Maison d'Etre
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About the home
Magical, enchanting home in medieval artist's village, Premier among France's "Most Beautiful Villages." Walk back in time! 12 restaurants in village. Near Pech Merle. Boating, swimming, fishing, and fabulous cycling.
Full kitchen & bath, 3 floors, laundry, Top Floor: BR#1:Double Bed w/AC in BR w/ en suite WC; BR#2 is two twin beds w/ en suite shower/sink/toilet, Bed #3 is king bed convertible to two twins w/ ensuite shower/sink/toilet. Middle Floor: BR#4 - Master Suite w/King Bed (convertible to twins) and luxury bath. Beautiful gadren with antique gate, ancient wall and large dining table located under mature arbor for al fresco dining. Located at the lower end of village by Medieval gate. Lovely views up to church. Location: 20 km east of Cahors, on the River LOT, N. of Toulouse, Midi-Pyrenees, France, Europe (1.5 Hours by car NE from Toulouse International Airport)
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedroom + Other (See Description), 4.5 Baths (Sleeps 8-10)
You will believe you have walked back in time. Set at the lower end of the village, just inside the medieval town gate, Maison d'Etre welcomes and invites you to stay a while. Originally built in the 14th century, the home now has everything you need to make it your base of operations while exploring this remarkable part of France. Located on the enchanting River Lot, one will find much to do in and around St Cirq LaPopie. This exquisite artists' village has very few signs of anything more recent than the 18th century. It is ranked Premiere among France's Most Beautiful Villages.
Considered the most beautiful 100 km in France, you may drive along the banks of the River Lot. Tour nearby chateaux and dine on wonderful gourmet meals. Canoe the river or swim in it. There is a beach just below the house. Shop in thriving markets in one of the many other nearby beautiful villages. See cave paintings at Pech Merle. Located 20 minutes away, these caves are one of the last real caves open for public visiting. The local museums show everything from current art to the history of local farming practices. Enjoy tasting the acclaimed regional wines. A visit to the wonderful award winning wineries in Cahors is a great day trip. The world-famous wineries of St Emilion are an easy overnight. Sample the famous truffles and foie gras of the area. It is a slice of heaven for those interested in hiking, biking and spelunking in the region.
Finally, return each evening to relax in your own private home. With your fresh market purchases, you may make your own coq au vin in the fully equipped gourmet kitchen. Or, walk to one of the 10 restaurants (including one gourmet) within the village to enjoy the local cuisine. In the evening it is a delight to simply wander the cobbled streets. Climb up to the top of the 300 foot outcrop on which the castle was built and take in the view.
Vacation Rental Features
Air Conditioning: in one BR. Washer and Dryer. Linens Provided. Off Street Parking: there is no parking in the village, and basically no driving either. There is parking in a lot within a block from this home. Wood Stove, Beds: 2 Kings convertible to twins, one double, two twins, antique French day bed which easily converts to a small twin. Lounge can also be used as twin. Entertainment TV, DVD, CD Player, Music, Library, Full gourmet Kitchen with everything you need to prepare your own coq au vin! Cooking Utensils.
From our middle floor, there is a beautiful view up to the church and village on the outcrop, 300 feet above the river valley.
Across the street is a lovely 18th century residence. The church at the top of the hill and the remaining foundation stones of the castle are visible from our home.
Why We Chose St Cirq LaPopie:
The first time I visited the village of St Cirq LaPopie twenty years ago, it took my breath away. Ten years later, I went back with my husband. We loved our time there, and I always wanted to return. I returned again in Fall of 2008. We stayed in a gite there and became friends with the owners. They showed us their petite maison for sale. We are very excited that it is now ours. We have now bought the house next door have combined it with our exisiting house to create a lovely 4 BR 4.5 Ba home with a wonderful garden.
