Climate
Saint-Chinian is a delightful place all year round. We are in the "sunny crescent" surrounding the Med. in weather maps. June, July and August are the hottest months. These are beach-rock pool-riverside-mountain lake days.

In winter, there are many warm sunny (T-shirt /jumper days) but chilly nights. Winter lasts from November to the end of March.

St. Chinian has its own microclimate and is largely protected from the cold winds of the Alps and Pyrenees which affect other parts in the south of France.

The Terrain
Running on one side of the valley is a limestone ridge where some of the best vines are grown. In October, the autumn colours of the grape leaves are wonderful - as are the left-over grapes from the harvest! This area is dry garrigue countryside.

The other side of the valley has the folding hills of the Montagne Noire - Monts de l'Espinouse - slopes covered in Mediterranean oaks, pines and holly-like Ilex. On these slopes, some of the best wines in France are grown e.g. from the Sorteilho Domaine (info@vin-saintchinian.com).

In the lush valley and through St. Chinian, the river Vernazoble runs - a clear river with healthy schools of trout. The water for the town comes directly from limestone caverns only a few kilometres away. The Vernazobre joins a larger river - l'Orb - further down the valley. The Orb flows through Beziers to Valras Plage - our nearest beach.

The light here is ideal for artists (and the general uplifting of spirits!). It changes with the time of day and with the seasons - offering different tonal qualities.

History
Saint-Chinian (pronounced Sanch Inyan) is a place where the Romans planted their first grape vines over 900 years ago. Their stone walls, terraces and irrigation channels are still in use.

Shelters for vineyard workers (called Capotelles) were built hundreds of years ago and are preserved all over the countryside. These are made entirely of dry stone slabs arranged in a dome. Later, Napoleon had Mazets built of stone and clay for the same reason and these blend in with the white and salmon/orange rocks of the countryside.

Features
The old mill (Moulin) has been recently renovated and has museum attached. It is romantically lit at night and overlooks the town from the ridge.

St. Chinian has an ancient abbey and church.

The Town Hall has a public garden. There is also a large promenade area where boules are played and this area under the plane trees, is used for concerts and the market.

The market (held on Thursday and Sunday mornings) is a large, lively affair where the gastronomic delights of the region can be purchased - olives, cheeses, sausages, hams, oysters, cakes, roast chicken, paella, herbs, organic veg, bread and pates. Clothes, jewellery, pottery, baskets and leathergoods are also sold.

Next to the new Sports Hall is an outdoor, semi-olympic size swimming pool where the water is kept at a constant 27 degrees C. The complex includes a paddling pool, large sunbathing areas and a solarium terrace. It is open 7 days a week from June until Sept. The pool is 5 minutes walk, across the river via a footbridge.

The Cave (wine distillery) www.saint-chinian.com is at the back of the house. You will find a range of red, rose and white wines. The better-known wines are the traditional, elegant and fruity wines of Sorteilho and the heavy, full-bodied wines of Renaud de Valon which is aged in oak barrels (originally made by hand in this house!). The aperitifs - Muscat and Cartagene are not to be missed. If you can't carry the wine home, you can get the name of a distributor who will deliver. If you live in France and buy 80 litres, it is delivered free of charge. The Cave is open 7 days a weeks. There are 4 other wine cellars in the town. You can also buy the wine direct from vineyards.

Wildlife
From January to the heat of July, there is a succession of flowering trees and shrubs on the hillsides - mimosa, almond, viburnums, genista, brooms, cistus, helianthemums and arbousier. Wildflowers bloom all year round - it is a botanical wonderland. On the limestone plateau wildherbs such as rosemary, lavender, thyme, juniper, fennel and bay grow in profusion.

Wild boar (timid creatures) still inhabit this unspoilt area. There are many lovely country walks from our doorstep. From the hilltops you have a panoramic view of the Pyrenées, the sea, the Narbonne plain and Beziers.

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