La Belle Coste
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Overview
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In the picturesque Hérault region of southern France, La Belle Coste blends historic charm with understated elegance. With a hillside setting, admire panoramic views from the south-facing swimming pool before wandering down to village shop and restaurants or hiking through Les Gorges d’Héric.
The owners have created a special sanctuary following a careful and sensitive restoration of this former silk factory. Across the main part of the house and its annexe, up to 8 guests can stay in four bedrooms. The living and dining room is the heart of the home with its wood-beamed ceiling, travertine floors, characterful dining table and armchairs surrounding a wood-burning stove. The kitchen is just as beautiful and fully-equipped, leading through to a rustic stone patio where the original bread oven remains, an idyllic spot for morning breakfast or a glass of wine beneath the clear sky at night.
There are three bedrooms in the main part of the house. Downstairs is the double bedroom with its own lounge (with sofa-bed) and bathroom whilst there is a upper double bedroom and the most gorgeous en suite with a bath and a view. The third bedroom is a twin on a mezzanine level above an office/lounge in the oldest part of the house.
Finally, the self-contained annexe (which can be accessed via the main kitchen or an independent entrance) is charming with its upper bedroom and separate kitchen-diner, a private shower room downstairs and the prettiest of vine-clad patios with kiwis.
Pass mulberry trees, figs, cacti, summer roses, lavender, sage and rosemary as you explore the terraced gardens, then gather beside the swimming pool with sweeping vistas of the rooftops and hills. Atmospherically lit up in the evening, enjoy poolside barbecues by the summer kitchen or wander down to the village, around 800m away, for delicious local fare.
Les Gorges d’Héric awaits for hiking, waterfalls and rock pools or hire bikes to cycle along the voie verte to Olargues, just 5km away, classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Not to mention canoeing along the Orb River, pottering around weekly markets (including one in the village) and sipping coffee on café terraces before returning to your authentic holiday abode to truly soak up the relaxed way of life in southern France.
What you should know…
- On a hillside setting (the house's foundations are carved out of the underlying granite), guests need to be able to safely manage many old stone steps both inside the house and across the beautiful grounds with many different levels.
- Although there is semi-detached dwelling (a holiday home used by its owners), La Belle Coste and its gardens are not overlooked at all.
- Despite being on the edge of a village with restaurants, a car is essential to be able to get around.
- One of the bedrooms is located in an annexe, connected to the main house via an internal door (connecting the main kitchen/annexe bathroom) or via a separate entrance outside.
Property Features
Maison Interiors
Main Floor (with steps)
- Living and dining room with French doors opening to patio
- Kitchen, well-equipped including Nespresso machine, coffee maker, oven, dishwasher, blender, Kitchenaid, Sodastream and toaster
- Bedroom with king-size double bed and lounge with sofa-bed
- Bathroom with freestanding bath and shower cubicle
- Office/lounge
Mezzanine Level (via stairs from office)
- Open bedroom with two single beds (90cm each) and sofa-bed (140cm)
First Floor
- Bedroom with king-size double bed and en suite bathroom with freestanding bath, walk-in rain shower and WC
Annexe Interiors (connected to main house via internal door or separate entrance)
Lower Floor
- Bathroom with large rain shower, washing machine and separate WC
Upper Floor
- Open-plan kitchen and dining area with door leading to steps and small terrace
- Bedroom with queen-size double bed and sofa-bed
Outside Grounds (across the hillside)
- Swimming pool (50m2, diamond shape, depth: 0.5-2.8m). Poolside area secured via fencing. Open approximately mid-April to beginning of October
- Poolside terrace with panoramic views
- Poolside outdoor kitchen, barbecue and dining area
- Other patios/terraced levels
- Pétanque set
- Garden with olive, fig, maple, pine and mulberry trees, kiwi vines, roses, bougainvillea, herbs, cacti, succulents etc)
- Different levels and many steps
- Private parking space (x1)
- Second parking area (to side of house, shared with neighbours)
Location
About the surrounding area of La Belle CosteLa Belle Coste enjoys a spectacular setting on a hillside on the edge of a pretty Hérault village, just a 14km drive from the spa-town of Lamalou-les-Bains. This is the perfect destination for guests seeking relaxation, natural beauty, outdoor activities and a touch of authentic French culture.
The heart of the village is less than 1km away – you can walk there in about 10 minutes (as long as you don’t mind the hill on the way back) passing rural landscapes, charming residences and rolling hills as you walk down the country roads. The village centre has a grocery store, tabac, tourist office, weekly market and a handful of places to eat. From here you can join the Passa Païs voie verte walking or cycling trail.
Also accessible from the house is the spectacular Les Gorges d’Héric. This natural wonder offers an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts. Hike along well-marked trails that wind through the gorge, with crystal-clear pools and cascading waterfalls inviting you to pause and soak in the serenity.
For those seeking a taste of relaxation and rejuvenation, the nearby town of Lamalou-les-Bains beckons. Renowned for its thermal spas and therapeutic treatments, this charming town has been a haven for wellness seekers for centuries. Stroll through its historic streets, indulge in a spa session, visit the cinema or casino and soak up the ambience of the town’s weekly market.
Explore the medieval village of Olargues (5km), listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its cobbled streets, belltower and bridge dating back to the 13th century. You can walk or cycle here along the voie verte or it’s just a 5-minute drive.
Roquebrun (16km) sits by the River Orb with its summer riverside beach, historic mills, restaurants, café-bars and Mediterranean Gardens. Stop off for a coffee in the gorgeous village of Vieussan (6km) en route.