The village of St Cirq La Popie is magical. It is premier among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. An artists' village, it is perched on a 300 foot outcrop above the River Lot. There are many things to do while in the area. Eating gourmet food is always tops for us. One may also visit the cave paintings at Pech Merle. Chateaux abound, as do the many markets in other beautiful villages nearby. There is canoeing, swimming and boating on the river. It is a slice of heaven for biking, hiking and spelunking. It is the land of Foie Gras and Truffles. What is not to like?
My husband and I live with our four children, three dogs and two cats in Mercer Island, WA, USA. He loves to bicycle. I teach yoga and hula hoop. We have been to France many times, and my husband has cycled extensively there. It is a divine place with four star food, wine, scenery and people.
| Size: | Sleeps up to 8, 4 bedrooms |
|---|---|
| Nearest beach: | Down the hill from the house on the River Lot, 300m |
| Will consider: | Hen and stag parties Long lets Short breaks |
| Access: | Car essential Nearest amenities: 15km |
| Family friendly? | Suitable for children of all ages Unsuitable for people with restricted mobility |
| Notes: | No pets allowed No smoking at this property Self-catering |
Facilities
| Luxuries: | Log fire, Internet access, DVD player, Staffed Property |
|---|---|
| General: | Air conditioning, TV, Telephone, Wi-fi available |
| Standard: | Kettle, Toaster, Iron, Hair dryer |
| Utilities: | Clothes dryer, Dishwasher, Cooker, Microwave, Fridge, Freezer, Washing machine |
| Rooms: | 4 Bedrooms, 4 bathrooms of which 1 family bathroom and 3 en suites |
| Furniture: | Sofabeds (1), Single beds (6), Double beds (3), Cots (2), Dining seating for 10, Lounge seating for 8 |
| Other: | Linen and towels provided |
| Outdoors: | Balcony / Terrace, Private garden, BBQ, Bicycles available |
| Access: | Parking space |
Further details indoors:
Bathroom includes shower. Fireplace and lounge on second floor. Free international long distance telephone. FREE WIFI
GROUND FLOOR: Breakfast room, fully equipped kitchen that goes through to luxurious bathroom with tub and shower and washer and dryer. Large dining room. Opens on to Private Garden with table and chairs.
MIDDLE LEVEL: SOCIAL AREA: Fireplace with wood stove, lounge with TV, DVD, books & music. Day bed for extra guest.
MASTER BR AND BATH: King Sized Bed. Clawfoot tub for two. Separate shower
THIRD LEVEL: One bedroom with large double bed, en-suite WC and air conditioning. Two Bedrooms with ensuite shower, sink and toilet and King Sized bed convertible to twins in one and two twins in the other.
Further details outdoors:
14th Century home just inside Medieval Gate in Medieval village. BBQ and al fresco dining table under mature arbor.
Further details
Swimming in the River Lot very nearby.
NOTE: Rental is from SATURDAY to SATURDAY. Check in at 4PM. Check out at 10AM
Long term rental negotiable.(e.g. 4-6 mos. winter rental for sabbatical, writers, artists, etc). Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Magical & Enchanting Home in a Medieval Village suitable for families or 1 to 4 couples
Year Purchased: 2009
Suitability: Kid Friendly
Smoking NOT Allowed
Conditions
We typically rent from Saturday to Saturday for one week. Occassionally rent for shorter/longer term; please ask. Seeking long-term renter for winter sabbatical.
The Midi-Pyrenees / Lot region
Less touristed than the Dordogne, the village and entire Lot River are both protected from any development. St Cirq is located on the top of a 300 foot outcrop.
Activities (on site and nearby): Shopping, Sightseeing, Restaurants, Boating, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Hiking, Fishing, Spelunking, Museums, wine tasting
Other Activities: Visit ancient, original cave paintings at Peche Merle, one of the few original caves remaining which one may see. Wine tasting at the many outstanding wineries in Cahor is a wonderful day trip. The world-renowned St Emilion is an overnight away! There is a guided boat tour up the River which is also fun.
