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Luxury vacation living in the wine country of Southern France |
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Le Petit Charme (LPC) is situated in the Medieval village
of Argens in the Minervois wine growing region of Languedoc-Rousillon,
an-up-and-coming vinicultural and tourism region situated
between the historic cities of Narbonne and Carcassone in
southwestern France. Click here to view detailed location map.
Argens Minervois, a charming Medieval village that dates
back to 3 B.C., it offers visitors the opportunity to
easily unwind and turn back time. It’s quietly tucked
away on the sleepy banks of Le Canal du Midi in the department
of the Aude on 463 hectares (approximately 1060 acres) between the towns of
Olonzac and Lezignan Corbieres.
LPC is adjacent to flourishing
vineyards spanning more than 100 hectres (230+ acres). A series
of country roads and trails through the vines provide guests
with serene walking, hiking, running and cycling routes. Le
Lac des Aiguilles, a five-minutes walk from LPC, also offers
opportunities for fishing and picnicking. Also, for those
who love water, the cottage is a five-minutes walk to the
historic Le Canal du Midi and a 30-minutes drive to the beaches
of the Meditteranean Sea. |
Points of interest include:
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Le Chateau
Argens is built on a small hill dominated by a 12th century chateau
- a local stronghold against the political and religious conflicts
of those times, including the Crusades against the Cathars. Modified
in the 19th century, it looks the same today as it did then.
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L’eglise de Notre Dame de L’ Assumption
The first church to be built in the village, it stands near the
village cemetery and the canal. One can still see some 10th century
remains among the interesting tombstones and crypts.
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L’eglise de St. Roch
A village landmark when illuminated at night, the church was originally
built in 1880 and recently restored in 2000. Inside there’s
an ancient bell and baptismal font; outside is a beautiful cross
dating from 1649.
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Le Canal du Midi
Le Canal du Midi, a World
Heritage site that stretches 240 kilometers from Toulouse
to Sete, meanders through Argens. (definition.) There are
two locks in the village: The Pech Laurier lock, a particularly
beautifully site, and the Argens lock, which marks the beginning
of the longest stretch (52 kilometers) without another lock
until Beziers.
The Canal is only a five-minutes
walk from LPC. A well-worn path runs along one side, providing
guests with a beautiful and tranquil exercise route.
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Le Lac des Aiguilles
This artificial lake to the north of the village –
about a five minutes walk from LPC – stands at the bottom
of the garrigue (moorland.) Fishing competitions are held
here and it’s also a tranquil placed for walking along
the GR 77 – a proper footpath for ramblers. Near the
lake are the ruins of an early 20th century tile works.
Along the way, they’re likely to see signs of modern times
– the local convenience store, bar and restaurant.
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