Nizas is a perfect place to relax. The immediate countryside is superb for walking, biking, painting and birdwatching. Along the paths crisscrossing the vineyards and woods you will see an array of wild flowers, herbs and birds including exotic species like hoopoes and bee eaters. You might also see the local shepherd tending his flock.
There are many sites of interest and activities to do within close proximity to Nizas, whatever the season. There are many high quality wine making domaines neaby to visit, Prieure St. Jean de Bebian, one of the most renown domaines in the region, is three minutes away.
Only 5km away is Pezenas which is famous for its beautifully preserved Renaissance architecture and antique shops. There you will find great food shops, restaurants and a lively market every Saturday. A festival of Arts and Music is held in Pezenas every summer from June until September.
To the south of Nizas are the wide sandy beaches of the Mediterranean (25km), stretching endlessly either side of Cap d'Agde. The picturesque ports of Sete, Meze and Marseillan have excellent quayside seafood restaurants. Oysters are the local speciality. Nearby you can also take boat trips on the Canal du Midi.
To the north are the wild and dramatic hills and gorges of the Languedoc National Park where you can trek, swim and canoe. You can visit the natural wonders of the Cirque de Navacelles and the Chaos de Moureze and the UNESCO preserved man-made wonder St Guilhem-le-Desert - a stunningly beautiful medieval village and monastry (30km).
To the southwest are the bustling towns of Bezier (25km) and Narbonne (50km) both heavy with history. Nowadays Bezier is famous for its lively week-long feria in August - a heady brew of bulls, horses and music. It is also partytime in Nizas which hosts several events, including art and music festivals throughout the summer.
Just beyond Bezier towards the stunning town of Carcassonne you enter Cathar country. The turbulent history of this part of the Languedoc can still be sensed.
Following the coast towards Spain (1.5hrs) is Coullioure famed for its beautiful harbour and as a past haunt of Fauvist artists.
Finally towards the East is Montpellier, the most vibrant and cosmopolitan city in the region - voted the city where most French people would like to live. Just a little further on are the fascinating towns of Arles and Nimes.
Your hosts at Languedoc Apartments, Nick and Sally, can provide further information on things to see and do.
For further information please visit the following websites:
www.languedoc-holiday-guide.com
www.paysdepezenas.net
Superb freshwater swimming nearby
Fontfroid Abbey
The nearby fishing port of Meze is lined with great value seafood restaurants
Walks start from right outside our house
Swimming in the local lake is an alternative to the beach
Organic tomatoes at Pezanas bio market
The popular saturday market in Pezenas offers a wide range of local produce
Poppies around lake Salagou
'St Guilem le Desert' - UNESCO World Heritage Site
Nearby hill village - Olargues