The Saint-Cirq Lapopie area
The famous cave paintings of Pech Merle are 15 minutes away by car in Cabrerets. "Grotte et Musee du Pech-Merle," a unique monument to Paleolithic art. Over 20,000 years-old paintings of mammoths, horses and human hand prints in a cave setting rich with natural geological formations.
Chateau Cenevieres - Open for Public Visits.
13th - 16th century Historic Monument Spend an hour understanding the fascinating history of a renaissance landmark in Quercy from its terraces overlooking the Lot river valley.
Wonderful Saturday market in Cahors
Great day trip. Spend time on the bridge. Buy a picnic in the market and walk down to the river to enjoy it.
Musee Rignault in Saint-Cirq Lapopie.
Temporary exhibitions of contemporary art in a medieval house renovated by the art collector Joseph Rignault. The terraced gardens overlook the Lot valley. Open from March to October, every day
Chateaux des Anglais
Fortified caves that were used as shelter or fortress during the Hundred Years War. They can be seen in Bouzies, Cabrerets, Sauliac sur Cele, St-G?ry and Vers but are not accessible.
Sarlat 1 hr 36 minutes away by car
Another of France's most beautiful villages.
Les Bateaux Safaraid - Les Falaises in Bouzies
Commented cruise in English on a passenger boat. From Bouzies to Saint-Cirq Lapopie and back through a 19th c. lock and along breathtaking cliffs: 1 hr 15 minutes. From April to end of October, departures at 11
Rocamadour
Another of France's most beautiful villages, although we like St Cirq much better!
St Emilion
3 - 4 hours by car. A nice overnight trip. The most famous Bordeaux wine appelation.
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Puy Leveque
Another of France's most beautiful villages
Lalbenque
Home of the largest truffle market in the world. Festival held in January
Carcassonne
2.5 hours away by autoroute. A complete fantasy land castle which has been restored. Many wonderful shops. Great for a long day trip or overnight. The fortress was thoroughly restored in 1853.
Toulous Lautrec summer home - Chateau du Bosc
This stronghold of the Imbert du Bosc is a superb castle. It always remained in the hands of its family members.
Toulouse Lautrec Musee One of the most important contemporary museums, more than 1000 works by Lautrec, including the 31 famous posters, are kept within the walls of this impressive fortress. This body of work forms the largest collection.
How to get there
Click map icons for more information
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| Nearest Travel Links | |
| Airport: | Toulouse: 100 km |
| Railway: | Cahors: 20 km |
By Plane....The nearest airports are Toulouse (1.75 hours drive; N to Cahors then E to St Cirq). And Rodez (about 1 hour flight from England by RyanAir). Car rental at airport
By Coach...Eurolines from London to Cahors
By Rail from London...Take the Eurostar to Paris...then change for a direct train to Cahors. Car hire available opposite the station.
By Car from Calais...Following the autoroute to Cahors will probably take about 9 hours. Leave the autoroute just before Cahors & follow the signs for St Cirq Lapopie.
