Sauvegarde
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£225–£475 / week
About the home
Sauvegarde is a typical stone-built Quercynoise detached house, set in a hectare of its own grounds. It is found on a hilltop with far-reaching views across the surrounding countryside as far as the Cantal mountains to the north. It is tucked away at the end of a track, and does not receive any through traffic. It is the perfect spot for seclusion and privacy, and for those wanting to get away from it all.
The house comprises two floors; a lower kitchen/living room with the bedroom and shower room and toilet on the upper floor. The house is warm and airy, and the dormer windows allow views over the surrounding beautiful countryside and woodland of the Causse in the southern Lot.
The main ‘room’ in use throughout the year is the large garden. The area directly surrounding the house is made up of lawns and established flower beds, with fruit trees and bushes throughout. There is seasonal fruit freely available throughout the year in the garden including cherries, plums, blackcurrants, rhubarb, redcurrants, strawberries, raspberries, figs, lime flowers, mulberry, and herbs for cooking (lovage, sage, fennel, mint, lavender, thyme, oregano). There is a pretty stone table and chairs directly outside the house, with seating also in the cool outbuildings which is a bonus in the heat of summer.
Outwith the main garden is a large area of native grassland with connecting pathways affording a closer inspection of the wild plants (including four species of orchids) and insects that are a highlighting feature of the limestone habitat for which this area is well-known. The hilltop location also affords wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, whether through the heat of the summer, the dry chill of the winter, watching passing thunderstorms, stunning sunsets or viewing the stars and Milky Way in the incredibly clear night skies.
It is situated at the periphery of a small hamlet close to the small village of Beduer, and the local Restaurant de l’été which offers use of the swimming pool for those dining there. The house is also 15 minutes drive from the beautiful market town of Figeac, with many amenities and famous for its connections with Champollion and the Rosetta stone. Sauvegarde is situated at the top of a hill between the two local rivers of the Lot and the Célé away which offers fishing,(with permit) bird watching, canoeing and other water based activities.
Sauvegarde means ‘safeguard’ and historically was a place typically sought out by those in times of need. With its situation several hundred metres from the nearest habitation, but close enough to local towns and villages for amenities and entertainment, the house offers the perfect opportunity for a secluded get away from it all, whether alone or as a couple. It is perfectly suited to one or two people with a keen interest in birds, nature, wildlife and flora and fauna, who value their independence, tranquillity and seclusion, and who enjoy a retreat from contact with the hustle and bustle of daily life.
For a more detailed description of the flora and fauna at Sauvegarde, please go to the website www.sauvegarde.co.uk
| Size: | Sleeps up to 2, 1 bedroom |
|---|---|
| Nearest beach: | Montpelier, 240km |
| Will consider: | Long lets |
| Access: | Car essential Nearest amenities: 10km |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for over 5s only Unsuitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | May take pets - please enquire No smoking at this property Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Log fire, DVD player |
|---|---|
| General: | CD player |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Cooker, Fridge, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 1 Bedroom, 1 shower room |
| Furniture: | Double beds (2), Dining seating for 5, Lounge seating for 1 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided |
| Outdoors: | Private garden |
| Access: | Parking space |
Further details indoors:
The south facing house is set on two floors; the open plan living room / kitchen is approached at ground level, and is furnished comfortably with large sofa plus a dining table and chairs.
Upstairs there is a large open plan wooden floored bedroom with two double beds, with the ceiling comprising exposed oak beams and finished in a traditional style. There is a small en-suite shower room and separate toilet. There are windows looking out on the view to both front and back of the house, and down the main drive to the west.
On the lowest level there is a cave / cellar containing the water-heating unit and washing machine.
An information pack with points of interest and local attractions is available in the cottage. All bedding, towels and tea towels are provided. A selection of DVDs is provided with the DVD system.
Further details outdoors:
The garden is the main ‘room used throughout the year. A great deal of time and effort was put into the garden in the early years, and many of the beds surrounding the main house are quite mature with a combination of shrubs, fruit bushes and summer flowers. There are lawns surrounding the house which are well-tended by the local caretaker, as well as pathways cut through the larger area of natural grassland further away from the house. This allows a certain level of access into the native habitats and to see the natural species of flowers and insects at a closer level, as well as the views over the surrounding countryside and beyond as far as the Cantal mountains.
Eating can take place outside at the stone table and chairs, situated just outside the main door and within easy access of the kitchen, as well as in the open outbuildings in inclement weather. There is little light pollution in this part of the Lot and the night skies are amazing with clear views of the Milky Way. The centre of the local Parc Natural de Quercy has the purest night sky in all of France (www.parc-causses-du-quercy.fr/index.php/decouvrir).
Private parking.
Further details
Sauvegarde has everything you need for a relaxing holiday but any special requests can be made to the caretaker in advance of your stay. The owners of the property do not stay at the house, so the house and grounds are completely for your own use during your stay. The caretaker for the property lives in the next house down from Sauvegarde (roughly 700 metres, or a couple of minutes walk), and speaks fluent English, French, Dutch, Spanish as well as Italian. She will be there to meet you on arrival, show you around the property and answer any questions.
