Maison Portalet

The villa

Located in the wine-village of Autignac, Maison Portalet is a sensitively restored Languedoc home that blends traditional character with the comforts of contemporary living and its own private pool.

The interiors are thoughtfully arranged with four attractive bedrooms and four bathrooms (three en suite) spread across the main house and a garden annexe. Downstairs, the open-plan living-dining space and kitchen features high ceilings and tall glass windows opening to an enclosed courtyard for lazy afternoons beside the pool and leisurely barbecues on the al-fresco dining terrace.

Maison Portalet sits at the centre of Autignac, a wine-producing village surrounded by rolling vineyards and rugged Hérault countryside. Just a two-minute stroll brings you to the essentials of French village life: a boulangerie for morning croissants, a café-bar and a small handful of local shops. Known for its rich winemaking heritage, Autignac is one of seven villages within the celebrated Faugères appellation, offering ample opportunity for tastings and cellar-door discoveries.

The house is also ideally positioned for exploring the best of the Languedoc region of southern France. The historic town of Béziers is only 20km away, while the sparkling Mediterranean coast lies just 40 minutes from your door. Other wonderful trips out include canoeing along the Orb River, cycle rides beside the Canal du Midi and the Saturday morning market in Pézenas.

Whether you’re sipping local wine on the terrace, setting out for a day among the vines or simply enjoying the rhythms of village life, Maison Portalet is a fantastic base for experiencing good food, fine wine and glorious scenery.

In the wine-producing village of Autignac, Maison Portalet offers guests an authentic slice of southern French life. The nearest airport is Béziers Cap d’Agde and there is a train station in nearby Magalas.

With sweeping views over the surrounding vineyards and rolling Languedoc countryside, the village of Autignac is ideal for those seeking beauty, culture, and the pleasures of village living. Just a short stroll brings you to Autignac’s essentials - a boulangerie , local café-bar-restaurant, butcher, pharmacy, épicerie and a handful of wine domaines where you can sample the celebrated Faugères wines.

The nearby village of Magalas, just a five-minute drive away, offers a wider choice of amenities including a large supermarket, café-bars, restaurant, pizzeria and banks. Meanwhile, the bustling town of Béziers (20km) is a hub of activity. From its elegant tree-lined boulevards to its colourful Friday flower market and the vibrant summer 'Féria' in mid-August, Béziers pulses with local life. For something more leisurely, a walk, cycle or boat ride along the Canal du Midi is a must.

Wine lovers are perfectly placed to explore the many vineyards of the region, while foodies will relish a trip to the Saturday morning market in nearby Pézenas (28km), a town also famed for its antiques, artisan boutiques and Molière connections. For a taste of adventure, the river at Cessenon-sur-Orb (17km) is perfect for canoeing and kayaking amid scenic gorges and shady banks.

When the coast calls, you’re only 40 to 50 minutes from the golden beaches of Valras-Plage or the glitz of Cap d’Agde, where seafood restaurants line the shore and water sports abound. Agde’s old town, with its pastel façades and bustling quayside markets, offers a charming day trip or follow the trail of the region’s iconic aperitifs with tours of the Noilly Prat caves in Marseillan (45km) and Paul Ricard cellars in Bessan (37km).

With its village setting and wealth of experiences nearby, Maison Portalet is a superb base from which to explore the very best of Languedoc’s coast, countryside and culture.