VINEYARDS & WINE
Saint-Chinian is right in the middle of the wine producing area of south western France. There are vineyards as far as the eye can see. It is some 25km north of Beziers. It has its own Appellation Controlée which produces mostly red wines, although they also produce some very good rosé. Saint-Chinian has been known for wine producing since the 14th Century. The first vines were apparently planted in the 9th Century!
The Appellation Controlée represents about 20 villages, and the main grapes used are Carignan, Syrah, Grenache, Mouvedre and Cinsault.
The Saint-Chinian wine Cooperative sells examples of the local wine at very reasonable prices. As well as bottled wine, you can also buy their 'vrac' (straight out of the barrel) in 5 litre containers. The Vin de Pays de l'Hérault (red) is particularly good drinking - and good value at €7 for 5 litres.
Some 15km from Saint-Chinian is the village of St. Jean de Minervois, world famous for their dessert wine Muscat de St. Jean de Minervois. Buy a bottle for your stay and drink it as the French do - as an aperitif - chilled on ice!
MARKETS
There is a market in Saint-Chinian on Thurday and Sunday mornings. The market sells all kinds of farm produce - cheeses, meat, fish, bread, charcuterie and vegetables. The Sunday market is larger, and also sells clothes, pots and pans, and leather goods.
MEDITERRANEAN BEACHES
The closest beach is Serignan Plage, some 30 minutes drive from Saint-Chinian. It is a beautiful sandy beach with stunning views of Cape d'Agde to the east and the Pyrenees to the west. Best of all, it is rarely crowded. You can even drive your car onto the beach of you take care.
ROQUEBRUN
Roquebrun is some 20 km north east from Saint-Chinian. The tower that overlooks the town is the sole remaining trace of a Carolingian castle built to protect the inhabitants in AD900. You can also swim in the river here or hire a canoe.
