£1350 - £1550
(€1560 - €1791)
Per property per week
Country house, sleeps 6, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Contact the owner
Contact the owner directly
Philip Sharpe
(Advertising since January 2003)
Tel: + 44 (0) 7432 290 515
If requested by the owner you can print out a booking form here
Please mention French Connections.
Au Paradis - pool and terrace (1 / 63)
The terrace, pool and barbecue (2 / 63)
Au Paradis entrance gates (3 / 63)
Stunning gardens (4 / 63)
The gardens (5 / 63)
Au Paradis at night (6 / 63)
Large living room (7 / 63)
Large living room with doors leading to the terraces and pool (8 / 63)
Au Paradis - pool and terrace (9 / 63)
Around the pool. (10 / 63)
A sunny afternoon in the pool. (11 / 63)
Living room (12 / 63)
Master bedroom (13 / 63)
Twin bedroom (14 / 63)
Rear dining terrace (15 / 63)
Mediterranean garden at Au Paradis (16 / 63)
Views across the vineyards. (17 / 63)
Evening at Au Paradis des Cigales. (18 / 63)
Pool side geraniums. (19 / 63)
Au Paradis - Driveway. (20 / 63)
Welcome! (21 / 63)
We know how to relax in the sun. (22 / 63)
Another view of the garden. (23 / 63)
West facing terrace for the late afternoon sun (24 / 63)
Au Paradis from the olive grove. (25 / 63)
View through the olive grove. (26 / 63)
The dining terrace at La Selette in Cabezac. (27 / 63)
Lunch at La Selette. (28 / 63)
Sunday morning at St. Chinian market. (29 / 63)
Summer wine festival at St. Chinian. (30 / 63)
Le Loup Blanc, our neighbours - wine tasting (31 / 63)
Guests tasting wine at Le Loup Blanc. (32 / 63)
Cycling in the nearby vineyards. (33 / 63)
Famous covered market at Narbonne. (34 / 63)
Central Narbonne - great for shopping and lunch (35 / 63)
Historic Carcassonne - 45 minutes away by car. (36 / 63)
Beziers - lots of boutiques and restaurants (37 / 63)
Weekly flower market at nearby Beziers. (38 / 63)
Medieval Minerve, only 15 mins away. (39 / 63)
Day trip on the Canal du Midi at Homps & Le Somail (40 / 63)
The Pont Du Gard & Avignon are an easy day trip (41 / 63)
Even sightseeing in Barcelona is possible in a day (42 / 63)
Lavander Garden (43 / 63)
D Terrace (44 / 63)
Flowers (45 / 63)
Paradis (46 / 63)
Paradis (47 / 63)
Paradis (48 / 63)
Paradis (49 / 63)
Paradis (50 / 63)
Paradis (51 / 63)
Paradis (52 / 63)
Paradis (53 / 63)
Paradis (54 / 63)
Paradis (55 / 63)
Paradis (56 / 63)
Paradis (57 / 63)
Paradis (58 / 63)
La Oliveraire (59 / 63)
Le chat du Paradis (60 / 63)
La Oliveraire (61 / 63)
Le Petit chat (62 / 63)
Le Cafe de Matin dans la Oliveraire (63 / 63)
Converted Wine Cave in Stunning Vineyard Location
The property "Au Paradis Des Cigales" lies in a stunningly beautiful location seven kilometres to the north of Bize Minervois. At the heart of the Loup Blanc vineyard, the property nestles among the vines in this forgotten valley, this property can truly offer a secluded haven in which to enjoy your holiday. Whether you are looking for an action packed sightseeing trip or planning to do little more than laze by the pool, there will be something for you. On arrival you will find a welcome lunch awaiting you, or if you prefer, dinner.
The accommodation comprises of a very individual home all on one level, furnished to a high standard with some interesting antiques. The kitchen is fully equipped and the large living area opens out onto attractive gardens shaded by ancient olive trees, there are also views over the surrounding vines. There is a good sized swimming pool, dedicated solely for the use of your party. There are four bedrooms and three bathrooms, two en suite. The owners are often on site to offer advice and help, but are completely separate, offering you full privacy.
The owners look forward to welcoming you to this truly special area of France.
Au Paradis occupies the whole ground floor of the bergerie. It is approached from the terrace shaded by ancient olive trees. The house very comfortably accommodates six people in three bedrooms. There is a fireplace and electric heating for the colder seasons.
- Large living room has several French windows opening onto the terrace, making it very easy for summer living.
- Kitchen is well equipped.
- Master bedroom is en suite.
- Two double bedrooms, one with French windows onto the terrace.
- One twin bedroom is also en suite.