Activities near Saint-Cirq Lapopie
Tennis in town
Watersports
Horse Riding
Fishing
Walking holidays
Rural / countryside retreats
Beach or lakeside relaxation
Cycling holidays
Reviews
 29 Nov 2011 |
Eight close friends stayed in this amazing villa in September 2011. All of us were extensive world travelers, and we all agreed this was one of the best places we've ever stayed. The villa is perfectly situated in a remarkable medieval village. We were close to something for everyone to do - walk through town, walk by the Lot river, shop, have amazing dinners in town, explore the Pech Merle cave paintings, visit local markets, or just stay in and drink wine & eat cheese. We cannot wait to get back!! Response: And we are thrilled that you will come back! Repeat guests are the highest compliment. You will REALLY enjoy the new terrace. We have just finished stoning it in the proper French manner. Can't wait for you to see it... and for you to enjoy dinner again there! Very Sincerely, Ann |
21 Nov 2011 |
We recently had the pleasure of revisiting France (after 20 years) , this time with friends and couldn'd think of a better place to spend a week than in St Cirq to experience the amazing Lot & Dordonge . We sent photos and links to our friends and despite having looked at these, their comments when they first set eyes on the village while driving past was a spellbound and incredulous "Is this where we are staying?" . This is the magic of St Cirq> So we found Maison d'Etre listed and made enquiries, contacting Anne a number of times by email. She was very reliable and prompt replying; allways within 24hrs and allways with every enquiry answered and then with so much more information, all of which was accurate and correct. We all found the house totally comfortable and charming, well equipped and functional as per description. After settling in we quickly got down to exploring St Cirq and the region over the next week, enjoyed superb food, wine and sights. St Cirq really is a great base for the region. A 3 minute drive ( or walk if energetic ) every morning to the local pattiserie for your fresh croissant and bagettes; local food markets for your supplies; plenty of places to eat in the village; or cook your own at home with a bottle or 2 of tasty wine/champagne. Magic! Our friends (2 couples) met in St Cirq for the week ; all of us having seperate holidays and we all agree our time in Maison d'Etre was the highlight. This is a renovated (to high standard) medieval house and as such a few minor quirks that you quickly get used to and do not detract in any way. If you want perfection and sterility maybe stay in a marriott. If you want a totally memorable holiday come here. Thanks Anne. We hope to be back soon |
30 Oct 2011 |
What a dream location - absolutely stunning views and a great starting point for touring the nearby villages, prehistoric painted caves, and rivers (by boat or canoe rental, easily obtained nearby) or staying in town and enjoying the shops and a cafe au lait in one of the restaurants . The village of St. Cirq Lapopie was small but friendly and helpful. As we were there off season, it was difficult to tell how crowded the village might be during tourist season (but the tour bus lots are big!). The house would be ideal for a large family or several couples as it sleeps 8 or even more if you are willing to use the day bed or couch. The master suite is very nice, and the kitchen is well appointed with utinsels, etc., as well as starter supplies of basic cooking necessities. The owner, Ann, is extremely knowledgable about the area, and gave great advice on what to see, what to bring and how to best prepare for our trip. |
Rental prices
| Rental prices originally quoted in: American $ | Convert to: |
| Prices for group size 8 | ||||||
| Period | From | To | Weekly | Nightly rate | Minimum stay | |
| Weekday | Weekend | |||||
| Regular season | 17 Mar 12 | 27 Oct 12 | $ 1800 | - | - | 1 Week |
NB: Prices may be subject to change at the advertiser's discretion.
Rental period is from check in Saturday 4PM to check out Saturday 10 AM.
Longer-term rental available at very low rate (e.g 4 to 6-month winter sabbatical for writers, artists etc).
Prefered payment method is check or bank transfer. Required refundable damage deposit of 200 Euros to be paid upon arrival.
What is Self Catering: Self catering is a term not often heard in the U.S. Mostly a European method of holiday rental, this style of lodging is a departure from the way we vacation in America. Self Catering means several important things change from the usual hotel way of lodging.
•First, the rates are usually less than in a full service hotel. In a Self Catering arrangement there is no maid service. When you arrive a through cleaning of the accommodation has already been performed by staff and the accommodation is clean, fresh and fully stocked with necessities.
•Second, the visitor is not bothered by a daily cleaning staff. Lounge around as long as you like with the assurance that you’ll never be bothered by someone wanting to get into your room.
•Third, the resulting experience from this absence of cleaning people coming in and out is that you get more of a feeling that you live here rather than you’re just another overpaying customer. It’s slightly participatory in nature and most find it preferable to the often more commercial feel of hotels. You’re in someone’s home and you’ll feel a part of it in a very special way.
Availability
See below for next 9 months' availability - to see the next 24 months click here
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Contact the owner
* Required fields Please check the following errors: | 2 years listed You are contacting Ann Lokey
Payment accepted
Languages spoken    The owner is based in the United States and has advertised with Holiday Lettings since 2009. This gite has received 5 reviews from previous guests.  |
Holiday homes in France (6395)
