Character Village House — Cessenon-Sur-Orb, Languedoc, South of France

Property Description

Summary
Price: €380,000
In the heart of Cessenon-sur-Orb — a charming village nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the mountains of the Haut-Languedoc — this substantial traditional house offers 185 m² of living space, abundant natural light, and the timeless appeal of southern French living.
The Property
Built in 1973, this detached house is arranged over three levels, offering remarkable flexibility.
The ground floor forms a self-contained apartment with a living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, a bathroom and a separate WC — perfect for hosting family and friends, generating rental income, or creating a home office. A 27 m² garage with automatic door and a laundry room complete this level.
The first floor reveals the heart of the home: a generous 31 m² living room flooded with light, featuring a fireplace with insert, opening onto a south-facing balcony. The floor also includes a kitchen, three spacious bedrooms (the largest at 14.5 m²), a bathroom with double basin and bidet, and a separate WC.
The second floor provides an attic space with potential for further conversion — ideal for those wishing to extend.
Outside, an 18 m² extension houses a summer kitchen and a wine cellar — the perfect setting for long summer evenings under the stars. A workshop, a cellar, and a storeroom provide generous additional storage.
Features & Upgrades
The house has benefited from significant improvements: an air-to-water heat pump, PVC/aluminium double-glazed windows throughout, automatic entrance gate, intercom system, and a private borehole for water. The construction is solid, the rooms are generously proportioned, and the full south-facing orientation ensures sunshine throughout the year.
The Lifestyle
The enclosed, tree-lined 590 m² garden includes a sun-drenched terrace and a shaded seating area — made for al fresco dining on warm summer nights. A built-in barbecue stands ready for convivial gatherings.
Cessenon-sur-Orb is a lively village where everything you need is within a 5-minute walk: bakery, pharmacy, newsagent-tobacconist, petrol station, and a medical centre. Schools are nearby, and — best of all — direct access to the River Orb and its natural swimming beach, the very essence of a Languedoc summer. Right at the doorstep, the Passa Païs Greenway stretches over 100 km of cycling and walking trails through stunning Languedoc countryside — a haven for nature lovers, hikers, and cyclists.
Located just 30 minutes from the Mediterranean coast and 30 minutes from the Haut-Languedoc mountains, Cessenon offers a rare balance between seaside pleasures and mountain escapes. The surrounding hills are draped with the celebrated vineyards of Saint-Chinian, one of the Languedoc's finest wine appellations.
Key Facts
• Living space: 167 m² + 18 m² extension (summer kitchen & wine cellar)
• Plot: 590 m², enclosed and landscaped
• Rooms: 7 rooms, 5 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms
• Heating: air-to-water heat pump
• Windows: PVC/aluminium double glazing
• Garage: 27 m² with automatic door
• Extras: automatic gate, private borehole, fireplace with insert, barbecue, intercom
• Orientation: full south
• Year built: 1973
• Price: €380,000

Location
Cessenon-sur-Orb is a vibrant village on the banks of the River Orb, in the heart of the Haut-Languedoc. This house was designed and built by the listed painter Paul Milhé, who drew lifelong inspiration from the landscapes and light of this very place. Surrounded by the celebrated Saint-Chinian vineyards, the village offers a natural swimming beach on the river, shops, schools, and a genuine year-round community — not a seasonal ghost town. The Passa Païs Greenway, a 100 km cycling and walking trail, runs right past the house. Mediterranean beaches are 30 minutes south, the Haut-Languedoc mountains 30 minutes north, and Béziers just 20 minutes away.

Access
All daily amenities are within a 5-minute walk: bakery, pharmacy, newsagent-tobacconist, petrol station, and medical centre. The village is connected by the D14 to Béziers (20 min) and the A75/A9 motorways. Béziers-Cap d'Agde airport offers seasonal flights to the UK and northern Europe. Montpellier airport is approximately 1 hour away, Toulouse 2 hours. The Béziers TGV station provides direct high-speed rail links to Paris (4h), Lyon, and Barcelona.

Interior
Three levels of generous, flexible living space. The ground floor forms a self-contained apartment: living room, kitchen, two bedrooms, bathroom and WC — ideal for guests, rental income or a home office. A 27 m² garage with automatic door and a laundry room complete this level. The first floor is the main residence: a bright 31 m² living room with fireplace and insert, opening onto a south-facing balcony. Kitchen, three spacious bedrooms (the largest 14.5 m²), bathroom with double basin and bidet, and separate WC. The second floor offers convertible attic space with potential for further extension. Quality construction throughout, with generous ceiling heights and abundant natural light.

Exterior
Enclosed and tree-lined 590 m² plot with automatic gate. South-facing terrace for all-day sun, plus a shaded seating area perfect for summer evening dining. An 18 m² extension houses a fully equipped summer kitchen and a wine cellar — the heart of outdoor entertaining. Built-in barbecue. Additional outbuildings: workshop, cellar and storeroom. Private borehole for garden watering.

Additional Details
Air-to-water heat pump for efficient heating. PVC/aluminium double-glazed windows throughout. Automatic entrance gate with intercom. Automatic garage door. Fireplace with insert in the main living room. Private borehole. Mains electricity and mains water connected. The house has been well maintained with significant upgrades (heating, windows), while leaving scope for a buyer to modernise kitchens, bathrooms and finishes to their own taste. Solid 1973 construction with quality materials and generous proportions. Originally built by the painter Paul Milhé (works referenced on ArtMajeur), who chose this south-facing orientation for its exceptional natural light — a true artist's instinct that benefits every room in the house.