Every month, we introduce you to an interesting woman living in Languedoc. Curious as we are, we would like to find out why she lives in this beautiful region, what she does for a living, and some of her Languedoc favourites. This month, multi-talented Katie Jackson tells her story. Besides running Domaine des Montarels, she is musical and paints portraits. Not to mention that she knows how to renovate and throw a party!
Introduction
I am 57, married to Ian, with a 35 year old son, David, who is an expert in visual effects in the film industry. My many passions include being a mum, entertaining, renovating my home, singing, playing the piano, riding my horse, and painting portraits (1). I also like to have indulgent, lazy mornings in my waterbed, which I’m finding increasingly hard to get out of in the mornings!
First time visiting the region
The first time I visited the region was back in 2007 when I visited my uncle and aunt down in the Aude. They have a home there and we were shown parts of that department and a tiny bit of the Hérault.
Settling in Languedoc
We moved to the Hérault in May 2013. We had decided on finding a place near Pézenas (2); a town that was just so up our street, as it was relatively lively throughout the year and had tons of history and charm.
Domaine des Montarels is our dream home. We couldn’t believe it when we found it. My heart was thumping just driving up the lane, as the scenery approaching the house was incredible. It is surrounded by rolling, vineyard-clad hills with a backdrop of the Pyrénnées and Espinouse Mountains. I still, to this day, smile in awe virtually every time I approach the house.
Domaine des Montarels
Originally a 17th century wine domain and monastery, Domaine des Montarels (3 & 4) is now a tiny hamlet of five properties, with our neighbours still tending the remaining vines. There are records of the domain dating back to the 9th century! When we arrived, it was very dilapidated and we had to renovate extensively. We still carry on the renovations, in the low season, on our half of the house – the work never ends when you buy an ancient property!
We now rent half the house out as a luxury gite that sleeps ten people and has five large bedrooms. Guests come here to enjoy the magic and charm of an ancient era with newly refurbished modern living, including a kitchen, dining room and spacious lounge. Of course, there is also a heated pool, a Moroccan-style lounge area with a barbecue and enough space for outdoor dining. Nestled in the Languedoc valley, the views over miles of vineyards are magnificent. The Mediterranean Sea, Pézenas, and Béziers are less than a 30-minute drive.
Setting up a business in France
My biggest tip would be to try and learn the language as quickly as possible. Although there is a large English-speaking community here, which, no doubt, you will embrace, your enjoyment of this region will increase exponentially if you can integrate with local French residents. And they are so appreciative of your efforts to communicate in their language.
If your language skills are limited, then you will need to reach out for help with grasping the challenges of French bureaucracy. It is perhaps possible to do everything yourself, but is it worth your time? I can personally recommend several local experts who can help massively. We would be lost without them.
As well as the previously mentioned language and bureaucracy challenges, you cannot underestimate those you face as a couple. Generally speaking, women tend to find support in others fairly quickly, especially with groups like this! However, the men can find it hard to find their ‘banter group’. They can take much longer to acclimatise. You are ten times more dependent on each other as a couple. It can put a lot of stress on the relationship, particularly if you’re attempting renovations! Thankfully, we are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this year, so we survived and are stronger for it – phew!
Living in the South of France
The region of Hérault, in our opinion, is the perfect place to be! We are so close to the sea, the mountains for skiing, Spain and Italy. There is a great deal of culture and beautiful, mediaeval villages to visit. The weather is a massive factor; we have an average of 300 days of sunshine. Even on a cold winter’s day, we have the benefit of vast, clear blue skies. I find them so uplifting: sights to feed the soul… Above all though, I love the balance of the seasons in this region. On average, the length of each season is just right for me. By the end of one, I am totally ready for the next.
Way more importantly, the challenge to find reasonably priced Marmite is ongoing!!!
Best Languedoc wine
Dame Mourvèdre is my all time favourite so far. It’s a big, jammy, hug-in-a-glass from Villa Dondona, Terrasses de Larzac. For an everyday wine, though, you can’t beat the Cuvée des Amis Rouge from Domaine Saint Georges d’Ibry. It’s dangerously easy to drink and is made from vines that were originally part of our domain, so we feel a special connection.
Favourite restaurant
We have a number of super-reliable places we recommend to our clients. Within strolling distance of our domain is Le Petit Margonnais. Chez Paul in Pézenas is a good bet for a great, family-run bistro after your Saturday market visit, and Michelin-starred De Lauzan (5) is a must for those with deeper pockets.
However, for us, the top banana has to be the Le Château du Port (6) in beautiful Marseillan. It’s run by a husband and wife team, with the husband creating ever-changing, interesting dishes at reasonable prices and the wife welcoming everyone with warmth and friendliness. She makes such a generous effort to speak English; a welcome relief for our language-challenged visitors!
Perfect day out in Languedoc
Ooh, I’d struggle to choose between my two favourite things. In the summer months, it would be an over-indulgent day at one of several great beach clubs, complete with a good margarita brought to my sun lounger by a handsome waiter.
Or perhaps it would be a trip to La Couvertoirade. You can take a walk up the hill to the windmill and then have lunch at Le Chat Perché, run by two sisters who cook over an open fire. After that you can have a potter round the mediaeval village, ducking in and out of the many artisanal shops there.
