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Hunting for that elusive holiday home to rent in the Languedoc? Wondering how to choose from the many great-sounding properties on offer? Then take a tip or two from someone (me!) who’s spent many a happy vacation (and a couple of holidayss from hell) in Languedoc gîtes, villas and apartment rentals.
Shop around
Don’t book the first holiday home you find. There are literally hundreds (make that thousands) of Languedoc holiday homes available to rent, and some are much nicer than others. Take time to read through the listings and get a feel for what constitutes the good, the bad and the downright ugly, before you make your choice.
Use specialist sites
If you’re hunting for a holiday rental in the Languedoc, you’ll be better off using a website that specialises in this region alone (and here’s a clue: if you’re reading this, you’ve already found the right site). Other sites with their nationwide, “we list all holiday rentals, everywhere” approach won’t be able to give you the same amount of choice or detail.
Call before you book
If you have very specific needs (like disabled access, or child-friendly facilities), try ringing or emailing the owner to find out whether their property is truly suitable for your requirements. Take it from someone who booked a so-called “child-friendly” Languedoc gîte for a two-week break and then spent a fortnight helping her toddler up and down a steep spiral staircase. Nowadays, I always call ahead and check. If the owners have young children themselves, they’ll understand exactly why you’re asking. If they’re off-hand or vague, keep looking.
Get the timing right
Planning to visit the Languedoc in high season? One thing you need to know is just how hot it can get. Summer 2003 was a scorcher (we’re talking 40 degrees Centigrade plus), and the sweltering trend shows no sign of abating. So think about how you’re going to keep your cool in your Languedoc holiday rental. If there’s a pool, you’re laughing. If there’s air con, you’re sorted. If there’s not, can the owner provide fans? Is there shady (and I mean really shady) outside space for al fresco dining? Visit our Weather pages for a full run-down of weather statistics, as well as what each season and month of the year is like weather-wise.
Study the photos
I once went on a word processing course. One of the things the tutor talked about was WYSIWYG, or What You See Is What You Get. Nowadays, when booking a holiday home in the Languedoc, I always bear the “wizzy wig” thing in mind: can I actually see what I’m getting for my hard-earned cash? Are there lots of good quality photos showing the property in detail, inside and out? If there are, I’m reassured: the owner is happy to show what’s on offer. If there aren’t, warning bells ring: why would you buy something you couldn’t see properly? The Languedoc property rentals on the Crème de Languedoc site come with plenty of nice pics – and I do like that.
Find an area before finding the house
With such a large area to choose from, how do you figure out where to rent your Languedoc holiday home? Is the region pretty much of a muchness? Well, no. Take a look at the Geography and Climate pages for some guidance. Then think about how you want to spend your precious Languedoc holiday time. Consider the practical stuff. Do you need to be within half an hour’s drive of the beach? Or within walking distance of a supermarket? Or an hour from the airport? Is anyone in your party likely to need urgent medical attention, and if so, how far is the nearest doctor? Then ponder the fun stuff: do you want to go out clubbing every night? Sip cocktails in a sophisticated setting? Buy designer creations in chic boutiques? If you answered “yes” to the last three questions, avoid the Lozère like the plague (though you may well love Montpellier). Alternatively, if you crave natural, unspoilt landscapes, steer clear of La Grand Motte. Read our Cities, Sightseeing and Activities pages for the inside track on Languedoc-Roussillon, south France.
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