- Family bathroom with separate bath and shower. The washing machine is also located here
- Separate WC
Outside, the garden has wonderful views across the vines and is very peaceful. There is swimming pool dedicated for the use of your party. There are also a number of bikes available for cycle rides.
The property is surrounded by a well kept garden. There are ancient olive trees offering shady spots to relax in the heat of the afternoon. An olive grove for the children to play in. Behind the property we have eight acres of private garrigue for you to explore.
Places of interest and local restaurants
It would be almost impossible to list all the places of interest in this incredible region. There is a good deal of information available in the house, but for those planning to explore the region in any great depth the owners would recommend buying a good guidebook, possibly the Michelin guide or the Traveler's Mediterranean France by David Burke. Both of these will give a greater insight into the area. Below you will find a brief summary of the many places of interest that await you here in the Languedoc. There is no particular order to these places, but hopefully it will give a small insight into the area.
The surrounding area
Things to do:
Within easy reach of the property there are a number of activites available to those so inclined. Horse riding through the vines is available at two local stables. Canoeing and Kayaking can be a great day out. These are offered both on the rivers Orb and Aude. Tennis courts can be found in Bize and there is an Aqua Park in Narbonne.
In the immediate area there are several places of interest. Bize Minervois is the local town and has a handful of restaurants, also a supermarket and a butcher who will cook almost anything to order, there is also a great swimming pool in the river. Minerve lies to the west and had a fortress in the Middle Ages. One of the most dramatic moments in the war against the Cathars took place here in 1210, when the town witnessed the first great burning of the heretics. The Crusaders condemned more than one hundred and forty souls to the flames. The Oppidum d'Enserune rises 120 metres above the Beziers plain and has been occupied since the 6th Century BC. Well worth a visit and also worthy of note is the view of the drained lake of Montardy, which can be seen from the oppidum. Minervois, as a region is famous for its wines and that will become instantly obvious as you tour the area. The wines are generally fruity robust reds of good quality. The exception being the excellent Muscat produced in St. Jean de Minervois only a 10 minute drive and a must for the wine cognoscenti.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is famous for being the largest medieval fortress in Europe. There are really two towns, the lower town dating from the thirteenth Century and the more famous Cite, the upper walled town, which has been occupied since earliest times. Much of what can be seen today is a nineteenth Century restoration, but it certainly should not be missed on a trip to this area. The view from a distance cannot fail to impress. If your visit includes the 14th July, they have a wonderful firework display here.
Narbonne
A major centre since Roman times, Narbonne is a city with much to offer. The cathedral dominates the skyline from a distance; in fact it has the third highest vault of any Gothic cathedral in France. It is well worth a visit, as are the Treasury and the two buildings of the Archbishop's Palace. The Canal de la Robine offers somewhere to stroll and perhaps have lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. The Halles de Narbonne is a daily covered market where fresh produce can be purchased if you are planning to cook in the evening. Finally, the archaeological museum is a must. There are excellent displays of artifacts from Narbonne's history and especially the Roman period, when this city was the capital of Provincia Romana Narbonensis.
The African Reserve at Sigean
The African Reserve at Sigean lies about 15 km to the south of Narbonne. It is a huge 300 hectare park with over 150 species of lions, rhinos, giraffes, elephants and many more, all within an African setting. It is open all year and is a great day out for the family.
Les Montagnes de la Clape and the beaches
This is an important wine growing area between Narbonne and the beaches. The scenery is simply stunning and well worth investigating. There are several good vineyards here that are open to the public. Château Pech-Celeyran at the northern end and Château Pech Redon in the south are worth a visit. There are also some good beaches; Fleury d'Aude is excellent, especially if you want to get away from the crowds. The village of Gruissan with its ochre coloured houses is a perfect spot to have a long lunch. Seafood, as you may expect, is very good here.
Corbières
This important region stretches south from Narbonne. Its sun drenched limestone hills have a beauty that is quite incredible. The area is littered with the remains of numerous monastic institutions and châteaux.
Local amenities
Nearest bakery: Bize Minervois (aude)
Nearest bar: Bize Minervois (aude)
Nearest market: St Chinian (herault) - This Market Is On A Sunday, So Good For Stocking Up On Arrival.
Nearest pharmacy: Bize Minervois (aude)
Nearest supermarket: Bize Minervois (aude)
Tourist information: Ginestas (aude)
Bize Minervois on the map
Property 3979 –
Nearby place of interest
How to get to Au Paradis
For full directions please contact the owner.
