Les Oliviers is a spacious and well appointed holiday home in a perfect spot overlooking the market square in St Chinian. It has a warm, welcoming atmosphere and when we stepped through the door we felt immediately at home.
The owners, Kate and Ferdie, were quick and efficient from the outset and booking etc. was so simple. They have clearly thought about the needs of their guests, good quality fittings and a well appointed kitchen. There was a well thought out guide to the house and local area as well as clear manuals for the equipment Of particular benefit during the peak southern French summer was a very efficient air conditioning unit.
St Chinian is well situated for touring this part of France. There is so much to see and do within 30 minutes drive, great beaches, Beziers, Narbonne and the Canal du Midi to name a few. Slightly further away are Carcassonne, Sete, and Montpellier. St Chinian has a good range of inexpensive restaurants and take-aways as well as a supermarket and other shops. The highlight for most visitors is the twice weekly market that offers a wide range of goods and fresh produce. Staying at Les Oliviers, we could wander across to the market, buy a few goodies and then pop across the road to enjoy the atmosphere with a coffee at the local café. It's worth mentioning that we found the locals to be most welcoming and friendly.
St Chinian is the centre of an important wine making area and it benefits from several good wine shops where the staff are passionate and knowledgeable about their products and very helpful in helping you choose the right wine for your occasion and budget. Les Oliviers benefits from being 30 yards away from one of these, so no need to worry about having to drive after a tasting session.
Les Oliviers was a gem of a find for our holiday, a fantastic location ideal for exploring the area, bustling village with good amenities and a well presented and maintained property. It is a place that we would definitely return to in the future.