delightful holiday cottage in France

The ancient name for the area is Quercy, which many believe to come from the Latin "Quercus" - an oak tree. Certainly there are a great number of oak trees in the area. The steep sided wooded valleys around the house and neighbouring villages offer a variety of walks. In May and June, particularly, there is a profusion of wild flowers, including many types of wild orchid.

Nearby, the limestone rock has been formed into several caves with prehistoric cave paintings or spectacular rock formations. In the largest, the Gouffre de Padirac, you can take a boat trip on an underground river.

Above ground, the Dordogne and Lot rivers offer fishing, swimming, canoeing or, if you're feeling lazy, boat rides.

If you enjoy eating out, then you are spoilt for choice. There are many restaurants where you can enjoy the renowned cuisine of the area, either inexpensively or in style. Local specialities include truffles, lamb, cabecou (a kind of goat's cheese), walnuts and (of course) the local wine.

A visit to the ancient city of Cahors, with its picturesque mediaeval bridge, narrow winding streets and bustling market is a must for most visitors. In contrast, the little town of Rocamadour, clinging to the cliff face below its monastery, is an important place of pilgrimage as well as an unforgettable sight.

The small town of Labastide Murat, 2.5 kilometres away, provides local shopping facilities (supermarket, bank, butcher, charcuterie, garage etc.) plus a market twice a month. In high season a swimming pool (with separate adults' and children's pools) and tennis courts are available there, while there is a lake for fishing near by.

We provide details of many of the local attractions and restaurants at the house.