No smoking.
All bedding and towels provided.
A welcome pack is provided, but any specific requests appreciated and tailored for.
The property is not particularly suitable for children, however, a baby bed and bedding can be provided for anyone with a very young child.
A neutered male cat (Charlie) lives in the outbuildings surrounding the main house. He is very friendly, but does not come inside the house itself. Please keep this in mind if you have any allergies to cats, and for this reason there is a ‘No pets allowed’ policy. There is always room for flexibility, so please get in touch if you have any specific queries regarding pets.
Directions will be sent out on booking.
For further information about Sauvegarde and its surrounds, please go to the website www.sauvegarde.co.uk
Photos
The Midi-Pyrenees / Lot region
The closest town is Figeac, and is only 10-15 minutes drive away from the house and offers a wide range of amenities, such as supermarkets, markets, post office, bank, hospital, bars and restaurants, as well as leisure facilities including canoeing, horse riding, tennis, walking and the cinema. In the other direction, the small town of Cajarc is very beautiful and welcoming, situated next to a large limestone cliff and next to the River Lot. It hosts the annual music festival of Africajarc every summer.
The main large town in the area is Cahors, which is a 50 minute drive along a stunning road that runs alomg the river Lot. The Lot area is well-known for its prehistoric sites and caves at Foissac, Padirac and Pech Merle, as well as a multitude of dolmens and small stone-built dwellings (Cazelles) throughout the local woodland. The cliff side towns of Rocamadour and St Cirq Lapopie are well-publicised tourist attractions, with a hot-air balloon festival every year at Rocamadour. In the holiday season there is also a wide range of theatre, markets and music in the area.
If there is not enough to see and do in the Lot, the Aveyron department is just to the south of the house, with the main town of Villefrance-sur-Rouerge just 50 minutes drive away. This hosts an enormous central bastide, an indoor swimming pool for the cooler parts of the year, and regular markets, particularly at Christmas. The area is renowned for its castles such as those found at Najac, Peyrusse-le-Roc (fantastic fireworks display in September), as well as stunning chateaux along the length of the Dordogne just an hour’s drive to the north.
Sauvegarde is situated at the edge of the beautiful Parc Naturel du Quercy, with its sweeping limestone cliffs and valleys and associated flora and fauna, and is a haven for nature lovers.
There are so many activities and places of interest the local tourist information centre (English speaking) can help you choose from the wide variety of things to do and see.
The Figeac / Beduer area
The area local to Sauvegarde is based at the edge of the Parc Naturel de Quercy (/www.parc-causses-du-quercy.fr). Apart from the stunning limestone landforms and associated flora and fauna, the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy offers an exceptional chance to observe the night sky. Thanks to the preservation of its environment due to the lowest level of light pollution in the country, from several points in the centre of an area covering thirty square kilometres the stars are clearly visible in a pristine sky.
The Lot department has the honour of hosting a large proportion of the Way of St. James, or the Route de St. Jacques de Compostella, which passes close by to Sauvegarde, in between the house and Beduer. This particular section of the route runs from le Puy en Velay to Santiago de Compostela, a way also known as the “via podensis”, one of the 4 major routes described from the 12th century onwards to reach the Spanish destination of Santiago de Compostela.
Pilgrims can often be seen throughout the spring and summer adorned with scallop shells, some in full pilgrim dress, occasionally with donkeys accompanying them.
The local village of Beduer is situated 2 minutes drive away from Sauvegarde on a plateau at the foothills of the Massif Central between Causse and Limargue. At the top of the village is the medieval castle built by the Barasc family (Géraud 5th was bishop of Cahors from 1237 to 1250) in the 13th century.
Cajarc is situated 20 minutes drive from Sauvegarde. Below tall cliffs, it occupies a former meander in the river Lot, abandoned by the river several thousand years ago. There is a stretch on water on the river Lot that is equipped for water sports (water skiing, jet skiing). Every year Cajarc organises a festival “Africajrc” dedicated to African music. One can visit the contemporary art centre Georges Pompidou and in October the Saffron farms.
Local tourist information pages (www.tourism-figeac.com) have a wealth of information, and will be able to provide details of festivals and events in the area.
LOCAL ACTIVITIES:
Cycling & mountain biking :
Cyclande Situated in Beduer (www.cyclande.com) 05 6511 40 45
Horse riding
Association Cheval Sport Figeac 05 65 34 22 79
Fishing
Fédération du Lot des Associations agréées pour la Pêche et la Protection du Milieu Aquatique, Cahors (05 65 35 50 22)
http://www.pechelot.com
Water sports
Domaine du Surgié Aqua leisure park Open all through the year Figeac 05 65 34 59 00; Canoes, pedalos. Aquatic centre : wave pool, water slide. Open every day in July and August. Amusements : Trampoline, children’s play area, crazy golf. Open every day in July and August. Restaurant and bar.
Water sport centre, Cajarc . 100 m wide protected area on the Lot river for water skiing, fishing. Canoes and slow boats permitted. Bathing not allowed. 05 65 40 65 20
Aqua Leisure park of Capdenac :12700 CAPDENAC05 65 64 74 87Open from July to August.
