Explore this beautiful region in the South West of France
Wine
Wine
Wine
Laurens is situated in the Faugeres AOC - itself within the Languedoc wine region and one of the largest in the world.
Within the Faugeres AOC, Laurens is one of the seven villages that make up the appellation and, needless to say, we are surrounded by fabulous domains producing bio and innovative wines typical of our unique terroir.
Swim
Wine
Wine
With the med coast being only 30 minutes by car, we have an array of fabulous beaches: from the bustling town of Valras-Plage - with its beachfront restaurants and coffee shops - to the slightly more remote Portiragne-Plage Ouest.
Dine
Wine
Hike, Bike, Run
As you would expect of this gastronomic region we have an abundance of restaurants around us, with budgets for all tastes and occasions.
Of course, in the stables@16AdB you have a fully equipped kitchen, BBQ and stunning terraces with plenty of fresh produce available locally for those chefs amongst you!
Hike, Bike, Run
Hike, Bike, Run
Hike, Bike, Run
Whether you are a hiker, biker, or runner - whatever your energy levels - our breathtaking landscape offers a labyrinth of hills, roads, trails and vineyards to explore.
Play
Hike, Bike, Run
Explore
Being on holiday doesn't mean you need to leave your sports gear behind: in the vicinity we have tennis, golf, padel, canoeing, tree-top adventures - and many more opportunities to stay fit whilst away from home!
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Hike, Bike, Run
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Whether history is your thing, markets, shopping, or simply touring the many historical villages in the region - the opportunities are endless.
Beziers and its fabulous Cathedrale Saint Nazaire and winding ancient streets is a particular favourite. As is Pezenas - famous for its Saturday morning market and people watching on the terrace of Cafe des Arts!
Faugeres Wines
Laurens is one of the seven villages that make up the Faugeres appellation – Faugeres, Roquessels, Fos, Caussioniojouls, Cabrerolles, Autignac and Laurens!
Beyond Faugeres, we are situated in the Languedoc wine producing region - perhaps the largest in the world – home to many appellations that you may recognise: St Chinian, Minnervois, Picpoul, Corbieres, Fitou….and many more!
The terroir of the Faugères AOC - characterised by its schist soils - is quite unique and perhaps one of its most distinctive and celebrated features.
Schist soils - created when the underlying metamorphic rocks break into flakes - enable deep root penetration and excellent drainage, whilst at the same time retaining heat radiating it back into the vines at night - helping grapes ripen more evenly.
The Faugeres AOC has an abundance of independent wine makers - all of which are only too happy to host impromptu or booked tasting sessions.
In Laurens we have some great examples - Schisterelle (our neighbours!), Abbaye Sylva Plana, Chateau Grezan, Domaine La Sarabande...
Of course, there are many more around - and we can make recommendations and help with tasting reservations.
The Faugères wine co-operative - Les Crus Faugères - is a cornerstone of the Faugères AOC. Established in 1959, it was founded by a group of local winegrowers aiming to produce high-quality wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area. Today, the cooperative accounts for over half of the bottled wine production in the Faugères appellation.
Many of their wines are show cased in our local "Farm Shop" - Oustal des Schistes - where you can try before you buy!
Our beaches
Our beaches on the Mediterranean coast are known for their expansive stretches of golden sand, gently sloping shores, and unspoiled natural surroundings. The beaches here are ideal for families, thanks to calm, shallow waters and well-equipped facilities. Dunes, lagoons, and wild wetlands often border the coast, adding to the region's unique ecological richness and scenic beauty.
Portiragnes Plage is our favourite beach for spending a lazy afternoon, followed by fabulous sun-downers and seafood in the pop-up beach shack!
We take our dogs (except in the height of summer), and hang out in the quieter "plage-est". It has fewer facilities, but is less busy.
For those preferring sun-beds and waiter service, many beaches have "paillots" (beach bars) where you can rent your pitch for the day and relax in comfort.
Another popular beach can be found at Valras Plage - its vibrant promenade with cafes and shops, making it a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Slightly away from the beach itself we can recommend a fabulous seafood restaurant, and fishmongers for those cooks wanting to bring something fresh back to the stables@16AdB!
Fine Dining
For very special occasions we can recommend some very special restaurants: some of our favourites:
- De Lauzun: Pezenas. This Michelin starred restaurant is top of the range! Offering between 4 and 7 courses, with a wine pairing option, this is a very special experience in a wine domain on the outskirts of Pezenas. www.restaurant-delauzun.com
- Table d'Emilie: Marseillan. Up there with the best, this typically French restaurant offers exceptional food and impeccable service: www.la-table-demilie.com
- Abbaye Sylva Plana: Laurens. A ten minute walk from 16AdB, this is a very popular destination - with fantastic cuisine, it's own wine and very friendly service: www.vignoblesbouchard.com
- Le St Barths Tabouriech: Marseillan. Situated on the very edge of the Etang de Thou, Tabouriech was once a fisherman's shack, where fresh oysters were landed daily. Now it's a destination for a memorable seafood experience - washed down with the local Picpoul de Pinet. www.lestbarth.com
Everyday Dining
Our selection of "everyday dining" includes our favourite family run restaurants serving traditional home cooked dishes, and bars serving great steaks, burgers, pizzas. Some of our favourites:
- Le Relais des Oliviers: Laurens. A family run restaurant serving great dishes using fresh local ingredients, Le Retlais des Oliviers boasts a panaromic terrace - perfect for watching the sun go down as you dine!
