If you are looking for a property situated in beautiful surroundings with the best there is to offer in shellfish and wine, you could not choose a better place to be than Marseillan, which the local population refer to simply as paradis sur terre (heaven on earth). The Sunday Times, June 2006, said "Marseillan is like St Tropez before Bardot. Staggeringly pretty, one of the most unspoiled ports in France". See the article on line at the following link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2098-2205734.html.
Marseillan is an ancient Greek Phocean town, founded in the 6th century BC. It has kept the authentic character of a fishing village on the shores of the Mediterranean and on the banks of the Bassin de Thau, which is famous for its cultivation of oysters and mussels. The town has many ancient Greek features and it is fascinating to walk through its tiny streets and discover the monuments, stones, gargoyles and individual doors of the houses which are steeped with the history of the Languedoc and the delight of the eye. Places to note are the historic town hall, St John the Baptists Church, La Maison de Famille d'Achille and not to mention the dozens of other historical and cultural landmarks which can be found around Marseillan.
Near the property you may sit at one of the many restaurants and watch the bustle of the boats arriving and leaving the harbour of the Bassin de Thau. In the centre of Marseillan, is the vermouth distillery of Noilly Prat where you may embark on a guided tour and be shown its whole production process. There is also a shop which sells Noilly products. Every Tuesday there is a market in the centre of the town, with fabulous displays of fruits, vegetables, cooked meats, cheeses clothes and gifts - something for everyone.
Location
Marseillan is a fishing village and commune in the Hérault département, on the south coast of France, some 50 km west of Montpellier and sits on a large salt-water lake, the Étang de Thau and is the southern Entreport for the Canal du Midi.
The village is tranquil, with its heart still within the lines of the old walls. There is one small hotel and some 18 cafes and restaurants. For sun, sea and sand there is Marseillan Plage, a purpose built holiday resort on the Mediterranean itself (some 3 kms from Marseillan Ville).
The port is a protected heritage site, and the altar and organ in the church are also listed. There has been virtually no new building in the heart of the village since the 17th century, many of the houses date from the 12th century.
Until 1970, the vineyards came to the main boulevards built outside the line of the walls around 1870. Since then the population has exploded. From around 3,000 throughout the last 200 years to over 7,000 in 2006 (this does not include those who have bought houses and villas in Marseillan but use them only as holiday homes). Expectation is that the population will top 10,000 by 2010.
The Marseillanais have always taken their time over decisions, but have still been leaders in many areas. A hospital existed in 1100 and is still treating patients today (having had several homes over the years!). The maire (mayor) was elected in the village 200 years before this was required by Royal decree. Public schooling started in the mid-18th century. Marseillan voted to become secular some 10 years before the country as a whole. Women were allowed into one designated cafe from 1870 - again earlier than most other towns and villages.
The village is tranquil, with its heart still within the lines of the old walls. There is one small hotel and some 18 cafes and restaurants. For sun, sea and sand there is Marseillan Plage, a purpose built holiday resort on the Mediterranean itself (some 3 kms from Marseillan Ville).
The port is a protected heritage site, and the altar and organ in the church are also listed. There has been virtually no new building in the heart of the village since the 17th century, many of the houses date from the 12th century.
Until 1970, the vineyards came to the main boulevards built outside the line of the walls around 1870. Since then the population has exploded. From around 3,000 throughout the last 200 years to over 7,000 in 2006 (this does not include those who have bought houses and villas in Marseillan but use them only as holiday homes). Expectation is that the population will top 10,000 by 2010.
The Marseillanais have always taken their time over decisions, but have still been leaders in many areas. A hospital existed in 1100 and is still treating patients today (having had several homes over the years!). The maire (mayor) was elected in the village 200 years before this was required by Royal decree. Public schooling started in the mid-18th century. Marseillan voted to become secular some 10 years before the country as a whole. Women were allowed into one designated cafe from 1870 - again earlier than most other towns and villages.
Description
Practical information
Agde station is 10 minutes away where you can catch a train to join up with the TGV in the direction of Paris to again join up with the Eurostar and on to London. In the future you will also be able to get the TGV southbound and spend a nice day out in Barcelona! This area is really very well served by low-cost airline Ryanair who fly into Perpignan, Carcassonne or Montpellier airports, the latter only 40 minutes away. Flying time in to Stansted is around 1½ hrs. For those in the north of England, BMI Baby fly from Manchester to Perpignan. Flybe operate from Birmingham and Southampton to Perpignan also. For our Irish friends, Ryanair is now operating direct flights into Carcassonne from Dublin and very soon Shannon at great prices! We also understand that there maybe flights to and from Béziers-Vias airport soon, only 30 minutes or so away - we'll keep you informed.
Search Results
Search found 4 results.
Lovely house made of wood, which sleeps up to six people
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Price: £126,957 | |
 France Languedoc Roussillon Marseillan |
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2 bedrooms House |
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| This detached house made from wood is set in a superb and very calm natural environment surrounded by trees with nice views of the gardens. You will definitely have a feeling of being out in the nature, but at the same time, a feeling of being situated in a fabulous Mediterranean town, and with all the convenience that this brings. The interior of the house needs smartening up a bit, but this is not a very big piece of work to undertake. More Information |
Marseillan/Canal du Midi ? Two bed villa with pool and tennis court
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Price: £101,739 | |
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France Languedoc Roussillon Marseillan |
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2 bedrooms Detached villa |
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| This is a very interesting and great value 2 bedroom villa which is in excellent condition inside and out. With a property like this you can play a couple of sets of tennis in the morning whilst you look forward to a swim in the afternoon in the residence pool. More Information |
Multiple-use property
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Price: £93,043 | |
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France Languedoc Roussillon Marseillan |
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2 bedrooms House |
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| For all your holiday requirements, for renting out or for year-round stay, this property is multifunctional. It is set over two levels with both bedrooms on the first floor along with the shower room and WC. Both bedrooms have a view over the garden and one is large enough for a double bed and another has a bunk bed inside. More Information |
Quite a renovation required
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Price: £90,870 | |
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France Languedoc Roussillon Marseillan |
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3 bedrooms House |
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| As you can see from the photos, pretty much all of the interior is not in very good condition so there will be many DIY jobs which need attention: in reality, renovation. For example, you’ll probably want to pull out the windows and put in double-glazing, replace the wallpapering, add a heating system and put in a new kitchen. More Information |
