Maison de Farine - French Holiday Property

22/10/2025

One of the many UNESCO World Heritage sites that is a short drive from Maison de Farine.

Á bientôt!

06/10/2025

Still blooming in our little piece of paradise!

02/08/2024

We created Maison de Farine with this in mind. We want our guests to feel at home at our property, enjoy our community and everyday life in our beautiful village, and explore all that our fantastic region of the south of France has to offer.

À bientôt!

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. No — seriously. Join the locals in the evening ritual of a “passeggiata” and stroll just to see, be seen, and socialize. When in England, do as the English do: Even if you don't usually drink tea, have a "cuppa" at breakfast. You may not be much of a napper — but when in Spain, enjoy taking a restorative siesta in the blazing heat of the early afternoon.

When you become a "temporary local," not only will you connect with more authentic experiences; you'll also be a better traveler, fitting into each place you visit like a cultural chameleon. The less we feel like outside observers, the more we appreciate — and enjoy — each culture on its own terms.

Here are a few more strategies for traveling as a temporary local:

Hit the back streets. Why jockey yourself into the most crowded square of the most crowded city in the most crowded month? If you’re in Venice, don’t add to the July swarm in front of St. Mark’s…walk six blocks behind the basilica, step into a café, and be greeted by Venetians who act as though they’ve never seen a tourist.

Be an early bird. Local culture thrives while the tourists sleep. Crack-of-dawn joggers and walkers are rewarded with tranquil, unobstructed moments in marquee towns, cities, and sights. Get there before the tourist busses arrive…among travelers, the early bird gets the memories.

Play where the locals play. Forego the touristy boulevards and head to the parks and green spaces, which have a knack for attracting locals who want to enjoy a cheap afternoon or evening out.

Root for the home team. Pop into a pub and join the rowdy crowd squinting at a grainy television, screaming as if their lives depend on the outcome of the match.

Go to church (if this is your thing). Many regular churchgoers never even consider an overseas service…but any church, mosque, or synagogue will not only welcome a traveling American — it will provide you with an unbeatable peek into the community.

Finally: Get more than a photo. Get dirty. Don’t just watch that game of backgammon at the Greek taverna…say “I’ve got winner!” and become part of the culture. It might just become a new part of you.

05/07/2024

The town of St. Chinian is our favourite place to go for their Sunday market, multiple weekly brocantes, and shops like this that sell a selection of the region's fabulous wines and other local products.

17/06/2024

A great explanation of this wonderful tradition in France.

Market day (jour de marché) is a big deal throughout France. They have been a central feature of life in rural areas since the Middle Ages. No single event better symbolizes the French preoccupation with fresh products—and their strong ties to the soil—than the weekly market. Many locals mark their calendars with the arrival of fresh produce.

Markets (marchés) combine products from area farmers and artisans, and offer a mind-boggling array of choices, from the perishable (produce, meats, cheeses, breads, and pastries) to the nonperishable (kitchen wares, clothing, and pottery). Les marchés brocantes specialize in quasi-antiques and flea-market bric-a-brac (think rummage sale). Many marchés have good selections of both.

Notice the signs as you enter towns indicating the jours du marché (essential information to any civilized soul, and a reminder not to park on the streets the night before—be on the lookout for stationnement interdit signs that mark “no parking” areas). Most marchés take place once a week in the town’s main square.

Market day is as important socially as it is commercially—it’s a weekly chance for locals to resume friendships and get the current gossip. Dogs are tethered to café tables while friends exchange kisses. Tether yourself to a table and observe: three cheek-kisses for good friends, a fourth for friends you haven’t seen in a while. (The appropriate number of kisses varies by region—Paris, Lyon, and Provence have different standards.) It’s bad form to be in a hurry on market day. Allow the crowd to set your pace.

It’s a joy to assemble picnics at an open-air market. Most perishable items are sold directly from the producers—no middlemen, no credit cards, just really fresh produce (du pays means “grown locally”). Most vendors follow a weekly circuit of markets, showing up in the same spot every week, year in and year out. Notice how much fun they have chatting up their customers and one another. Many vendors speak enough English to assist you in your selection. Markets usually end by 13:00—in time for lunch, allowing the town to reclaim its streets and squares.

Do you have a favorite market or market-find in France?

10/07/2023

Indulge in the timeless allure of the Cathar castles as you wander through their ancient walls, imagining the tales of knights and troubadours that once echoed within.

Maison de Farine is perfectly situated, allowing you to explore the region's fascinating history and architectural wonders at your leisure.

Bon voyage!

[EN IMAGE] L'immense forteresse de Peyrepertuse, qu'on appelle parfois aussi la "Carcassonne céleste", perchée à flanc de falaise...
En savoir plus 👉 https://www.payscathare.org/les-sites/chateau-de-peyrepertuse
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📸 par sevephotography_

27/06/2023

How about a last-minute visit to paradise?

We are offer *Special Rates* at Maison de Farine in Roquebrun, Herault, France for all remaining dates in July and August

La Haute Maison
- 25% discount on all available July and August dates in a well-appointed house/gite that sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms and 2 baths

La Cave
- 15% discount on remaining August dates in a modern loft apartment/gite that sleeps 7 in 2 bedrooms, 2 lofts. and 2 bathrooms

The property has lots to offer:
- large private terraces for each unit
- 5 minutes walk to center of village with cafes, restors, shops, etc. and fabulous swimming, kayaking right downtown
- wonderful region with amazing food, shopping, art, historical sites, etc.

All details at https://maisondefarine.net or DM with any questions
Bon voyage!