La Loge / La Petite Maison (annexe)

La Loge has been imaginatively converted from a barn, retaining much of the exposed stonework and many of the original old beams, to provide quality accommodation for four people. 

La Petite Maison (adjoining) is self contained providing accommodation for a further two people if required and is ONLY available if booked in conjunction with La Loge for your friends or family. Rest assured that if La Petite Maison is not needed, it will not be rented out to others during your stay.

The property is totally private for you and is set in its own large courtyard, which is equipped with dining table and chairs, parasol, sun loungers and barbecue, La Loge faces south.To one side of the courtyard is the bakehouse (with the original bread oven restored as a feature), the roof of which extends to provide a shaded dining area. There is a small adjacent field of trees, which visitors can access.

The large kitchen has limed oak cabinets with tiled work surfaces and is well equipped with electric oven, microwave, fridge freezer, dishwasher, toaster, coffee maker, kettle and a corner awning over a ceramic hob. There is sufficient cooking utensils, beautiful crockery, cutlery and glassware, not only for four occupants, but also for any visitors. A washing machine and dryer are also provided.

The cast iron log burner is an attractive feature for off season rentals. The TV receives both English and French programs and English radio, and there is a DVD/CD player. Broadband is wired to La Loge and the Wifi signal is reliable.

There are two bedrooms with comfortable mattresses and atractive painted furniture. Duvets and British pillows are provided, and bed linen and towels can be provided for a small extra charge. A pine cot, high chair and stair gate are available if required.

- Bedrooms - double bed and two single beds with exposed stone walls and beamed ceilings

- Kitchen - modern appliances

- Living room - open plan with large living room, dining area and kitchen

- Courtyard - large covered dining area, garden furniture, sun loungers, barbecue, table tennis and badminton

- Internet – reliable broadband with good WiFi signal

- Heating - wood burner, oil central heating

- Situation - quiet, private, very large south-facing courtyard

All rooms are equipped with electric convector heaters for use when required.

Full oil central heating is installed and can be used by arrangement for an extra charge of €90 per week for 8 hours per day (timed to your requirements). Logs are available for the wood-burning stove.

La Garenne is an ideal base for exploring the Lot Valley. We are in the heart of Cahors wine country, close to the River Lot and the charming market towns of Prayssac, Montcuq and Puy l'Eveque.

The houses have an elevated position and are situated on the edge of a hamlet, surrounded by beautiful countryside, in the midst of a small farming and wine producing community.

Le Vert is 3km from the village of Sauzet, which has a bakery, shop, restaurant and bar, post office and doctor. For more shopping and the Farmers' Friday Market, Prayssac is just 20 minutes away, next to the River Lot. Cahors, just 22 kilometers to the east, is the historic capital of the Lot department and is known for its fortified bridge, old town and domed cathedral. Twenty minutes to the northwest is Puy l'Eveque, an attractive medieval town on a promontory overlooking the River Lot and reflected in the calm waters. To the south, ten minutes away by car, Montcuq is a small country town with a colorful Sunday morning market.

LANDSCAPE:

The old name of the department of the Lot was Quercy and the adjective 'Quercynoise' is still used to describe the architecture, crafts and other typical elements of the Lot. The Quercy Blanc is an area of ​​spectacular scenery ranging from steep gorges to the gentler rolling countryside of the south west with rural market towns, peaceful valleys, quiet roads and an unhurried pace of life. In almost every bend you will find atmospheric stone houses, with the characteristic Roman canal-tiled roofs of the district. The landscape of the Lot is calm and peaceful.

This land is the true sunny gateway to the Southwest. Winters are relatively mild, spring and fall are often beautiful, and it enjoys long, hot, dry summers.

SIGHTSEEING:

For tourists there is the spectacular Rocamadour, the second most visited place in France, with its buildings against the cliffs, the picturesque village of St Cirq Lapopie (recently voted the most beautiful village in France), Padirac, one of the largest gorges in Europe with its caves and underground boat trips; the beautiful 20,000-year-old cave paintings of Pech-Merle; the rather busy but nevertheless attractive riverside villages of Beynac, La Roque Gageac and Domme in the Dordogne, as well as the medieval town of Sarlat; the bastide towns of Monflanquin, Monpazier and Villereal; Albi with its beautiful cathedral and the Toulouse Lautrec museum; the Chateau de Biron and the fortified Chateau de Bonaguil.

Almost on the doorstep are the pretty villages along the River Lot, including Albas, Luzech, Castelfranc and Douelle.

The old and beautiful town of Cahors is located 22 km from La Garenne and is the main town of the Department. Dating back to Roman times, it was built in a loop of the River Lot and the medieval area remains a warren of narrow streets, centered on the beautiful 12th-century cathedral. The fortified Pont Valentre bridge over the river is a World Heritage Site and justifiably famous. Situated on the main tree-lined Boulevard there are numerous bars and restaurants that spill out onto the pavement and along the side streets you will find interesting little shops and a large covered market.

ACTIVITIES:

The River Lot is now open to navigation and it is possible to take boat trips between Luzech and St Cirq-Lapopie, through Cahors and past the vineyards, castles and villages that dot the valley. Canoes can be hired from base nautique along the river which is peaceful and calm. For the more adventurous, we recommend renting a kayak on the Cele River.

Swimmers and young children will enjoy lakes with sandy beaches at Montcuq, Catus and Montaigu de Quercy, and there is a small beach at Castelfranc from which you can swim in the river.

There are many attractive local walks including two 'Circuit' which run through Le Vert as well as the 'Grand Randonne 36' which runs through the Lot valley, sometimes along the tops of the hills, sometimes along the valley floor. The rural environment and the special local architecture make walking or cycling in the Lot a real pleasure.

Throughout the summer months, a very wide range of events are offered locally, including festivals, concerts, theatre, art exhibitions or simply village festivals.

Tasting the local wines is another delightful diversion and offers the opportunity to meet the friendly local producers. You will find many domains and chateaux that are only too happy to receive visitors and offer a 'tasting'. The rich dark Cahors wine, much loved by the Romans when they occupied this part of France, and later enjoyed by the Czars of Russia, gets its character from the sunny slopes below the Causse or in the river valley. 

Last but not least, gastronomy is part of the way of life here, and the local delicacies include goose and duck confit, walnut tart, foie gras, truffles and small round goat's cheese called 'cabecou'.

There are many good and inexpensive restaurants and ferme auberge in the area and we are happy to give you a list of our recommendations.

- Location: La Garenne is the ideal base for exploring the Lot Valley

- Sights: picturesque towns and villages and spectacular nature

- Activities: something for everyone – hiking, boating, swimming

- Food & Drink: good local restaurants, wine tasting, local specialities

- Markets: farmers markets locally for six days a week