Poilhes is a charming and sleepy village located on the Canal du Midi, in the Languedoc region of Southern France. It’s a peaceful place that has a lot to offer people who are looking for an authentic experience in the region - surrounded by vineyards, Poilhes is a beautiful spot to holiday.

The village has a couple of fantastic restaurants, our favourite being Les Platanes which is on the little village square - their menu is varied and delicious and the owners are lovely people from New Zealand who will be happy to host you. There is a local shop which sells basic items and a larger supermarket is only a few minutes away by car, in Capestang. There are tennis courts if you’re looking for a fun afternoon activity, as well as plenty of grassy spots along the Canal to have a picnic.

The bustling town of Béziers is about 20 minutes away by car and is a fantastic place for a day (or night!) out. There are countless restaurants and bars with gorgeous terraces in the sun, as well as plenty of beautiful independent artisanal shops in the maze of cobble-stoned roads that make up the historical centre. The cathedral (and the view that come with it) is a must-see. There are events and festivals that are all a lot of fun throughout the summer - be sure to check out the Allées Paul Riquet every Thursday night for a wine tasting, the cathedral for the nightly Sons et Lumières show and, of course, the various markets throughout the week.

Another fantastic spot that we recommend visiting is Pézenas - it’s about 40km away from Poilhes but is well-worth the drive. It’s a very beautiful town that’s famous for its cobble-stoned streets and arty independent shops. The Saturday market is a must-visit as they sell absolutely everything from local honey and wine, to beautiful Bohemian clothing and modern gadgets. Don’t forget to pick up a wonderful woven basket bag or a hand-made ceramic bowl to pop your local olives in.

You can’t visit the South of France without also visiting the beaches - the coast is 20km away and there are plenty of beaches to choose from. Valras, Narbonne, Vias, and Agde are all great choices if you’re looking for activities, adventure, busy bars, restaurants, and entertainment. If you’re looking for peace and quiet, then Sérignan or Vendres is for you. There are many more beaches in the area, too many to mention, so have a little exploration and you’ll find the perfect one for you.

Finally, if you’re looking for adventure, then head to the mountains, more specifically, Roquebrun and its surrounding. There’s river swimming, kayaking, mountain climbing, BMXing, hiking, and paddle boarding opportunities. Beautiful villages to visit include Roquebrun, Cessenon-sur-Orb, Vieussan, Saint Chinian and Olargues.