Soubes in general

Soubes is a typical rural village of this area, surrounded by stunning forests, hills and mountain ranges. The main village is a small maze of seemingly chaotic narrow streets lined in balconies with overspilling and fragrant flowers. There is a small village square with a small supermarket and a most welcome cafe with outside seating underneath overhanging and shady trees.

Situated in the foothills of the Cevennes in Languedoc Rousillon, Soubes is less than 50 kilometers from the Mediterranean and Montpellier. It's nearest town is the market town of Lodeve (6kms away). Lodeve has a large array of shops, cafes, restaurants, banks, doctors, a post office, tourist center, hospital, cinema, museum and several art galleries. But perhaps its biggest draw for us is the lively Saturday market, where you can sample excellent local produce all as fresh as can be.

But perhaps more than anything the region of Languedoc is famous for its wines and within 30 minutes drive of Soubes there are many local vineyards where you're welcome to sample the wines and perhaps buy a bottle or two at refreshingly low prices.

Although temperatures here in the South of France run high and we enjoy over 300 days a year of sunshine, the end of December and start of January can see temperatures as low as 10 degrees centigrade. But come April early morning temperatures start at 19 degrees and come midday can easily reach highs of 37.And about this time of year the region's wild irises and orchids begin to burst out into colorful bloom.

Although a small and sleepy village, Soubes does have several festivals including the fete de music on the 21st of June, when all of France comes out in colorful song and dance to celebrate.

There is also the annual August Bravado festival involving local youths being publicity attacked by bulls in an attempt to prove their manhood. No harm comes to the bulls and the men would never publicity admit to feeling any pain anyway.

Mid-September is when the whole region begins harvesting the vineyards, which is closely followed by the harvesting of local olives in mid November.

Regional Activities

The Languedoc region and in particular the area surrounding Soubes are stunningly beautiful so the most popular activities and in our opinion the best are all centered around this lovely countryside. While many of us are content enough to just lounge in the pool and appreciate the natural beauty of the surroundings from afar, for those of you that desire to get out of the pool and into nature, you'll soon discover this area has as well deserved reputation as a walker's paradise. Soubes itself is crisscrossed by several Grande Random footpaths (national long-distance walking paths), with the ample amount of sunshine and bright clear air that we enjoy in this region, walking here can be a real pleasure for all of us, not just the diehard ramblers amongst us. On the high plateau surrounding the village, rewarding views can be found aplenty of the mountain ranges to the East and West and looking South over the surrounding hills you can gaze upon the Mediterranean in all its tempting glory.

A pleasant alternative to walking is cycling, with enjoyable rides for all levels, including some truly challenging rides for the keen cyclist. But most prefer to just amble about tranquility and take their time, perhaps stopping in a few bars at the odd village or two as they cycle around the countryside.

Apart from driving down to the Mediterranean, watersports enthusiasts will find ample provision for indulging in windsurfing as well the exhilaration of kayaking at such places as Tarn, Herault and Orb.

Nearby there are many beautiful towns and village to visit, including the nearby market town of Lodeve, which still retains its medieval structure and feel. The lively and cosmopolitan centre of Montpellier is also nearby and well worth the short journey to be able to soak up its unique and high culture ambiance. You can also visit ruined castles at such places as Clermont L'Herault, the area's principal town. See traditional pottery at St Jean De Fos. Visit Mediterranean fishing villages such as Sete and enjoy the day's catches at their various well-appointed restaurants.

And a little further afield is the medieval settlement of Aigues Mortes. A well preserved roman stronghold at Nimes. An opportunity to see wild horse and flamingos at the Carmargue. And a couple of spa towns at Carcasonne, Tarn Gorge Lamalou les Bains and Bedarieux.

Or you could just stay in the pool, which is never a bad option. For further information on local activities, there is a regional tourist office in nearby Lodeve with helpful and friendly staff.

How to get here

It's possible to fly to one of several airports in the area, the closest is 40 minutes away in Montpellier. There is another airport a mile away in Nimes. And there are airports at Perpignon (98miles)m Toulouse (150miles) and Rodez (80 miles)

To drive from the channel tunnel is 622 miles and if you take the A75, tolls work out at about 50 euros.

Trains are serviced regularly to Montpellier.

Contact us to find out more

Now taking bookings on (0044) 0-1273 586082 or via soubes_villas@yahoo.co.uk

speak to Jeff or Shirley.

Lac du Salagou Set in a totally protected environment though not far from the Mediterranean coast. 800 hectares of water, the temperature of which in summer frequently exceeds 25°C.