The history of the Prieuré Saint Martial in the Hérault (34)

The Domaine of Prieuré Saint Martial : History and introduction

Built on the site of a Roman villa, the Priory Saint Martial was founded by the monks of the Benedictine order, coming from Villemagnel’Argentiere in the 8th century. All that remains of this period is the chapel with its bell tower, and the courtyard well. In the 15th century a new chapel was built (still visible today), and the whole priory was extended in the 18th century.

The monks supported themselves by producing silk, and making rosaries from the seeds of the carob tree. At the time of the French revolution, the priory was sold as national property and converted to agriculture. In a very poor state when bought by the present owners, it has been lovingly restored to a superb site of calm and relaxation, set in the midst of a sea of vines.

Set in the vines, between Tourbes and Saint Martial, is the cross of Lissac which mentions, carved on its base, the visit of Louis 14th, on his journey from Toulouse to Cotignac . “On 7th April 1660, King Louis passed this way”

The main assets of the Prieuré Saint Martial

This Priory is set among the vineyards of Alignan De Vent, in the South of France, just about 6 km from old Pezenas. A former country house transformed into 12 self contained cottages or Gites is excellent holiday destination for couples or families and for large family gatherings. Accommodations are available from a 20 m2 studio to 100m2 apartments with 3 bedrooms, or an individual cottage . All our holiday rentals are self contained and come with private gardens and/or terraces, and 2 outdoor swimming pools, of which 1 is heated.

You will love the personalized professional and friendly service of the staff, and the grounds will charm you. All accommodations are set in such a way that they provide privacy and are non-invasive to your relaxation.

Ideally set at a short distance from places of interest such as the market of Pezenas at only 5 minutes, 20 minutes from the Mediterranean Sea and the beaches of Vias, Agde and Marseillan, and or a short drive to the town of Beziers for excellent shopping and sightseeing, just to mention few of the many points of interest that are in the area. The priory has easy access to the auto route, Beziers and Agde or Montpellier train stations or the Beziers and Montpellier airports.

L'histoire du domaine du Prieuré Saint Martial

Saint Martial was awarded the rank "3 helms" Chateaux & Hotels de France "and has been the subject of numerous newspaper articles including the following excerpts :

« Vous retournerez dormir à Alignan du Vent au Prieuré Saint Martial dans les vignes et le luxe » Capital

« Nid d’amour à la campagne - Une chose est sure : le romantisme a toute sa place pour se lover à Saint Martial. Pour les escapades à deux, loin du monde, loin du temps qui file …. » La Dépêche du Midi

« Tout le charme de la campagne languedocienne à seulement 20 minutes de la mer » Le Figaro

« Construit sur ancienne villa romaine, les bâtiments XVIIIè du Prieuré Saint Martial ont vu passer des hôtes prestigieux en manque de chlorophylle et de sérénité. » Terre de vins

« Des appartements conçus pour les vacances, vastes ou plus petits, mais charmants, ils sont tous lumineux, super équipés, décorés avec soin, pourvus de meubles chinés et de tableaux contemporains…. » Avantages

« une agréable maison d’hôtes ancienne ; piscines d’hiver et d’été … » Le Point

« le refuge chaleureux de Saint Martial : les propriétaires ont restauré l’ensemble afin d’offrir les meilleurs conditions de séjour en respectant la beauté du site. Jardins intérieurs, terrasses, piscines d’hiver et d’été, sauna, l’énumération des équipements est longue et ne suffit pas à décrire le charme de Saint Martial » Le Progrès de Lyon

« Le prieure is near-perfect in winter, with open fires, central heating and three georgeous pools that are maintened all year. » Daily Express

Privilèges

Wine vacation "is a company based in Carcassonne, Montpellier and Pezenas in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France and our passion is organizing wine tours of the region.

Our tours are led by skilled and entertaining with a passion for this beautiful region and wines. The tours are ideal for those who want to explore the area, enjoy good wine and eating locally grown produce. Over the years, we have tried some good vineyards that were hidden treasures and met extraordinary people who, with passion, some of the best wines of the region.

For more details take a look at our website !

How to organize your visit :
To arrange your local wine tour, call Wendy telephone +33 6 42 33 34 09 or e-mail wendy@vinenvacances.com
Wendy Gedney
VinenVacances

To know ...

Some remains date from the 8th century.
Preserved area, withdrawn and secure.
Parks with centenarian cedars.
10 minutes from the A9-A75 motorways.
Near TGV stations: Sète, Agde, Béziers, Montpellier.
Near the airports of Béziers and Montpellier.

Main advantages of apartments

The volumes of the living rooms are impressive and they have large rooms. They have fitted kitchens, fireplaces. All apartments have barbecue facilities. They are sold with a parking space for the vehicle. The future owners will have the use of the services present on the site (swimming pools, sauna, fitness, etc ...). They are all furnished with antique furniture in the flea markets and antique shops of the region which gives them this natural distinction. They enjoy lush gardens, terraces and loggias to enjoy the outdoors.