L'Ancienne Magnanerie is a beautiful stone residence in the sleepy hamlet of Bézut, close to Uzès. The property has been magnificently restored, resulting in a perfect juxtaposition of historic and contemporary features.
Walk or cycle and enjoy the best of Languedoc vistas direct from your front door, the distant Cevennes to one side and the adjacent vineyards to the other, or relax amongst the aromas of the spring flowered countryside, jasmine and rose; the tranquility broken only by the sounds of birdsong and the trickle of fountain water. Take an evening aperitif and witness the stunning sunsets.
Uzès on the doorstep and within easy reach are the vast sandy beaches of the Mediterranean, the Côtes du Rhone, the cultural sites of historic significance such as Avignon and the Pont du Gard, and the cosmopolitan towns of Montpelier, Nimes, Orange and Arles. A perfect spot!
If you can tear yourself away from the tranquility and if you want to explore a little further than the beautiful countryside immediately surrounding the property - at once vineyards and 'garrigues', naturdal scrubland covered with fig and olive, oak and plane trees, there is an unending list of attractions and activites in the area.
For food and wine lovers, there is an abundance of gastronomic delights and wine domaines:
A visit to the region would not be complete without visiting one of the many markets where pallets of local produce are displayed in glorious multicolour with aromas to entice, whilst the numerous fabulous restaurants also make use of the many Specialities of the Region on their menus such as:The Picholine Olive; Uzès Honey;The 'Pelardon' is the traditional goat's cheese of the Cevennes; The Uzège Truffle; Asparagus; Figs; Chestnuts; Camargue Rice; Shellfish. Dishes such as 'Boeuf à la Gardianne' and 'Brandade du Morue' should be tried and savoured!
Wine: Being a part of the largest wine producing region in France means that there is a wealth of expertise to be drawn on. Visit the numerous 'caves cooperatives' and private cellars and taste the various appellations such as St Gervais, Chusclan, Laudun, Pic St Loup and Regional Côtes du Rhône, Costières de Nimes and Tavel Rosé
Culture lovers can wander in and wonder at the towns and cities of historical significance in the area such as Nimes, Uzès, Montpellier, Arles, Orange and Avignon (Provence) or visit the delightful mediaeval towns of Vézénobres, Aigues Mortes, La Roque-sur-Cèze and St Guilhem-le-Désert (Hérault).
The area is a playground for both culture and fun: From the Mont Aigoual, the highest point in the Cevennes, to the fine sands of the Mediterranean, without forgetting the famous Pont du Gard, the Gard offers a wide range of breathtaking sites and a varied and beautiful choice of heritage. Lush green forests, areas of wild garrigue and beautiful coastline have made this area, witness to 2,000 years of history and one of the main birthplaces of Roman civilisation, a stunning mosaic of the warm and dazzling sunlight of the Midi. To list all the activities and attractions available to the visitor would take volumes. Suffice to say that whether you are looking for leisurely family entertainment which can be found lazing the day away on the long sandy beaches or in one of the numerous fun parks such as La Bouscarrasse or Espace Grand Bleu Water Parks near Uzès and La Grande Motte.
From sports enthusiast to culture vulture: Both the climate and the landscape lend themselves to an outdoor lifestyle in this part of the South France. With the sea, rivers, mountains and endless rolling countryside never more than a short drive away and consistent sunshine throughout the spring and summer months, it is like a playground for the outdoor enthusiast.
There are a number of golf courses within easy reach or enjoy activities such as: cycling and mountain biking, walking and hiking, horse riding and pony trekking, water based activities such as sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and canoeing; climbing and caving, fishing, skiing and snow sports and airborne activities such as parachuting, ballooning and micro lighting.
There are a number of 9 and 18 hole golf courses around Nimes, Uzès and Montpellier.
Golf de Nimes Campagne Route de St. Gilles. - 18 holes, 6135m Par 72.
Gold de Nimes Vacquerolles 1075 Chemin du Golf 30900 Nîmes
Golf d'Uzès, Pont des Charrettes - 9 holes, 2995m Par 36
La Grande Motte. East of Montpellier on the coast.
Golf de Coulondres, St. Gély du Fesc - 18 holes, 6174m Par 73.
Cap d'Agde. Near Beziers on the coast.
Fontcaude, Massane, Montpellier. Northeast of Montpellier just (S of A9) - 18 holes.
Servanes, East of Arles.
