WHY CHOOSE US?
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Small groups of only 4 to 6 people
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Stay in one place at an award winning bed and breakfast
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Minimal traveling each day - experience more, drive less
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No early morning departures
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Enjoy unique experiences only available on our tours
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The finest locally selected food and wine
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Handpicked premium restaurants
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All inclusive pricing - no surprise charges
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No luggage restrictions
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Private tours available from 4-7 people
ABOUT US
Originally from the UK and New Zealand we decided over thirteen years ago to move to the beautiful Minervois region in the ‘real’ south of France and put all of our skills to good use establishing a quality Bed and Breakfast.
Sainte-Hélène Chambres d’hôtes will be your home for 7 days.
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We have been voted in the top 25 B & B’s in France and we have many happy returning guests!
Kay & Mark 'Map Man' Williams...
Sainte-Hélène Chambres d'hôtes
OUR TOURS
After the encouragement of our guests, from 2018 we decided to offer a unique holiday opportunity in the beautiful Occitanie region with us as personal tour guides. So began the 'Real' South of France Tours. The Occitanie region is an amalgamation of the former Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi Pyrénées regions and we believe it is the ‘real’ south of France!
Our flagship tour is the 'Languedoc I Best Kept Secrets' 7 day tour which is recommended for people who haven't visited this region of France before. For those who have completed one of our Languedoc I tours or have visited the region previously, we have since added the 7 day 'Languedoc II More Secrets' Tour, where we travel slightly further afield. However either tour is suitable for first time visitors.
Our standard small group tours are limited to 6 people to ensure maximum comfort and personal attention. Our aim is to provide you with leisurely itineraries so we make the most of each day without traveling long distances.
If you want us to put together a customised tour for up to 6 people using our in-depth local knowledge please contact us here…
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Read what our guests have to say about us, our Bed & Breakfast and tours via this Trip Advisor link.
OUR TOUR GUESTS
"In early June we stayed at Kay and Mark's B&B Saint-Helene Chambres d'Hotes
while taking part in the small group
Real South of France Languedoc 1 tour, which they host.
The interior of the 19th century house has been sympathetically and stylishly renovated to a very high standard, and the bedrooms are spacious
and extremely comfortable.
The pace and content of the tour were just right: sight-seeing in the Languedoc countryside, visits to historic towns and villages, vineyards and markets, and participation in a French cooking class. The tour was also memorable as a food-wine experience, where we enjoyed the regional cuisine at first-class restaurants (including a Michelin rated restaurant).
Kay and Mark were outstanding hosts. They are friendly, hospitable, generous with their time, and went out their way to ensure we had an unforgettable holiday.
We strongly recommend Saint-Helene Chambres d'Hotes
and the Real South of France tour."
John & Kathie, June 2025
"We can’t thank you enough for the wonderful week we shared with you. Every aspect exceeded our expectations—from your beautiful home with all its thoughtful touches to the incredible tour itinerary that was both fascinating and delicious. In all our travels, we’ve never eaten so well! While we’re not wine drinkers ourselves, we could see that those who indulged had an especially wonderful time.
We’re particularly grateful for your sensitive attention to every guest’s needs. You were always looking out for everyone, and that kind of care makes all the difference in creating such a memorable experience."
Michael & Janet, May 2025
"My wife and I spent two wonderful weeks with Mark and Kay thanks to them being able to combine the Languedoc I and Languedoc II tours. They are excellent hosts and very well organized tour guides!
Sainte-Helene Chambres d'Hotes is beautiful and very comfortable. The bed was extremely comfortable in fact I think it cured my sciatica!
The Five Star Service is the best we have ever experienced!
They were able to accommodate our individual needs as they arose.
The restaurants and wineries were excellent! The local wineries and wine experts really added to the experience and increased our wine knowledge.
We have made numerous trips to France and other countries in Europe and
this was the best food we have ever eaten!
A big feature was that the tour was all inclusive!”
Robbie & Lynn, May 2024
"We have celebrated "June birthdays" together for many years in many places.
But this year's was absolutely the best
Amazing hosts, wonderful history, fantastic food and wine,
and every detail planned for us.
We'll be talking about this for years.
Thanks to Mark & Kay for anticipating every detail!”
Pat & J, Renee & John, Gwyn & Jay, June 2023
"Every day was spent travelling to lovely places and eating superb food
with excellent local wines.
The pace of the holiday was "just right".
Sightseeing every day and learning about the local area.
I cannot complement our hosts highly enough.
Helpful, thoughtful and provided great company for the holiday.
An absolutely fantastic week and one that I would have no hesitation in recommending to anyone who enjoys good food, wine
and seeing a lovely part of France.”
Alex & Norma, September 2022
"I have travelled for the last 20 years to many countries, and had several hosts and tour guides and who has been the best to date?
Kay & Mark!
You have given us the most wonderful time and your attention to our every need has been exceptional.”
Jill, June 2019
"We have such great memories of our time on our tour in Olonzac which became one of the best holidays we have had in France.
We can’t thank you enough for everything you did to make the week so special and for sharing your knowledge of the region with us.
Not to forget the wonderful food which will be a talking point for us for many moons.”
Jill & Jim, June 2018