Set on a south-facing hillside on the edge of the medieval village of Gabian, Villa Valente opens onto lovely views of vine-striped hills and village rooftops. Surrounded by a sloping Mediterranean garden dotted with palms, pines and flowering shrubs, this welcoming villa offers a wonderful holiday home in the heart of the Languedoc region.

Step into the open-plan living space, where glass doors slide open to the charming terrace. Attractive furnishings and cool tiled floors flow through a light-filled lounge, dining area and well-equipped kitchen. Here, days revolve around the inviting 10-metre private pool, where the sun loungers set the stage for relaxed afternoons. Enjoy leisurely meals al-fresco by the barbecue, or challenge friends and family to a game of boules as the sky turns rose-gold.

All on one level, the villa is well suited for families and small groups, sleeping six guests in three comfortable bedrooms, including a king-size double room and two twins. A family bathroom and separate WC ensure convenience, while Wi-Fi, TV, toys and games make this a place as suited to rest as it is to recreation.

Tucked away at the end of a cul-de-sac with private parking, the villa remains just a short stroll from Gabian’s local café-bar, bakery and grocery store. The nearby town of Pézenas offers bustling markets, artisan shops and excellent restaurants, while the Mediterranean’s vast sandy beaches lie around half an hour away. Explore historic abbeys, cycle through vineyard-lined backroads or paddle through gorges by canoe - this region is rich in beauty and activity.

For those seeking an inviting base with effortless access to authentic village life, striking scenery and the sea beyond, Villa Valente offers a timeless Southern French escape.

• Even though you can walk to the village’s bakery, grocery store and restaurant-bar, a car is necessary to be able to reach supermarkets and to explore the wider region.