Umande - in Marseillan village

A delightful age-old cottage in one of Marseillan's quaint ruelles, Umande has been thoroughly renovated to provide all the comforts of home.

For couples, friends and families, Umande nestles in the very heart of old Marseillan, just minutes from the shops, restaurants and markets of the village centre and an easy stroll from the port, yet, even in midsummer, a world away from the holidaymakers in the harbour; living with the locals, sipping wine under the stars, La Vie Marseillanaise.

Step in from the street into a welcoming living room with a big comfy sofa, hifi, DVD player and satellite TV for evenings in. There is a dining table by the window and a brand new fully fitted kitchen leading from the main living area, including an oven, ceramic hob, microwave, fridge and washing machine.

Up the stone steps to the first floor with its twin bedroom and the bathroom with shower and a proper bath - ideal for relaxing at the end of your day.

Then upstairs once more to the spacious master-bedroom, with windows to the east and the west. From the double bed you can look up to the night sky and count the stars.

The bedroom opens to the secluded roof terrace with a small barbeque and striped awning offering shade in the height of summer. There is even an extra little fridge - ideal for storing the occasional bottle of champagne or your favourite tipple for toasting promises made under a Mediterranean moon, raising a glass to a memorable stay in paradise.

A vos fourchettes! As they say in the village, for these quaint little side turnings are but a step away from the rue Emile Zola that meanders down to the market place. You may never make it to the table by the port you planned on, since so many lures await on such a short stroll. A fabulous patisserie to your right, fresh fish from the poissonerie to your left, and all before you step foot on the cobbles of the market place. Even around the market, you might be tempted by the Michelin noted gastronomy of the Table d'Emilie or the aromas wafting from the fireplace at Le Boulevard where steaks are prepared over the flames! If you do get to the port, just a few hundred yards along the road, then do allow yourself to be seduced by succulent seafood and wooed by wonderful wines. You can always work off the guilt and the waistline at the tennis courts, on the water or even just think about it lazing on the endless sandy beach just across the lagoon.

The local wine merchant has 500 labels to choose from, and other wine growers sells wines from their homes in the village just 300 yards away. Sailing, tennis and cycling to work up an appetite and some stunning walks to round off an excelent meal.

Our sterling summer price is only £500. And you may pay us in the UK if you have a british bank account. All reservations must be accompanied by a 25% deposit. Balance 8 weeks before arrival. We also require a security deposit against breakages of £150 sterling or €200 euros, refunded a week after departure.

Linen and towel hire available

There is a satellite TV and DVD player in the living room, and a BBQ on the roof terrace, which has a wind-out awning to provide useful shade on hot days. There is a mini fridge in the master bedroom.