Self-catering cottages in Upper Dordogne Valley

Le Sud

46130 Bretenoux

Nearest town: Bretenoux

‘Le Sud’ is situated on the northern boundary of the Lot department close to the River Dordogne (500 metres) and there is a variety of different and interesting countryside in all directions. The nearest village is Puybrun (1 km), a quiet bastide settlement which contains a church, a hotel, two restaurants, two bars, two bakeries, two butchers, a small supermarket, a post office, a tabac and a pharmacy. There are good supermarkets, banks, various shops etc. at Bretenoux-Biars (5 km) and Bretenoux has a small market twice a week in the old town square.'

'Le Sud' is a delightful 19th century Quercy farmhouse and barns set in 15 acres of gardens, meadows and fields which abound with wild flowers (ten varieties of orchid can be found in its boundaries), birds (including the woodpecker, hoopoe, golden oriole and red kite) and animals such as roe deer. The well-maintained cultivated gardens are a colourful blaze against the attractive stone buildings and from the earliest snowdrops to the autumnal hues of the woodlands there is plenty to delight the avid nature lover or those just wishing to relax in solitude.

'Le Sud' is within easy reach of some of the most spectacular sites that France has to offer - Rocamadour (18kms), Le Gouffre de Padirac (8 Kms) and La Grotte de Lacave (20 Kms) etc. One is able to visit these easily and then return to the peace and tranquillity of ‘Le Sud,’ walk in the grounds or laze by the pool.

The saline swimming pool is available during the mid/high season for the use of residents as is the unlimited access to the meadows and woodland for recreation. There is table-tennis, boules/pétanque, children's swings, a Wendy House and a sandpit to ensure that even the youngest residents are never at a loose end. The 12 x 6 metre saline pool (no chlorine, no stinging eyes, nasty taste or smell) has loungers and parasols for your comfort, pool-side lights and under-water illumination. Close to all the cottages a small barn has been converted into a laundry room with automatic washing machines, irons, ironing boards and a freezer for the free use of guests.

Whatever the season in which you choose to visit there is so much to offer. Spring and Summer bring glorious days in which to explore the landscape and the hot days of summer are forever popular with sun-worshippers and water–lovers.

The four self-contained cottages converted from old farm buildings arranged around a courtyard have been sympathetically restored to a high standard with many exposed beams and original stone walls providing holiday accommodation with comfort, charm and character.

Each cottage contains a large living area with sofa, comfortable chairs and dining furniture. Each has a fully-fitted, well-equipped kitchen with cooker, refrigerator, and storage space for cutlery, crockery, kitchen utensils and food. All cottages except ‘La Petite Grange’ have microwave ovens. First floor accommodation is reached by an open-plan stairway and for out-of-season holidays 'La Petite Grange' and 'Le Jasmin' have wood-burning stoves for which well-seasoned wood can be supplied.

Every cottage has a fully tiled bathroom with bath, shower, bidet, wash-hand basin and toilet. Every cottage has one bedroom with double bed and a further bedroom with two single beds. All bedrooms have attractive beamed ceilings and ‘La Lavande’ has a further double bedroom on a mezzanine floor above the living room with its own separate toilet and wash-hand basin.

Each cottage has its own private patio with table, chairs, parasol and barbecue for those who enjoy ‘al fresco’ eating and from which the gardens and views can be enjoyed.

The 12 x 6 metre saline swimming pool (no chlorine, no stinging eyes, nasty taste or smell) has loungers and parasols for your comfort, poolside lights and underwater illumination and is shared with the other guests and owners. There is table tennis, boules/pétanque, children’s swings, a Wendy House and a sandpit to ensure that even our youngest guests are never at a loose end.

Attractions

There is a wealth of things to do within easy reach – watersports enthusiasts will love the clear swift waters of the Dordogne for canoeing, kayaking and boating, while lovers of fishing will find an abundance of trout and pike. Those who like walking will enjoy the numerous walks in the surrounding countryside. There are many picturesque villages such as Bretenoux, Carennac, Loubressac, Autoire, Gluges, Meyronne and Turenne each with architecture so typical of Quercy. Or visit the wonderful chateaux of Castelnau, Montal, Belcastel and La Treyne. Other sports such as tennis and golf are also nearby. This region has been called ‘the Kitchen of France’ and you can be assured of excellent food. It specialises in duck and goose products (the home of foie gras) and other gastronomical delights include truffles, asparagus, walnuts and strawberries. The vineyards of Cahors and Bergerac are also within reach. Visit some of the many caves in the area including the Gouffre de Padirac which you can explore both on foot and by boat and marvel at the 94-metre high arched roof of Grand Dome and the beautiful Lac Supérieur 27 metres above the river bed. No visit to the area is complete without a visit to the beautiful medieval village of Rocamadour which, with its chateau and abbey, clings to the perpendicular side of the valley.

Price

Please see Owners' website

Contact details

Harvey and Colette Jacobsen

Click e-mail to contact owner;

Tel. 0033 (0)565 38 64 90

English Francais

Please mention OurInns.org when enquiring or booking

Booking

Please see Owners' website

Facilities

Maximum occupants: 18

Booking confirmation: Within 48 hours

Le Sud

From ourgites.org in Midi-Pyrenees, Lot