PORTE 22:
THE FIRST CHAPTER
I fell in love with France, French, and everything français on my first visit to Paris at the age of 12. The love affair has been long and faithful. While pursuing a life-long dream to live in France, I had an immediate “coup-de-Coeur” in 2012 for this quintessentially French town of Pézenas in the Languedoc region of southern France.
More than 10 years of restoration and renovation later, I have poured time, love, and resources into transforming this beautiful space. There’s always one last transformation or upgrade project to start, and with the help of some extraordinary local artisans, Porte 22 has become a haven of history and inspiration, as much as for me as for our guests.
Built in 1662, our contribution here is a brief moment in time among generations of stories gone by and still to come.
Here is the story for now. Come and be a part of it.
ideally located
Pezenas: a pearl of the Languedoc
Porte 22 offers easy access to the town’s cultural landmarks, boutique shops, and vibrant markets. Discover the hidden gems that make this town truly special.
Surrounding Pézenas, you’ll find rolling vineyards producing exquisite wines, idyllic countryside dotted with olive groves, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Parc Naturel Régional du Haut-Languedoc.
Ride the wild river on canoe-kayaks 1 hour away on the Roquebrun; 20 minutes to the south and you’re on the Mediterranean coast and the silver sands at Grau d’Agde; 45minutes eastward and you’re in the region’s impressive and vibrant capital Montpellier; and everything in between.
Make Yourself at Home
THE HEART of the HOME
Lovingly managed by the owners (not by a management company!), Porte 22’s (no-smoking & no pets) accommodation is located on the first floor (ie above the ground floor) of our three-floor home. The first floor is reserved exclusively for holiday guests. If you appreciate wooden beams, exposed interior stone, original floor tiles “tomettes”, and being located just steps from the town center and weekly market, you will feel at home at Porte 22.
As you enter Porte 22’s iconic front door engraved with a beautiful and large heart, you’ll be greeted by a tranquil and inviting atmosphere. Each of our carefully designed rooms is a haven of relaxation, offering modern amenities and thoughtful touches to ensure your utmost comfort.
Your home away from home: 100 sq meters (1100 sq ft): 2 bedrooms: master bedroom with large (160) double bed + 1 bedroom with 2 single beds. A gorgeous sun drenched and night lit roof terrace for your exclusive use, as well as secure parking. Reversible heat / AC units, custom designed French kitchen fully equipped & stocked, stylish furniture locally sourced (no Ikea!), luxury linens, high speed Fibre Optic WiFi, TV, 3 mountain bikes games; and a generous welcome basket filled with local products.
We look forward to welcoming you to Porte 22, where comfort, hospitality, and unforgettable memories await you in the charming town of Pézenas.
enim nunc faucibus a pellentesque
For your additional comfort
Roof terrace
Custom design kitchen
Garage
Bicycles
High speed internet
Air conditioning
Telework table
And more
And there’s more outside
Explore
Fresh baked croissants to start the day, followed by a side trip to the mediterranean coast and, to finish. a 3-course evening meal with a bottle (or two) of local wine at your side.
Chill
The secluded roof top terrace is all yours. Still and tranquil, a heat lover’s paradise. Large relaxation sunbeds in the shade. A kitchenette with sink, microwave, and bar fridge: keep the drinks and the cheese at the temperature they love. Bring a good book, now’s the quiet time to catch up on some reading…
Dine
For a small town, Pezenas is brimming with restaurants: In addition to the dominant French cuisine, you can also find Greek, Japanese, Thai, and North African specialities. Outdoor cafes for a morning boost and afternoon tea are plenty. Take your pick.
Reservation
We take bookings exclusively through two booking platforms: VRBO (formerly Home Away) and Airbnb, with no private arrangement exception: this is for your financial security as well as ours. Click the link for your platform of choice below and see you soon chez Porte 22.
Porte 22 guests host
To add even more sparkle to the Porte 22 fairy tale, if there was ever a perfect example of serendipity it was during an evening in 2013 at a local Pézenas establishment when our vibrant restaurant host overheard us planning the rental accommodation of Porte22. She stopped by our table and asked, “So you’re starting an Airbnb? Who’s going to meet and greet your guests and ensure the turnover is perfectly carried out?” and… voilà, the most valuable asset of Porte 22 was discovered: Patty Berfelo. Patty has lived most of her life in France and knows all there is to know about Pézenas and beyond. We have received as many (if not more) high praises for Patty’s guest services over the years than we have about the accommodation itself!
Louise
Patty
Testimonials
October 2023
This was our fourth visit to Porte 22, so that in itself speaks volumes. The house is beautiful and located perfectly for walking to excellent restaurants as well as shopping in the Medieval old town. Pezenas is situated in an area of Southern France that allows a base for easily exploring other regions…and close to the Mediterranean sea.
Patty is a treasure. She is a wealth of information, lots of fun and great conversation.
And yes, we hope to return in 2024 for the magical fifth visit!
Thank you, Louise!!
Harry
August 2023
I cannot recommend Porte 22 highly enough. it really is a home from home with everything you need. The kitchen is a delight to cook in. Louise and Patty are the perfect hosts. So knowledgeable and helpful.
The apartment is in the perfect location to access all the restaurants , shops and bars in Pezenas.
Ideal for a long weekend or a week.
Graham
Living history!
Jul 11, 2023
Calling Porte 22 a ‘stay’ is almost an insult – it is an ‘experience’! The house felt like a living being. Exquisitely restored, top of the range facilities, but never losing sight of it’s history. A young heart in an old soul. Mysteries of the ages abound. Porte 22 is but a stone’s throw from the higgledy-piggledy of the old centre with it’s artisans, restaurants and architecture. Overlooking a wide pedestrian street. And access into and out of Pezenas is a breeze with the car park only 200 metres away. Our communication with the owner Louise and her local, fiercely protective, guardian, Patty, was exceptional – both professional and warm. One week was hardly enough…
Robert & Sheila P.
Delightful Experience
Jun 10, 2023
Louise is a splendid host and her sidekick, Patty, is a treasure. We three old friends from Canada had everything we needed at Porte 22 for a delightful week in peaceful Pézenas. We enjoyed the modern kitchen with its topnotch equipment as well as the terrific rooftop terrace. The fusion of the old and the new is beautiful. We felt very cared for as Louise and Patty were attentive and helpful during our stay. Formidable!