For nature lovers, sports lovers, quiet stays and trips off the beaten track, the Clos des Coustoulins is a little gem that we would like to keep secret. At this property in the Hérault valley, bordered by the scrubland and animated by the song of the cicadas from morning to evening, they only host two families at a time, in order to better pamper them…
This is the kind of concept that’s difficult to describe in words; it’s a unique experience because it is the image of those who designed it. Armelle and Fred, a couple of lovely hosts—he’s a construction engineer and she’s an accountant—who decided two years ago to change their lives and invent their ideal holiday program, as they would have dreamed to have enjoyed with their three children. The Clos des Coustoulins was born in the small village of Lacoste, with 350 inhabitants, at the gates of Larzac and 40 minutes from Montpellier. Here are three good reasons to go visit them, for a long weekend or a week of vacation.
For the atmosphere of an intimate and friendly bed and breakfast
The atmosphere that reigns in this unique holiday home is that of a bed and breakfast. Two carefully decorated cottages welcome families of five with all the necessary comfort and privacy. You’ll live there as you would in a small community: from the first day, the children get to know each other in the pool while their parents discover together the festivities of the week while savoring their first aperitif… The meals and the activities are usually done in groups, but nothing’s stopping you from escaping as a couple or as a family. Your hosts will be happy to advise you.
For the feeling of having zero stress
While we can’t promise you a kids club animated from 7am to 10pm here, we propose to you a getaway that will relieve you of any stress so you can enjoy the best part of family holidays: having a good time with and without your children. When it’s time for a bike ride for the adults or a romantic evening as a couple, a young girl is there to take over and watch over them at any time of the day. The meals, an aperitif or snacks: there’s nothing to worry about either when it comes to food. Armelle cooks her dishes on site for you every afternoon and every evening with the vegetables from her own garden or eggs from the chicken coop, and she gets supplies from neighboring producers for everything else. You’ll particularly enjoy the atmosphere of this kitchen that opens into the summer dining room, convenient for organizing meals for the little ones. It feels like home, and you’ll quickly get used to grabbing items from the fridge or from the box of homemade cookies, left at the disposal of the whole family…
For its original and tailor-made “all inclusive” program…
Between mountain bike outings and picnics on the shores of beautiful Lake Salagou, an educational tour of local vineyards, hiking, quad biking, paddle or canoeing, the week passes almost too fast… The owners have also imagined some unique experiences to pamper their guests: a one-hour massage included in your week, a night under the stars fully surrounded by nature (you should definitely to do this activity as a family), an evening tasting of the best vintages of the area, a cooking class with a chef, etc. An “all-inclusive” program designed to make beautiful memories with your family, and activities that can be done at leisure, to adapt to our offbeat schedules and improvised naps…
Les Louves loves Armelle’s delicious desserts and Fred’s fine wines… The kindness and friendliness of the couple sets the tone for a stay here, so much so that the majority of the families who visited the place last summer will come back this year!
Practical information
Clos des Coustoulins
135 rue du Cabanis
34800 Lacoste
Checklist: crib, changing table, stroller, high chairs, bikes with baby seats, kids’ bikes, baby carriers. All activity material is available on site and suitable for families with children of all ages.
Find it on Google Maps
Rates & reservations
Stays of one week in on-season (July-August):
1700 euros per adult, 700 euros per child between 5 and 17 years old, free for children under 4 years old. This rate includes accommodation from Saturday to Saturday, activities, babysitting, breakfasts, lunches and dinners, drinks included, a one-hour massage for adults, cooking classes, etc.
Stays of 4 days and 3 nights in off-season (June and September) with optional activities: 450 euros for two people.
Information and reservations:
+33 (0) 6 87 45 16 67
contact@closdescoustoulins.com
M. D.
Translation: Ashley Griffin
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