Your Hampshire and Dorset Wedding - September/October 2020 (Issue 82)

104 Sarah Reeve discovers a romantic hotspot on the outskirts of this bustling city in the South of France I ’d heard of Montpellier, I knew it was in France, but little more than that. Just the name alone sounded romantic though, but then so do most things in French, after all it is the language of love. A quick online search later and I was already excited to discover what the city had to offer. A weekend break from the grey, chilly British weather in early March was exactly what the doctor ordered. Just a hassle-free, two-hour flight direct from Gatwick to Montpellier Airport, it’s easy to get to and our base for the weekend, the luxurious Domaine de Verchant Hotel & Spa was only a 15-minute drive away. Nestled on the outskirts of the city, it’s like an oasis of calm, disconnected from the hurly burly of everyday life. Set on its own wine estate, (cheers to that, I say!) from the moment we arrived, the feelgood factor kicked in. Time to switch off, sit back and be prepared to be pampered. Right on cue, the sun came out bathing the whole place in a welcoming glow. A former family estate, beautifully and sympathetically restored, it oozes character and charm; respectful of its history but with a cool contemporary edge and all modern comforts. It’s a deliberately intimate bolthole with 26 rooms, suites and luxurious apartments all individually designed and beautifully furnished, some pool-facing, others with views of the vines. No expense is spared when it comes to making guests feel at home, with super-comfy beds, all mod cons and wow-factor bathrooms, so inviting I could have whiled away many a happy hour without even leaving my room! Life seems to move at a slower pace here, it’s hard to believe the busy metropolis is only on the doorstep. Perfect for a magical mini-moon, you can enjoy the best of all worlds, cosmopolitan city life, shopping, history and culture as well as peace and tranquility, fabulous food, fine wines and luxury living. What’s more, the seaside is only 20 minutes away from Montpellier, so you can take a trip to the beach too – what’s not to love? We received a warm welcome with OF MONTPELLIER magic THE