This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.
10/10 Excellent
John M.
12 Sept 2017
Lovely authentic French apartment in a wonderful location
This is a very spacious, slightly old-fashioned typically French apartment in a lovely location overlooking a nice quiet square beside the river. It has the only balcony in the square (just big enough for two) and gets the sun in both the morning and evening - ideal for a relaxing breakfast and post-dinner glass of wine. Although the apartment is directly above a bar, it's still a very quiet location (at least in September) and the bar staff are really friendly. We got caught out by the French habit of even huge hypermarkets remaining resolutely closed on Sundays and the bar gave us bread and water for our final morning, refusing to take any payment for these welcome essentials.
Jane could not have been more helpful with directions and general advice. The apartment is huge and spotless, but a bit old-fashioned (ancient but fully functional electric cooker, dark green bathroom suite, no wifi, no aircon). Lots of character though - I guess about 200 years old at least.
The huge Hyper U is one of the best we've seen in France - huge selection and typically competitive prices. The local Spar is fine for basics and there are good bakers in the heart of town. I thought the 5/6 riverside restaurants round the corner were a bit over-priced and disappointing, but then you're really paying for the location.
The food market (Thursday mornings only) is exceptionally good (cheese, seafood, veg, olives, pies etc), with an equally large flea market that day.
We were in Agde for a week but had hired a car so we could explore the environs. You can "do" Agde in a day or two, although the beach at Grau d'Agde is beautiful with very shallow, warm waters. The Canal du Midi is lovely to walk or cycle along, and the round lock at Agde is fascinating. Allow an hour to watch it open and boats move through.
We loved the little town of Meze (fantastic seafood down by the port) and the views in Beziers are stunning. Best of all was Montpellier, which is one of the most scenic old cities in the whole of France. Unmissable, with great bars and cafes.
We have stayed in about a dozen self-catering apartments of this type in recent years, and this was certainly one of the best. Herault is a bit off the tourist trail - very much retired French holiday home territory and family camping in high season. Beziers airport is only 15 minutes' drive from Agde (maybe even less) and is absolutely tiny and stress-free - about 3 flights a day!
Great stay, highly recommended.
John M.
Stayed 7 nights in Sep 2017
