15 Grand Rue is in the thriving 1000-year-old pretty village of Caux in the rolling countryside between the mountains and the sea. The heart of Caux dates back to the 10th century with the Church being recorded on the “Livre Noir” in 1172, like many medieval villages Caux was built to a circular plan with the church at the highest point in the centre with the later 18th and 19th developments radiating out in concentric circles. Grand Rue is one of the 18th century roads in the centre of the village.

Many of the important houses were built during this time including 15 Grand Rue which were built with the sizeable profits from wine production. To discover these houses with their intricate ironwork balconies you need to walk round the village as there are many hidden gems tucked away down small streets.

In the old quarter there are the typical archways, mullioned windows and carved doorways in the maze of narrow streets. The church is a listed historic monument built in golden honey coloured stone; the impressive tower was a 14th century addition and is one of the first thing you see on your approach to Caux.

Today Caux is an all year round lively village with a wide variety of shops for your daily needs and a weekly Friday market. Don’t be surprised by the announcements over the village public address system letting the locals know what’s happening which actually start by them saying ‘allo ‘allo! There are 2 traditional bars and a pizza shop, 2 bakeries, pharmacy, Tabac and newsagent and Post Office to name but a few and of course caves to taste the local wines.

 

There are many walks and bike rides you can take from Caux into the vines with its beautiful scenery and views towards the Espinouse Mountains. In spring the vines burst into bud with fields and hedgerow alive with the colour of irises and poppies, in summer the verdant vines surrounded by golden grasses lead into autumn and the vines turn to vibrant gold’s and red. Winter can be cold but short.

 

Pézenas is one of the jewels in the crown of the Languedoc and one of the most beautiful in the South West with the cobbled streets of the historic old town and amazing architectural heritage being mainly built in the 17th century with a walking tour in English available from the Tourist Office. You can watch the world go buy from the pavement cafes and the wine bars are a great way to taste the multitude of different locals wines.

 

In the summer the streets come alive with street performers and musicians with the shops staying open late a couple of nights a week. The all day Saturday market is awash with local produce for a taste of the real Languedoc. Pézenas is one of Frances premier centre for antiques, endless brocantes line the main road through Pézenas and twice a year it holds an excellent Sunday brocante market with dealers arriving from all over the region with various “vide greniers” held throughout the summer.

 

In the heart of the old town there are over 30 artisan workshops creating one off objects. It has a wide array of restaurants and cafes.

More information can be found from the Tourist information office >.