While the weather in Languedoc was anything but warm during our stay, this home certainly made up for it. Spacious, comfortable, and well-appointed, even a group of nine had plenty of space on the windy, chilly evenings when we should have been poolside! Don’t get me wrong, the pool and outdoor sitting area is fabulous, we just didn’t really get to enjoy them in our three weeks. But we did enjoy the wood stove, generous seating, big screen TV, and excellent wi-fi service (especially the teenagers).
The kitchen is very modern and functional and the wood-burning pizza oven is wonderful – if you have never made pizza before, this is a great place to learn and well worth it!!
The bedrooms are very comfortable and the bathrooms modem and efficient, with excellent water pressure and plenty of hot water. La Palme is a lovely village with friendly residents. While some knowledge of French is helpful (you will be rewarded by attempting to speak some), there are dictionaries and guidebooks aplenty in the house.
Make sure to visit Eric and Francoise two doors down at Domaine de la Fount winery, although there are a number of other wineries very close by. The local shops are all well-stocked and within a very short walk – just make sure to pay attention to when they are open!! An early morning visit to the fine bakery (Le Fournil de La Palme) on Grand Rue is the best way to start each day!
There are many amazing little towns within a short drive of La Palme, all with great wineries (too many to name) and lovely restaurants. We especially liked Fitou (restaurants Lou Courtal des Vidal and La Cave d’Agnes), Portel de Corbieres (Les Terrasses de la Berre), and Sigean (Le Potager). And, if you like oysters, head out to Port Leucate and sample them as fresh as you will ever get them!
While we did very little poolside sunning, we did take many wonderful of day trips. La Palme is well situated so that you can be in Carcasonne, or the Pyrennes, or Collioure, or even into Northern Spain, in under an hour’s drive. And do take advantage of the location because the scenery is spectacular! Stunning seaside views offset by snow-capped mountains; phenomenal Cathar castle ruins; winding, narrow, and somewhat treacherous roads; quirky and wonderful villages; and endless vineyards (more wine is produced in this region than in the rest of France combined!!).
The property owners are incredibly friendly and helpful, and the local folk who help with the property (Dominique and Valerie) are readily available and willing to assist you at any time. This home and property shows pride of ownership and great attention to detail.