Access options
Car Essential
Nearest airport
The nearest serviceable airport is Carcassonne [CCF]
Stayed here? Add your review >
We stayed at Au Paradis for 5 weeks in September. The house and gardens were lovely. The house was clean and well equipped and the beds very comfortable (so important for a long stay). We spent most of the time in the garden with the lovely pool amazing olive trees and beautiful flowers. The local area is outstanding with loads to do and visit. The hosts Nigel and Chris were amazing from the lovely meal served on our arrival to the many tips and advice they gave on where to go and what to see. We were all sorry to leave and have already planned a return visit next year.Guest rating:
We have stayed in this property four times now and almost consider it a home from home. The house is well maintained, well equipped and comfortable. The garden is beautiful and we always spend a lot of time outside enjoying the surroundings or cooling off in the substantial pool. I always instantly relax as soon as we go through the gate! Philip provides a welcome and delicious meal on arrival. There is a lot to see and do in the surrounding area. We are particularly fond of visiting Narbonne and there are also lovely beaches within an hour from the property.Guest rating:
We have just returned from two idyllic weeks at Au Paradis, we really didn’t want to leave. We loved the mix of traditional and quirky antiques typical of the era and French style and were impressed with the proportions of all the rooms. We spent a significant amount of time lounging around the pool, and gorging on the figs from the garden whilst drinking local wine and eating far too much cheese. If you want to enjoy a taste of French living this place is perfect. My husband enjoyed pottering around the garden, watering the plants and picking vegetables which I then cooked on the bbq. On arrival we were welcomed with a fantastic meal which was absolutely delicious and served in beautiful surroundings. Our hosts were good fun and made us feel at home immediately, ensuring that our stay was as relaxing as we had dreamt.Guest rating:
We have stayed at Au Paradis twice and intend to return. The house is lovely, well equipped and well maintained and the pool and garden wonderful. A little bit of heaven! We have spent many a long hour relaxing outdoors and the pool is always well used. The house is in the midst of vineyards and the surrounding countryside very dramatic. It is a few miles from the nearest village which has a few stores and restaurants. The hosts, Philip and Paul, live in the upstairs portion of the property, and are very hospitable and welcoming. A lovely meal is provided on arrival (including wine) and this is a very thoughtful touch for the start of a holiday. There is a lot to do and see in the surrounding area with many excellent and relaxed eating places. It is the perfect place to stay to be able to switch off from life’s stresses.Guest rating:
we had an absolutely fabulous 2 weeks at Au Paradis. the house is perfect with good size bedrooms and bathrooms, a well equipped kitchen and a very spacious living area and dining room - although we ate outside most meals in the lovely garden overlooking the pool. Philip is the perfect host and cooked a 3-course welcome dinner for all the family with wine for the adults (and ice creams for the kids!). Au Paradis is set up in the hills out of Bize-Minervois, surrounded by vineyards, olive trees and open woods which provide great walks and explorations for the kids. it is quiet and provides an ideal setting for a relaxing 'get away from it' break - that said the surrounding area is well served with good and fine restaurants and great local wines for sampling and buying. Carcassonne, Narbonne and Minerve are all worth a visit as are all the surrounding towns and villages. We would definitely recommend Au Paradis and go and stay there again.Guest rating:
If you like to get away from it all and relax, then this is the place to do it. The host Philip is very hospitable and even cooks you a meal with Wine on the first night...so no need to panic about shopping when you get there...its all taken care of. Philip also recommended some great places to go and the best time to be there. The house itself is rustic French and very comfortable with a very nice pool area to relax in. So relaxing we wanted time to stand still. Within easy reach are Minerve and Carcassone...wonderful scenic views and in the latter great shops to explore. All in all one of the nicest holidays we have had and we recommend to othersGuest rating:
My family and I have stayed at Au Paradis near Bize Minervois for 3 years runnings now, (3 weeks in July) it’s just the perfect place and quintessentially French.
From the moment you arrive, after the short drive from Toulouse airport, it’s just heaven.
Once you open the beautiful blue doors into a perfect oasis you can relax.
The garden is so tasteful and pretty with olive trees, a fountain, urns, statues and a gorgeous pool.. my children could not wait to jump in.
The hosts Philip and Paul, who live in the upstairs section of the huge converted wine cave..always prepare a welcome meal for us, with wine, outside in the garden.. just heaven..
It’s really convenient because the hosts are there if you need them, but also leave you to enjoy your holiday peacefully.. we even got an invite to bring our dog, should we wish :)
The house is huge, with 3 large bedrooms downstairs for us, 2 of which are en suite.. and a further separate bathroom.. a very well equipped kitchen and beautiful lounge /dinner.. the furniture is all typically French, very tasteful.
The area is picturesque and surrounded by vines and olive groves. We also loved the market at St Chinian.. and our favourite restaurant near the house, has recently gained a Michelin star. We popped out to the boulangerie every day to buy our French treats.
