Lovely Holiday Villa with Pool

Les Lavandes (for 2) details

Home description

Ideal for those seeking to get away from it all, Les Lavandes offers everything one could need for a restful holiday. Situated in a tiny hamlet amongst wonderful countryside with no through traffic, the property has been well equipped with every convenience.  The villa is situated in the department of the Lot 15km from the bustling and vibrant town of Cahors, Quercy's capital - famous for its red wine, and approx 100 km North of Toulouse. It is ideally placed for exploring a wide and varied area of South West France including the Dordogne, Aveyron and Tarn-et-Garonne.

If this is your first visit to this region, you will find a host of activities to see and do, of which we can name but a few. If you are returning for a second (or more) visit, you will know that it is impossible to see everything in just a couple of weeks!

Your holiday villa is situated near the little village of Cours which sits above the river Lot. As you approach the village from the river at Vers, ascending the Causse of Gramat, a magnificent view of the river and surrounding countryside awaits you.

Your first impression as you reach Les Lavandes is simply breathtaking. Set in an elevated position, the views, nearly 360 degrees, extend over the surrounding countryside for many kilometers. The villa is accessed by it's own drive and enjoys a position of privacy, surrounded by 14 acres of lawn, meadow-land and wood-land and there is much to explore with plenty of walks exhibiting flora and fauna on your doorstep.

The grounds abound in established trees, fruit trees, shrubs and of course lavender bushes from which the property derives it's name. Les Lavandes has its own private garden in which to relax and perhaps enjoy a barbecue with a glass or two of local Cahors wine.

You will be welcomed by the owners whose own farmhouse is on site yet sufficiently distanced from your accommodation to ensure peace and privacy if that is what you are seeking. We are however, available should you need us.

Accommodation detail

Accommodation comprises

• Living room - Double glazed French windows, sofa, coffee table. Television (English satellite channels), DVD Player. Stereo system with CD, cassette player & radio. Shelving units with selection of books and games and cosy lighting.
• Kitchen - Well equipped with gas cooker, large fridge with integral freezer box, dish washer, micro-wave, toaster, coffee-maker etc. Table and chairs.
  Bathroom - Large bathroom with bath and overhead shower. Sink unit. Washing machine.
• Separate WC - with hand basin
• Bedroom - Double bed, wardrobe, 2 chests of drawers. The windows are double aspected and have pull-down mosquito nets for your comfort.  A hairdryer is provided.

Outside

• Surrounding the property on all sides are private gardens. There is ample garden furniture and a barbecue for your use.

The Pool

The mosaic tiled salt water pool which is shared with only one other villa is a deep luxurious 12m x 7m. Salt water is much gentler on the skin than a chlorinated pool. One side of the pool cascades over the edge providing continuous filtration and the pool is strategically installed so that when one is swimming, it appears that the edge falls away over the extensive views of the surrounding countryside. The shallowest end is approximately 1.5 metres deep with corner steps descending into the pool for those less inclined to jump or dive straight in! The pool is fitted with safety alarms complying to French government swimming pool regulations.

An electronic 'robot' ensures the bottom of the pool is kept clear of debris, and a bubble cover overnight encourages the pool to retain the warmth of the day. There is a solar-heated shower at one corner of the terrace.  There is underwater lighting for those who wish to take a night-time dip and there are attractive lights surrounding the pool.

A non-slip paved patio surrounds the pool, with a table, parasol and sun-beds for relaxation. What better way to un-wind than with a good book (between 'dips') or perhaps just admiring the spectacular view.

Parents should be responsible for their children at all times particularly in and around the pool.

