The Rive Gauche is the special side of Marseillan. Behind the restaurants of the pleasure port – a casual saunter from the quaysides, just beyond the mast of the old wooden sailing boast Jusqu’au Bout and the stone breakwater is the simple Port Tabarka.

The swooping swallows have known it for years and families of ducks have long claimed the quarter for their own, the fishermen and winegrowers go about their daily business nodding to neighbours, sniffing the changing wind and setting the world to rights over a glass or two of pastis in a convivial shack.

The new cottages and townhouses of the port nestle comfortably alongside the wine chais and older warehouses and family homes of the quarter. On rue des Chantiers, Monsieur Tobal the cabinet maker saws, planes and hones fine timber into beautiful bespoke tables and dressers, around the corner on the rue 19 Mars, the winemakers of the Madeleine St Jean pour a glass of their viognier to offer a morning visitor; and from rue des Pecheurs, a chalut fishing boat heads out to the oysterbeds.

The house Rive Gauche nestles in the heart of this waterside quarter, a hundred yards from the lagoon itself.

Unlatch the gate into the small sunny terrace and let yourself in the house. On the ground floor is the bright and open kitchen and living room, with TV, music system and and a comfy sofa. The kitchen area is well equipped, with oven and hob, microwave, fridge and a well planned preparation area. Big double glass doors open out onto that south-facing terrace for dining al fresco under the pergola on oysters raised in the lagoon by Monsieur Azaïs along the lakeside and a glass or two of crisp white wine from the wine cellars at the top of the street.

Also downstairs is a second room, the study den which converts easily into an extra bedroom, thanks to the comfy sofa bed. During the day, this room is a lovely place for a quiet moment for pouring a glass of Noilly Prat, from the distillery in the port, settling back and dipping into a good book from the selection of French and English titles in the bookcase, or poring over a local map to plan a cycle trip around the lagoon or along the Canal du Midi. There is a ground floor shower room and wc and access to the garage.

Upstairs to two double bedrooms, one (with plenty of fitted wardrobe space) looking out onto the gardens of rue des Pecheurs, the other room with its views across to the lagoon. A second shower room and wc for the first floor bedrooms, means no long queues in the morning..

This large terraced cottage is just a couple of minutes mooch from the restaurants of the main port, and an easy walk to the heart of the village. Unusually for Marseillan, the house has a small garage to keep your car secure, and store a bike or two.

Now with Wifi in the house and on the south-facing terrace. TV (both UK and French digital channels) and music centre in the living room, a library den sanctuary, the sunny pergola on the terrace and a garage for storing your car and bikes.

Oven and fridge, two ring electric hob and microwave in fully fitted kitchen.

An easy stroll to the lakeside tennis courts, and the sailing clubs are just across the main port. Try your skills at windsports on the lagoon, or chance your arm at a game of Boules in the village.

You can set off on a cycling expedition from your front door, or cast a line from the rocks on the breakwater at the end of the street.

The village theatre is worth a visit for jazz or a boulevard comedy, and the church hosts charming summer concerts.

Market day is Tuesday: buy local olive oil, seafood, soaps and herbs. Sunday sees the biggest flea-market in the region - 5 minutes along the lakeside.

Spoil yourself with memorable meals on the quayside - just 2 minutes away, or enjoy a supper of steak and gambas cooked over an open fire in the village 500 yards from the port.\