Back downstairs, via the entry hallway, stairs lead down past a separate WC, to the living room with central fireplace, two couches, and a double French window that opens onto the patio and swimming pool area.

To one side is totally new kitchen with table to seat 6 - 8, fitted cabinets, a good large work surface, with large American size refrigerator with door mounted ice and iced water maker, microwave, stove, and cooker top, and dishwasher. The kitchen is large and airy and has views onto the patio, and swimming pool, and the Canal du Midi beyond.

To the left is a double bedroom with en-suite bathroom (shower, washbasin), and to the right is another double bedroom.

Stairs lead up wards to a central corridor that runs the length of the villa. One double bedroom with double bed, as well as a cot and single bed (suitable for a child), and one twin bedroom lead off with windows looking over the swimming pool, with views of the Canal du Midi and the distant Pyrenees.

To the right at the end of the corridor is the bathroom with shower, bath, bidet, WC, and washbasin, with a washing machine in a closet.

Ventenac is a pretty village that borders the Canal du Midi - a UNESCO world heritage site, built in the 1600's. The village has 2 restaurants, with pleasant outside dining, next to the Canal du Midi, as well as post office, and bakery. Next to the restaurant is the chateau, where one can taste and buy excellent local wine, or even visit the wine museum.

This is the perfect base for exploring the Aude and Languedoc area - and is just 30 minutes from the seemingly endless Mediterranean beaches near Narbonne.

To the north is the Minervois, with the Cathar village of Minerve, astride a deep river gorge, known also for its potent wines. To the south is Narbonne, a lively city with shopping centers, markets, cathedral, and Roman remains. Not to be missed, a few kilometers away is the Abbey of Fontfroide set in a hidden valley, which also has a world class restaurant.

Further to the south are the hills and mountains of the Corbieres - with astounding castles atop mountain peaks - two musts are Peyrepertuse and Queribus - castles that you will write home about!

Its actually one hour to the mountains of the Pyrenees, with the pretty nearby resort of Collioure, near Perpignan; and Spain, with Barcelona and Figueros (Dali Museum) all possible for a day trip.

To the west, it is 45 minutes to Carcassonne - the magnificent medieval city and castle. Between Carcassonne and Ventenac runs the Canal du Midi - perfect for exploring by bicycle, boat, walking, or just for lazing and having a picnic under the trees.

The swimming pool (7m x 4m) has a tiled surround, with a barbecue to one side, as well as ample sun furniture for sunbathing, dining, and enjoying the sunshine of Languedoc (in 2004 the pool will also have a heater for an extended season).

There are also 4 bicycles available for use by guests. A double iron gate opens directly onto the Canal du Midi path which borders the canal.

The path is excellent for walking, lazing under the trees, or cycling along. 5 minutes walk away are 2 restaurants and the wine cave of Ventenac. Ventenac is close to Autoroute exits at Narbonne (20 minutes) at which there is a motorail terminal.

International airports are at Toulouse (90 mins), Barcelona (135 mins), Montpellier (90 mins) and Carcassonne (45 mins - to which RyanAir fly daily from Stansted, London). Eurostar, from Waterloo, London connects at Lille or Paris with TGV direct to Narbonne.

Easy access from airports at Carcassonne and Perpignan (45 mins), or Toulouse and Montpellier (1 hr 30 mins)