- La Parentheses: Lamalou les Bains. Situated in the club-house of the Lamalou golf club, La Parenthesis serves excellent traditional French cuisine with daily specials. Quite the venue - overlooking the practice green and third tee! www.laparentheserestaurant.fr
- La Tavernat: Gabian. We are regular in the bar at La Tavernat! A great range of beers from around the world - fantastic burgers, pizzas, fish n chips and bar snacks! Also boasting a restaurant serving home cooked dishes. And a pool table!
- L'Artichaud: Herepian. This is a quirky bar and restaurant with an eclectic collection of memorabilia from around the world. Great for steaks, burgers, enormous salads and pizzas. And a fab, if expensive, pint of IPA.
Hike, Bike, Run
Right on our doorstep we have plenty of trails around the vineyards of Laurens.
Perhaps take a leisurely stroll taking in the vineyards surrounding Laurens. Or head a little further into the hills above Laurens for a more energetic and longer walk - or even a run - taking in some breathtaking scenery.
Having spent the last few years walking our dogs everyday - we know the local trails like the back of our hand, and will be pleased to share some insider tips!
Further afield - either a long day's hike, or even on VTT (MTB) you will find routes criss-crossing the mountains - including marked trails such as the Passa Meridia; or the hike into the Gorges d'Heric where you can take a cooling dip in the many pools.
In France, the cyclist is king - and the roads around the Languedoc offer some great rides - and climbs - taking in tiny hamlets or larger towns where you can stop for a spot of lunch, or picnic!
A very good friend of ours runs a Facebook group that shares their favourite walking routes - whether they be coastal, mountainous or even around towns and cities - all within an hours drive of Beziers! Let us know if you're interested in joining and we can point you in the right direction.
There is also a larger group - "Walks in the Languedoc" - that also share their routes, and tips for getting the most out of the area.
PLAY
A very picturesque drive from the stables@16AdB is the stunning river Orb. We use two great canoe bases - each of which has a variety of routes to choose from.
Take a picnic, rent a canoe and take a leisurely trip through the stunning valley, taking time out as you go, for a cooling dip!
Lamalou-les-Bains is a picteresque 9 hole course in the Vallee de l'Orb. A par 35, and not particularly long - Lamalou is a technical course, designed for precision! Narrow fairways, bordered by lakes, tight greens protected by lakes...enough said? One thing is for sure, you will really enjoy your ice cold beer in the clubhouse (fabulous restaurant, by the way) - sitting behind the 3rd tee and watching nervous golfers attempting to hit the green very well protected by water!
Further afield, we can point you to two other top class courses - Golf Saint Thomas on the outskirts of Beziers, a quality, challenging 18 hole par 72. Or Golf Cap d'Agde - comprising three 9-hole courses adjoining a hotel complex in this popular holiday resort. Perhaps one to miss in August!
Practically every village has a tennis club around here! Tennis Club Laurens, boasting two courts, is situated in the heart of Laurens - a five minute walk from the stables@16AdB! Generally quiet during the day, it's usually possible to nip on and play, or book in advance for a lesson or two from the club coach.
You must have heard of Padel by now! We have to admit that we've been bitten by the Padel bug - and we are now regular players at our local club - Vamos, in Magalas! Now extended to seven indoor courts - with advance planning you can easily reserve a court. Vamos , by the way, also boasts fitness and yoga studios! Oh - and a bar and bistro!
Contact us for the timetable and for advance bookings!
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Béziers: Culture, Charm & Sunshine
We love a trip into Béziers - just a 20 minute drive from the stables@16AdB! This is a beautiful ancient city with many sites to see, culture to absorb and places to eat.
Wander the cobbled streets of the old town to check out the Cathedral, and the gentle walk down to the river Orb where the Canal du Midi crosses.
Take a cooling drink on the shady Allez Paul RIquet, or by the dancing fountains in Place Jean Jaures. And grab a bite to eat in Les Halles!
Pézenas: Art, History & Timeless Charm
A short, scenic drive from the stables@16AdB brings you to Pézenas - another favourite of ours for a wander, bite to eat and spot of people watching in the popular Cade des Arts.
Known for its golden façades, artisan boutiques and lively markets, Pézenas offers a glimpse of authentic southern French life — full of colour, charm and character. It’s the perfect destination for a leisurely day trip, with plenty to delight families, art lovers and food enthusiasts alike.
Further Afield
Beyond - and within an hours drive - city lovers will want to discover the stunning Narbonne, Carcassonne, Montpellier, or Perpignan; for historical villages try St Chinian, Minerva - themselves "capitals" of their own AOP regions!
Further afield we have Toulouse and the Pyrenees - only a couple of hours away.