“Les chambres d’hôtes & appartement de Sainte-Hélène" is an award winning luxury B & B and apartment in the heart of Olonzac village, near the Canal du Midi, and part of the world’s largest wine producing region in the south of France.
ABOUT US
Let us introduce ourselves...Kay and Mark 'Map Man' Williams. Originally from the UK and New Zealand we both have a passion for meeting people and exceptional customer service. Having travelled extensively and with a combined background in marketing, event planning and business development, we decided to move to the beautiful Minervois region in the south of France and put all of our skills to good use establishing a bed and breakfast and small group tour company.
Why the name Sainte-Hélène? There is a reference on both sides of our families to geographical regions with ‘Helen’ in their name. We wanted some reflection of our past and felt bringing Sainte-Hélène to Olonzac was perfect!
THE REGION
Within easy driving distance you will experience the many beautiful villages of the Minervois region, the UNESCO listed Canal du Midi (only 2 minutes drive away), enjoy a day on a Mediterranean beach, or visit cities by the sea like Narbonne or Sète, explore Cathar castles and learn of their interesting and turbulent history, visit famous tourist destinations such as La Cité of Carcassonne, taste the fabulous wine from the world’s largest wine growing region or simply find a beautiful spot to watch the world go by...
'REAL' SOUTH OF FRANCE TOURS
THINGS TO SEE & DO IN THE REGION
Wine
When it came to wine, the Languedoc-Roussillon region was better known for quantity rather than quality. The tide has now turned and there are hundreds of vineyards, domaines, chateaux and small producers making a wide range of high quality wines.
Cathar Castles
The Cathar heresy that struck Languedoc in the 13th century remains a pool of interest and intrigue. The many castles that remain, including La Cité in Carcassonne, Lastours, Peyrepertuse and Queribus are a reminder of this turbulent time and all within easy driving distance.
Mediterranean Beaches
The Languedoc offers mile upon mile of mostly unbroken stretches of sand ensuring that you never feel the crush even on the busiest summer weekends. This coast is renowned for it's vast array of fresh seafood which can be enjoyed at the many coastal restaurants together with a glass of Picpoul de Pinet- a perfect match!
Olonzac Market
Olonzac holds the largest village market in the Minervois every Tuesday morning. There are plenty of stalls to sample the fantastic variety of local produce - wine, cheese, meats, honey, olives and olive oil - and everything else you would expect to find at a great market!
Towns/Cities
In Narbonne you can visit the famous indoor market, the imposing St-Just Cathedral, the Archbishop's Palace & even see a slice of the Via Domitia; Sête is the end port of the Canal du Midi noted for it's local seafood; Elegant Toulouse is known as the Pink City or Paris of the South and a wonderful city to visit.
Lac de Jouarres
At Lac de Jouarres, only a 5 minute drive away, you can fish, swim, kayak, windsurf or simply relax with a coffee at the lakeside restaurant.
Or why not take a picnic and just enjoy the sunshine?
Canal du Midi
Just 2 kilometres from Olonzac is the UNESCO listed Canal du Midi. The majestic plane trees create a magnificent canopy as it makes its way from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean. From here you can take a relaxing 2 hour boat trip or
Plus Beaux Villages
Minerve is arguably the most well known village in the Minervois (15 minutes away) sitting high above the confluence of two large river gorges. It is primarily known as being the site of one of the first Cathar strongholds held siege by the Crusaders. Lagrasse is another plus beau village noted for its famous abbey & medieval bridges.
Activities
Our area is blessed with beautiful landscapes that can be explored from many viewpoints. For those that love hiking and walking there are hundreds of well marked routes or you may prefer a leisurely cycle along the Canal du Midi. You can also swim and kayak at the lakes and many rivers. Click for cycle hire...
OUR HOUSE - OUR ROOMS
Our bedrooms and apartment offer the best in restful sleep including extra large beds with deep sumptuous mattresses and the finest 100% cotton linen usually only found in luxury hotels. All bedrooms, including the apartment, have ceiling fans.
All of our contemporary en-suite bathrooms have luxurious pure cotton bath towels and beautiful organic bathroom products.
We also provide hair dryers and tea and coffee making facilities.
An iron and ironing board are available on request.
Free Wi-Fi is available in all our rooms.
Our house is also available for private rental from 4 - 10 people.
SAINTE-HÉLÈNE HOUSE RENTAL
Our house is also available for private rental from 4 - 10 people.
OUR SERVICES
Itineraries
We will be happy to assist you in making the most of your time before, during and after your stay at Sainte-Hélène by sharing 'Map Man's' knowledge for memorable days out!
Breakfast
Petit dejeuner is served at a time convenient for you.
Generous, fresh and using locally sourced produce...
Courtyard
Outside you will find a shady courtyard where you can indulge in our delicious breakfast, relax with a favourite book, or simply enjoy a glass of local wine.
'Real' South of France Tours
Intimate guided tours of Languedoc's best kept secrets.
Laundry
We offer a laundry service for those that have been on the road for a while.
Free Wifi
For your convenience there is free WiFi access throughout the house, apartment and courtyard.
GUEST REVIEWS