"Peace, quiet, beautiful views, great pool and great people - only wish we didn't have to leave" - Sue and Mike - Gloucester

"Paradise found!" - Terry and Joyce - Cheshire

"Even hotter than last year! Once again excellent holiday. Next June can't come quick enough" Sue and Roger - UK

About the location

Within a 15 kms radius there are a number of small interesting villages to explore, where local markets can be found on different days of the week

A visit to Cahors is a must. A large tourist office in the centre of the town will help you to plan your visit to all the interesting sites Cahors has to offer, including the famous Pont Valentre bridge noted for its outstanding architectural design and fascinating folklore.  

There are two markets in Cahors; Wednesday mornings and the huge market on Saturday mornings which extends into the Gambetta square. The sight, smells and sounds of this bustling market will surely entice you to pick up some fresh produce for your evening meal back at the villa!

Other towns within a 45 minute drive that are worth a visit are Figeac and Villefranche-de-Rouerge.

Smaller villages along the river that should not be missed are Puy l'Eveque, Praysac and Bonaguil with its famous chateaux.

The unforgettable village of St. Cirq Lapopie is 20 minutes away and is an absolute delight. Set perched on a hill overlooking the River Lot, you will find apart from the history this village has to offer, many gifts for family and friends. The narrow streets are lined with dwellings which offer local artisans' work from leather goods to jewellery, and cafes and restaurants in which to stop and refresh oneself before ascending to the highest view point over the villages, roads and river below.

Close by to St. Cirq is Cabrerets where the famous Grotte du Peche Merle is found. Here you can witness one of the most beautiful legacies left to Europe by the painters and engravers among our prehistoric ancestors. Human figures, mammoths, bison, horses and other animals are found on the walls of these caves and human footprints can be seen at the bottom of a dry pool!  As well as Stalactites and Stalagmites cave pearls or pisolites have formed - specks of grain or gravel carried down by the water and coated with calcite and polished by the running water which continues today.

Further sites of Pre-History can be found by a visit to Rocamadour approximately 1 hours drive away. The village, built into the hillside, can be visited by using the little train which travels up and down the village for those less energetic, stopping at the shops and cafes. Leading from the village to the spiritual heart of the old city is the Grand Escalier with 216 steps! The Abbots' Palace, formerly the palace of the Bishops of Tulle has been well restored and well worth a visit.

Needless to say, there are excellent 'walks' around the area - we have some booklets available for 'suggested walks' which you are welcome to borrow.

South, from Les Lavandes is Albi, the " rose city ", so called because of it's pink granite stone and famous for among other aspects, the Toulouse Lautrec Museum.

The university city of Toulouse (just over 1 hr by autoroute) with its international airport, offers everything one would expect from a large city and is well worth a visit. With its beautiful historic centre, Toulouse is one of the most vibrant and metropolitan provincial cities in France.  It is immensely pleasurable to sit at one of the cafe tables in the great square of Place du Capitol enjoying a crisp salad lunch and a glass of wine and watch life go by!   The lanes of shops spiral out from the main square and are great fun to explore.  The tourist office is just behind the Place du Capitol and with so much to do and see, allow a full day (or more)  to do Toulouse justice.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and facilities.

Activities near by

Archery, Badminton, Bird Watching, Canoeing, Cycling, Fishing, Horse riding, Kayaking, Riverside activities, Rock climbing, Sightseeing, Swimming, Tennis, Walking, Wine tasting

See Activities and attractions for more information on nearby activities and places of interest.

How to get here

Air: Toulouse Blagnac is the nearest international airport and is about 1 hour away by car. EasyJet offer cheap flights from London Gatwick. Carcassonne Salvaza Airport is approximately 2 hours and Ryanair from Stansted in the UK often offer extremely good deals.

Road: The journey from Calais is around 600 miles and can be done in a day, taking around 8.5 -10 hours depending on the traffic and number of breaks you take. A comprehensive route from Calais can be supplied on booking including a detailed route round the Francilienne ring round outside Paris. The property is conveniently situated 10 minutes drive from the Cahors Nord exit of the A20 Autoroute.

From St Malo the Journey takes around 6.5 hours.

See Local guide and map for information on nearby towns and airports.