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

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.
In Spring and Autumn there are many warm, sunny days, but chilly nights.

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 is on the lower end of the Massif Central and 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; see website www.vin-saintchinian.com

In the lush valley and through St. Chinian, the river Vernazobre 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 Capitelles) 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
St. Chinian has an ancient abbey (8th century) which has recently been renovated. There are concerts held in the cloisters during the Summer. The Catholic church is 400 years old where organ and trumpet recitals are held.

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 the market, summer concerts, festivals and fetes.

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 close by. There you will find a range of red, rose and white wines. The Cave is open 7 days a weeks. There are 4 other wine cellars in the town.

Countryside
From January to July, there is a succession of flowering trees and shrubs on the hillsides - mimosa, almond, viburnums, genista, brooms, cistus, helianthemums and arbousier (strawberry tree). 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.

There are many lovely country walks from our doorstep. From the hilltops you can have a panoramic view of the surrounding area, including the Pyrenées and the Mediterranean sea.

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