Further afield, so many gems of the Languedoc region await from Lac du Salagou (48km) with its walking trails and summer watersports to Pézenas (51km) with its historic Saturday morning market, summer festivities and L'illustre théâtre de Pézenas inspired by Molière. Embrace the vibrant ambience of Béziers (45km), try the oysters of Mèze (66km) or venture further to the Mediterranean coast with Valras-Plage around an hour by car.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Béziers Cap d'Agde Airport
(58km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Carcassonne Airport
(90km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Bédarieux/Béziers
(19km/51km) |
||
| Nearest Village |
Local village centre
(800m) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
Local village
(800m) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Grocery store in village
(800m) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Lamalou-les-Bains
(14km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf de Lamalou-Les-Bains 9-hole
(15km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
TC Lamalou
(14.5km) |
||
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: TeensLa Belle Coste welcomes families – a cot and highchair can be requested if needed. Do note that there are many steps and various levels across the house and its grounds, so the house may be better suited to older children.
Walk down the hill to the village for the grocery store and restaurants. A voie verte (greenway trail) passes through the village, a great option for family-friendly cycling and walking in beautiful surroundings.
Meanwhile, the most adventurous of families can access Les Gorges d’Héric for hiking and rock pools. Canyoning and other outdoor activities can be arranged in the area whilst Arbracadabranche Adventure (5km) offers tree-top trails a short drive away.
Discover canoeing/kayaking opportunities along the Orb River in Roquebrun or enjoy the pretty village’s pebbly riverside beach where locals and visitors alike gather in the summer for picnics, paddling and more (pack water shoes).
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Plastic crockery
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Boules/Petanque
- Board games
- Pool Safety Feature
Extras
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:
- Bottle of local rosé and a local speciality
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
- Extra cleaning
- Catering
- Babysitting
- Pre-stocked fridge and other shopping services
- Day trip and excursion planning
- Restaurant reservations
- Wine-tasting
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!
| Security deposit | €500 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €500 paid via bank transfer to the owner one month before arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 5.00 p.m. |
| Departure time | 10.00 a.m. |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes, and wood for the wood burners is also included. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately mid-April to beginning-October. 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. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes. 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. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax is deducted from the security deposit (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Smoking Allowed? | Outside only, on terraces where ashtrays are provided. |
| Pets welcome? | On request only and with prior agreement with the owner. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights in July & August. 5 nights during all other periods. |
| Changeover day | Saturday in July & August. Flexible during all other periods. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | A cot and highchair are provided on request. |
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | 5 Nights | Weekly |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 18th 2025 - May 1st 2025 | £1,424 | £1,992 |
| May 1st 2025 - Jun 15th 2025 | £1,779 | £2,490 |
| Jun 15th 2025 - Jul 1st 2025 | £2,313 | £3,237 |
| Jul 1st 2025 - Sep 1st 2025 | - | £3,486 |
| Sep 1st 2025 - Sep 14th 2025 | £2,313 | £3,237 |
| Sep 14th 2025 - Sep 29th 2025 | £1,779 | £2,490 |
| Sep 29th 2025 - Dec 14th 2025 | £1,424 | £1,992 |
| Dec 14th 2025 - Jan 3rd 2026 | £1,779 | £2,490 |
| Jan 3rd 2026 - May 1st 2026 | £1,424 | £1,992 |
| May 1st 2026 - Jun 15th 2026 | £1,779 | £2,490 |
| Jun 15th 2026 - Jul 1st 2026 | £2,313 | £3,237 |
| Jul 1st 2026 - Jul 22nd 2026 | - | £3,486 |
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?
We made an offer at the end of 2018 and finally got the keys in the summer of 2019.
What was it about the property that you fi...
Read moreOwner Profile
When did you become the owner?
We made an offer at the end of 2018 and finally got the keys in the summer of 2019.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
We immediately saw the potential of the property but our jaws dropped when we saw the views from the pool. Goosebumps!
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
It was once a silk factory, hence the mulberry trees in the garden. More recently, there’s the story of the little green monkey which you can read about at the property!
For anyone coming to stay, is there anything you suggest that they really…
- Must do?
So much to choose from…Walk to the Gorges d’Héric from the house, kayaking on the Orb, go to one of the many markets, go for a stroll on the Voie Verte, watch the stars at night on one of the loungers by the pool…
- Must eat?
Try some of the local cheeses (Pélardon, Roquefort, Laguiole, Cantal, Rocamadour etc) and charcuterie (Jambon de Lacaune, Rillettes,bougnette,etc) from the village shop or the market. Oysters and mussels from the Etang de Thau, the wonderful organic fruit and vegetables. Plenty of bees around these parts, and a jar of the “miel de garrigues” infused with the scent of local herbs will instantly transport you back to the Languedoc long after you’ve left. The local olives, called “lucques” have an oblong shape with a delicate flavour. As a guilty pleasure, and a perfect accompaniment for your apéritif, try the “Chips de foire” in their distinctive white plastic packaging. Highly addictive!
- Must see?
Olargues is 4km from the house and is one of the most beautiful villages in France, with its ancient medieval citadel, pont du diable and picturesque cobbled streets. Lamalou-les-bains is a 19th century spa town with an excellent market, thermal baths and even a casino. 20 minutes drive away is the village of Roquebrun, often called “le petit Nice” due to its microclimate. It’s got beautiful botanical gardens, a large river beach and plenty of restaurants. A bit further afield: Pézenas for its historical centre and antique shops, Béziers for its beautiful architecture and landmarks, Narbonne for the best covered food market or “Halles” in France.
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
There are plenty of outdoor seating areas both to the front of the house or in the back garden, that all have their charm depending on the time of year and the hour of the day. We love “apéro dinatoire” as the French call it, basically lots of different nibbles, tapenades, breads, cheeses etc with some nice wine by the pool, or in the courtyard, depending on the weather
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