This review was written by the owner of one of our villas in the south of France. So see his property, please click on the link following: http://www.southfranceholidayvillas.co.uk/detail.php?ref=CAP108
The village of Capestang is situated in the beautiful wine growing region of Languedoc, 25 minutes by car to the nearest Mediterranean beaches.
A typically French working village quite unspoilt by tourism, which has a selection of bar sand restaurants, all within walking distance of the house.
There is a market twice a week and there is everything you need in the village including a chemist and a doctors surgery. It is about 100 metres to the nearest restaurant and in the village centre (about 150metres) there are two café/bars with shops, a bank and a restaurant. Depending on the season there are a further 3 restaurants in the village. A good sign is that most of them are frequented by the local French.
Capestang makes an ideal base for exploring the local area, which is rich in history. Friendly locals make staying here a pleasure and an ideal place to wind down. Despite being popular with tourists it has not been spoiled and is ideally situated about 15 KM west of Béziers and 18kms north of Narbonne,in “Cathar Country”. It is also in the Languedoc viticulture region where there are many superb wines which offer great value for money.
The village is over 1,000 years old with lots of old architecture and narrow streets. The evenings can be spent walking alongside the Canal du Midi, exploring the village then calling in for an aperitif at one of the two cafés in the main square of the village where you will be able to sit outside, watch the world go by, admire the stunning architecture of the church and pass the time of day with the locals.
After this there are the restaurants of “Le Provence”, still in the square,”La Galinier”, just down the road from the house, “La Battilliere” by the side of the canal, “La Table du Vignoble”near the Mairie, “Le Relais Bleu” along the main road or just stay put and have a substantial barbecue at the “Café de la Grille” at avery modest price. Try the local wine which is very good.
There are bouledromes and tennis courts in the village as well as a magnificent church. About 500 metres from the house there is the Canal du Midi.
There are a number of beaches, Valras being the closest at about 25 minutes by car. This has a fine sandy beach with sheltered bathing areas for children and also a playground making it very family orientated.
Closer there are the remains of an old Roman fortification (D’oppidum Ensurune) on a hilltop, about 5 KM away as the crow flies, where the remains of the old Roman houses can be seen. There is also an excellent museum. From the top of this hill to the north you will be able to see the marvellous structure of a lake which was drained in the middle ages. The fields look like a dartboard in the way they are set out.