It ticks every box really, we cannot fault the place or the wonderful hosts. Which is why we keep returning!
Guest rating:
If you want to escape the modern world in a quiet area surrounded by vines and sunflowers, this property is ideal. Converted from an old wine ‘cave’ all the rooms have been tastefully decorated and are clean, bright and spacious. The pool area and surrounding garden is superb with sun loungers around the pool, together with a larger table and chairs for al fresco dining on the patio. A car is essential if you want to visit this beautiful part of France but there are bicycles at the property to explore locally. Would love to go back.Guest rating:
For this secnd visit, I took my 87 year old mother, having had to alter plans owing to last minute unavailability of other family members. The property was as good as I remembered, a haven of calm, tranquility and solitude, far enough from 'civilisation' to feel separate from it, yet close enough to seek out provisions, and places to visit and eat when the urge to leave the property overcomes. This urge, I hasten to add, will not occur often! Once there, you simply want to stay and enjoy its delights every single moment you can. The owner gave my mum and I a welcome worthy of a long lost friend, although it had been three years since my previous visit. We were again provided with a hot meal, with wine for accompaniment, after our arrival. During the week, we were also invited to join the owner and his partner for a meal in his part of the property, which my mum and I both enjoyed enormously. This is perhaps the essence of a stay at Au Paradis ... A beautiful part of the world, and a supremely comfortable place to stay, with an owner whose warm, friendly and engaging personality ensures that you are able to make the most of your time there, howevr you wish to spend it.Guest rating:
The property is an absolute delight, and the entire self-contained ground floor is the rental property. The rooms are well proportioned, furnishings are exceptional, and the overall 'vibe' of place is simply perfect. If I had the funds, and if the owner was selling, I would buy it in an instant. The owner/host lives upstairs, but this is accessed separately so that guests' privacy is maintained. A short walk via the garden provides a means of contacting the owner whenever you wish. Outdoors are multiple spots for catching the sun or the shade, and for eating, drinking, socialising or just chilling out, and the pool benefits from an overhanging olive tree that provides some shade too should you wish it. As for the owner/host, I can honestly say I've never encountered better. From preparing a hot meal for us on arrival, he maintained a perfect presence on site. Invisible when we were doing our own thing, but always available and attentive when needed. A mine of information about both the local and wider area, he also has a natural inclination to enjoy a good chat, if that is what you fancy.Guest rating:
| Property type | Country house (Self-catering) |
| Bathrooms | 3 |
| Bedrooms |
3 double bedroom(s) 1 twin bedroom(s) |
| Occupancy | 6 |
| Suitability | Suitable for children, Suitable for the elderly, Pets welcomed |
| Linen | Linen and towels are included, though we do not provide beach towels |
| Kitchen facilities | Dishwasher, Cooker, Ironing facilities, Microwave, Washing machine, Electric hob, Electric oven, Fridge-Freezer |
| Internal facilities | CD player, DVD player, English satellite TV, Exclusive rental, Hi-fi system, Owner on site, TV, VCR, Wood burning fire or stove, Fans in rooms, Electric heaters, Hairdryer, Wi-Fi Broadband Internet, Internet Access, Tea/Coffee making facilities |
| External facilities | Garden, Scenic views, Swimming pool (exclusive use), Barbecue |
| Activities nearby | Boating, Canoeing, Cycling, Gourmet dining, Kayaking, Rambling, Riverside activities, Shopping, Sightseeing, Swimming, Tennis, Theme parks, Walking, White water rafting, Wine tasting |
Changeover day: Saturday
Last updated on: 20th July 2023
| Available | Booked/Unavailable |
|---|
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| Accommodation rental period | Price |
|---|---|
| 02 September 2023 – 15 December 2023 |
£1350 Per property per week
(€1560 / $1714) |
| 16 December 2023 – 05 January 2024 |
£1550 Per property per week
(€1791 / $1968) |
| 06 January 2024 – 01 June 2024 |
£1350 Per property per week
(€1560 / $1714) |
Additional price notes
All prices are per week.
Accommodation is available on a weekly basis from Saturday (arrival 4.00 pm) to Saturday (departure 10.00 am).
- For Christmas and short breaks please contact owner.
- A deposit of 30% is required with the final payment due 8 weeks before the start of the holiday. A damage deposit of £200 is also required, details of which are on the booking form. Any charges for damage or heavy cleaning will be deducted from the deposit, though we reserve the right to request more in certain circumstances.
- Price includes electricity, gas and logs.
- If you require extra cleaning midweek please mention this in the comments section of the reservation form.
- Credit cards are accepted. Please contact the owner for further details.