chef
- Babysitting
- Chauffeur
- Montpellier city tours
- Other local tours and excursions
- Other wine-tasting experiences
- Breakfast
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
Oliver's Travels Chef Service: A Gourmet Dining Experience
Make hosting a memorable dinner party at your villa an absolute breeze with our superb Chef Service. Our chefs will take care of everything for you from start to finish so you can just sit back and enjoy the gastronomic experience. They will bring all the necessary ingredients, cook and serve the food and even clean up afterwards. To find out more visit www.oliverstravels.com/chefs
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a hig...
Read moreEvent information
Please note that any event rental may be subject to additional charges, venue hire fees and to a higher security deposit, which will be in addition to any published rental rates and fees.
All events are on request only and subject to prior agreement from the owner, who reserves the right to refuse all events without their prior authorisation.
| Security deposit | €2000 paid via bank transfer to the owner two weeks before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €2000 paid via bank transfer to the owner two weeks before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 3.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Extra €550, payable locally. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool opening dates? | Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Pool heating charge? | Included. Please note that like all heated pools, pool heating and water temperature are reliant on weather and outside temperatures. |
| Changeover day | Flexible. |
| Minimum stay | 2 nights. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings and other special events are on request only and subject to prior arrangement with the owner and additional charges. Stag/hen parties are not allowed. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is included. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Cot and high chair available on request at an additional cost. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 12 people:
| Rental period | 2 Nights | 3 Nights | 4 Nights | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 11th 2025 - Apr 1st 2025 | £2,958 | £4,436 | £5,915 | £7,393 | £10,351 |
| Apr 1st 2025 - Jun 1st 2025 | £3,352 | £5,028 | £6,703 | £8,379 | £11,731 |
| Jun 1st 2025 - Sep 1st 2025 | £3,943 | £5,915 | £7,886 | £9,858 | £13,801 |
| Sep 1st 2025 - Oct 1st 2025 | £3,352 | £5,028 | £6,703 | £8,379 | £11,731 |
| Oct 1st 2025 - Mar 31st 2026 | £2,958 | £4,633 | £6,309 | £7,985 | £10,351 |
| Mar 31st 2026 - May 31st 2026 | £3,352 | £5,028 | £6,703 | £8,379 | £11,731 |
| May 31st 2026 - Aug 15th 2026 | £3,943 | £5,915 | £7,886 | £9,858 | £13,801 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
When did you become the owner?
The house has been in the family for over 100 years. The current owners
purchased and renovated from the family in 2016.
What was it...
Owner Profile
When did you become the owner?
The house has been in the family for over 100 years. The current owners
purchased and renovated from the family in 2016.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
The property is beautiful - it is a “folie” - a beautiful, whimsical architectural style typical of the bourgeoisie of the region. It has a strong Italian influence and loads of surprising details like mosaics, ornamental pieces on the exterior and interior, and a large park with exotic plants. It has an old soul. Furthermore, it is also very close to Montpellier. The remaining vineyard in the city.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
The home was built in several stages, the oldest dating to the 1600s when the property was essentially a farm on what was the countryside then. The house can be traced back to Albine de Montholon, wife of General de Montholon, exiled to Saint Helena with the Emperor Napoleon.
The home was also owned by the Lunaret family - a family in Montpellier that were passionate about parks and plants and built the orangerie on the property, as well as several greenhouses on the property in the mid-1800s. They so loved plants from around the world that their greenhouses were heated, long before the home itself. The Lunaret family were cousins of the current owners.
In 1939, Jean de Taffanel de La Jonquière inherited from his aunt the Countess of Lavèvre. He is the grandson of Mr. Grasset, Professor at the Faculty of Medicine of Montpellier, father of neuro-psychiatry. The Professor Grasset was the great Grandfather of the current owners. Jean de Taffanel de la Jonquière, replants all the vineyards. When he died in 1967, his children inherited the estate and developed the wine business.
During World War II, the property was seized by the Germans and the family expelled. The occupying forces hid tanks in the woods and lodged officers. Evidence of this occupation exists today. When the Germans fled Montpellier, the family was able to get their property back and repair. The house was for many years a summer home. The property underwent a renovation between 2016-2020 to preserve its history, architectural style, but also modernise and create a luxury rental property and open it to others.
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really...
Must do?
Montpellier is in the Languedoc region and offers so many amazing day trips within less than 1 hour. You can visit the vineyards around the Pic Saint Loup and enjoy lunch with a view of the mountain.
We can arrange private tours of Montpellier and in particular the medical school, Europe’s first and oldest. It is over 800 years old.
On the property, you must swim in the pool built within an old winter garden. A tour of the vineyard and wine tasting is also available on site with the concierge.
Must eat?
The region has great food! We love the fresh oysters and can arrange visits to the oyster farms. Outdoor and covered markets in the city have local organic produce sourced from the region. Many restaurants offer farm to table.
Must see?
The cathedral of Montpellier, medical school, historic city centre and the museums (MOCO and Fabre).
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
The property is so comfortable, its hard to leave. We have an outdoor kitchen, pool, parking, trails to walk. Inside there are games, cosy rooms, a library, and a large kitchen/dining room where everyone can sit together and talk and prepare for long summer afternoon lunches.
We have on-site concierge service and daily clearing if desired. But if you choose to leave, we have created bespoke events unique for our guests that are all within an hour and introduce people to the nature, history and culture of the greater Montpellier area.
Reviews
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Extraordinary property
Domaine Le Sanctuaire is an extraordinary property - a place where time stands still.
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Seamless stay
All the details on the property - the attention of the site manager - meant that we had a seamless stay.
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It was paradise
We came for the property, but we stayed an extra day because we didn't want to leave. The bedrooms are luxurious, the kitchen was a chef’s dream, and our kids had space, games, a gor-geous outdoor park. It was paradise.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
