Maison Des Vignobles

About this property

Imagine sitting on your courtyard terrace sipping a glass of Malbec produced from neighbouring vines as you relax in the beautiful surroundings of this characterful maison, close to some of the loveliest villages of the Lot valley.

Maison des Vignobles is certainly well positioned for visiting some of France’s famous Malbec producing vineyards surrounding Cahors. Yet there is more to just wine-tasting here – it’s also about letting children play on the vast lawns, admiring the spring blossom on the fruit trees, picking fresh figs for your breakfast and spending long summer afternoons cooling off in the swimming pool. With one hectare of glorious grounds and a pretty courtyard for al-fresco dining by the barbecue, this former priory has many reasons to appeal to guests.

Inside, soak up the charm of the attractive living area with its open fire-place, alongside a well-equipped kitchen-diner and handy features such as Satellite TV with UK channels, a music system and board games. Upstairs, three pretty bedrooms, including an en suite double in the tower room, complete this delightful home.

The helpful owners, who live discreetly in the main part of this historic house, are on hand if there is anything you may need. And despite the countryside setting, close to a little hamlet with a church and château, the nearest village is just 6km away with its boulangerie, café-restaurant and grocery shop.

Visit the bustling Farmer’s market in Prayssac, explore the enchanting lanes of Puy-l'Évêque or simply hire canoes along the River Lot for tranquil days out. Cycling and horse-riding are also great ways to admire the verdant scenery or you could even take a hot-air balloon ride for the most magnificent views.  

The old town of Cahors is also full of charm with its famous bridge, impressive cathedral and atmospheric markets selling all sorts of wonderful regional produce. Summer boat trips depart as far as the idyllic village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie or stay local and pass the Cahors vineyards by boat, admiring the stunning natural landscapes of the Lot Valley.

Surrounded by woodland, fields and neighbouring vineyards, Maison des Vignobles enjoys an enviable setting a short drive from the River Lot, 28km west of Cahors and near some of the Lot Valley’s most charming villages and wineries.

It’s such a picturesque location, around 1km from a little hamlet – make sure you try some of the Malbec wine that is produced from vines growing next to the maison’s grounds, just one of the many Malbec producing vineyards and wineries of this famous wine-growing region.

The local village, around 6km away, has a boulangerie, restaurant and grocery store whilst Prayssac (9km) has a lovely ambience with its shops, terrace cafes and bustling Farmer’s market on a Friday morning.

Head towards the River Lot where there’s a Base Nautique with bike hire and canoe rental or discover the beautiful landscapes on horseback with equestrian centres close by. Traditional boat trips along the Lot depart from Puy-l'Évêque (14km), one of the prettiest villages of the region with an atmospheric Tuesday morning market.

There’s another especially wonderful Farmer’s market twice weekly in Cahors (28km), a gorgeous town on the River Lot with its famous 14th century bridge, Pont Valentré, now a unesco World Heritage site. Spend time exploring the town’s historic lanes, discovering hidden gardens, shady squares and charming restaurants serving regional fare accompanied by excellent local wine from the Cahors vineyards in the surrounding area.

Summer boat excursions from Cahors lead to the idyllic village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (52km), one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ which has inspired artists over the years. Potter around the flower-filled lanes visiting art galleries, studios and little shops or stop off for a bite to eat in a traditional restaurant.

For a change of scene, drive north to the Dordogne and visit delightful villages and famous châteaux close to places like Domme, Beynac-et-Cazenac and La Roque-Gageac, all around an hour away.

Bastide towns such as Villefranche-du-Périgord (30km) and Monpazier (50km) are also easily reached for a day out in the Dordogne or head north-east towards the incredible town of Rocamadour (74km), perhaps stopping off in Gourdon (50km) on the way.

Accommodation

Maison Interiors (the private-wing of a larger house)

Ground Floor (split-level)

-    Open-plan living area with open fireplace, TV and DVD player. Doors lead to courtyard
-    Open-plan kitchen-diner, well-equipped including dining table, oven, hob, dishwasher, microwave, fridge-freezer and double sink
-    Utility room (accessed externally) with laundry facilities and drinks fridge with ice-machine

First Floor

-    Tower bedroom with double bed and en suite bathroom with shower, bidet and WC
-    Bedroom with twin beds (can be made into king-size double)
-    Bedroom with twin beds
-    Bathroom with shower and WC

Outside Grounds

-    Salt-water swimming pool (11x5m, max depth: 1.8m) with roman steps and safety alarm
-    Poolside area with sun-loungers
-    Solar shower
-    WC and hand basin
-    Courtyard with al-fresco dining area
-    Barbecue
-    Garden with lawns
-    Fruit trees (fig, walnut, apple, pear, cherry, plum)
-    On-site parking

Facilities

-    Wi-Fi
-    Heating
-    Fireplace
-    3 x floor-standing fans
-    Satellite TV (UK channels)
-    DVD player
-    DVD library
-    Music system
-    Board games
-    Artist's easel and drawing materials
-    Hairdryer
-    Ironing facilities
-    Washing machine