Swimming pools
Piscine intercommunale Cajarc 05 65 40 71 67
Indoor swimming pool Capdenac Gare 05 65 64 70 26
Aquatic Centre Figeac. 05 65 34 18 76 with wave pool, water slide, and open every day from July to August.
Outdoor activities
www.kalapca.com Canoes and Kayaks on the Lot and Célé rivers,, potholing, canyoning, rock-climbing, adventure trails, hiking, trekking, accommodation.Open : all year, by booking
Office Intercommunal des sports Figeac, for all sporting activities including horse riding and canoeing/kayaking, (05 65 34 52 54)
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Rodez: 65 km |
| Railway: | Figeac: 10 km |
| Ferry: | Le Havre: 750 km |
Air
Rodez: (05 65 76 02 00) the nearest airport taking approximately 50 minutes by car, with flights with Ryanair to London Stansted
Limoges: (05 55 43 30 30) Two and a half hours by car (www.limogesairport.com) with flights with Ryanair and Flybe to many UK destinations
Toulouse: (08 25 38 00 00) Two hours by car (www.toulouse.aeroport.fr) with flights with Easyjet, bmibaby, British Airways and Flybe to Edinburgh, London, Bristol and East Midlands.
Ryanair – www.ryanair.com
Easyjet – www.easyjet.com
British Airways – www.britishairways.com
Bmibaby – www.bmibaby.com
Flybe – www.flybe.com
Rail
The nearest train station is in Figeac (15 minutes by car) and is an easy walk from the centre, with plenty of free parking. (www.sncf.com)
Sea
The two options of crossing the Channel with a vehicle are by ferry or Channel Tunnel.
Various ferry options are available, although good personal experience has been with LD Lines (www.ldlines.co.uk) from Portsmouth to Le Havre. It is 750 km from Figeac to Le Havre ferry port.
Other options include: P&O Ferries, Calais-Dover & La Harve-Portsmouth (www.poferries.com) and Calais-Dover (www.seafrance.fr)
The Channel Tunnel provides a larger number of crossing options, and is very fast, but does add an extra few hours to the car journey south (www.eurotunnel.com)
Car hire
Europcar (Rodez) – 05 65 34 06 05
Rentacar (Figeac) - 05 65 41 03 95
ADA/CESA (Figeac) – 05 65 11 62 92
Opel rent (Figeac)- 05 65 14 02 14
Activities near Figeac
Tennis in town
Waterpark
Horse Riding
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: British £ | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 2 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| February | 4 Feb 12 | 3 Mar 12 | £ 225 | - | - | 1 Week |
| March | 3 Mar 12 | 31 Mar 12 | £ 275 | - | - | 1 Week |
| April / May | 31 Mar 12 | 2 Jun 12 | £ 325 | - | - | 1 Week |
| June | 2 Jun 12 | 30 Jun 12 | £ 375 | - | - | 1 Week |
| July | 30 Jun 12 | 21 Jul 12 | £ 425 | - | - | 1 Week |
| August | 21 Jul 12 | 1 Sep 12 | £ 475 | - | - | 1 Week |
| September | 1 Sep 12 | 29 Sep 12 | £ 375 | - | - | 1 Week |
| October | 29 Sep 12 | 3 Nov 12 | £ 325 | - | - | 1 Week |
| November | 3 Nov 12 | 1 Dec 12 | £ 275 | - | - | 1 Week |
| December | 1 Dec 12 | 22 Dec 12 | £ 225 | - | - | 1 Week |
| Christmas / New Year | 22 Dec 12 | 5 Jan 13 | £ 425 | - | - | 1 Week |
The property's weekend rates apply to: Saturday and Sunday nights
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
The property is heated by a wood-burning stove, which would be required from October to March depending upon the weather. Outwith these months the ambient temperature is sufficient for the house to feel warm. During summer months the temperatures can be very high, and ventilation fans are provided. Cut wood is provided for use in the stove, and payment calculated on usage (60 Euros per cubic metre which should be sufficient for a week’s heating through the colder months).
A 50% non-refundable deposit of the rental will be payable on confirmation of the booking with the balance payable 8 weeks prior to the start of the holiday. A refundable deposit against damages will be required of £250, to be refunded within two weeks of your departure (subject to satisfactory property inspection).
Guests are responsible for leaving the house at the same level of cleanliness as when shown around on the day of arrival. Should this not be the case, a deduction of 50 Euros will be made from the deposit to cover cleaning costs.
Changeover day is Saturday, (although this can be flexible if there is no immediate booking in the week following your stay), and the house is available from 4pm on the day of arrival. You are requested to vacate the property by 10 am on the day of departure. Please contact the caretaker for any specific requests on arrival and departure, as more specific arrival / departure times can be catered for.
The week's booking can be extended beyond the Saturday departure date, as long as there is not an immediate booking following your stay. Weekend rates are also available on request, and discounts may apply for stays of two weeks or more. Please contact for more information.
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Availability
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Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | You are contacting Janine Morris
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Languages spoken    The owner is based in the United Kingdom and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2012. This cottage has so far received no reviews.  |
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