The village of Laurens is ideally located midway between the Mediterranean and the mountains of the Parc Regional du Haut Languedoc.
The village itself is surrounded by rolling hills covered in vineyards and criss-crossed by small country lanes, great for walks and cycling.
Along the River Orb, about 20 minutes away, are numerous possibilities for bathing and canoeing.
One of the most popular spots is the picturesque village of Roquebrun with its all-year-round warm micro-climate.
Heading north from Laurens, the scenery becomes more dramatic with the mountains and gorges of the Parc Regional.
You can enjoy waterfall bathing and visit genteel spa towns. For the more energetic, there are mountain hikes and rock climbing. There's also a golf course in the foothills, all about 30-40 minutes drive from our house.
To the south, the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean are about 30 minutes drive away. Some are lined with restaurants and shops while others have no development.
The village of Laurens itself has its own medieval chateau, where the tourist office is now housed. The nearby Chateau de Grezan has a good restaurant and wine shop and is a 20 minute walk through vineyards.
On the entertainment front, the city of Beziers has bowling, two
cinemas (one with some films in English) as well as markets and a wide range of shops and restaurants.
In August, there's a Spanish-style street festival, with Flamenco and bullfighting.
In the town of Pezenas, where the young playwright Moliere made his name, it's a pleasure to explore the beautiful boulevards and alleys. The town has art galleries, antique shops and a bustling Saturday market. It's also a great place for a relaxed lunch.