Plazac is a medieval village nestled in the hills of the Dordogne
Location: Sarlat-la-Canéda, Aquitaine, France, Europe (Sarlat 30 minutes; Montignac Lascaux & Les Eyzies 10 minutes)
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Other (See Description), 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 4-6)
We searched for three years for the perfect house in the Perigord Noir, which is the area of the Dordogne that is steeped in history.
When we walked in the front door of the house, we knew this was it. There's something magical about the old stones of this medieval house, even though it has been completely updated with all modern conveniences. Our love affair began when we saw the medieval stone fireplace in the living room, large enough to hold a small car! Then we gazed at the view from the balcony window. First, the flower filled garden with its swimming pool; next, ancient stone houses; then the rolling hills of the Dordogne. We have never seen so many different shades of green.
We love the kitchen, which is completely equipped. It's in a large room with an old wooden farm table for dining, and a sitting area with TV next to the second stone fireplace, this one with a wood stove. And the recently discovered stone arched doorway which dates from the time of the 12th Century village stone church.
One bedroom is very large, with a another stone fireplace, a queen sized bed, air conditioning, three windows and a ceiling fan. The second bedroom is smaller, but with a beautiful view of the garden and the hills. And there's a daybed in the living room that can sleep two more. All these rooms are very quiet at night. The only sound you hear is the distant chimes of the church, and the birds that will gently waken you in the morning.
All the systems of the house are up-to-date, especially the furnace, which provides unlimited hot water at constant pressure (you will never be scalded in the shower). The house is built into the side of a hill. On a lower level (not a cellar) is a giant stone room featuring slit windows out of which people used to shoot arrows at the bad guys as they came up the hill.
Off this room is a walled courtyard with a dining table, which is cool in the afternoon.
The garden is walled and private and beautiful. There is plenty of garden furniture and umbrellas, so you can lounge at poolside and listen to the birds. There's a solar heated shower on the deck.
The village of Plazac is medieval and very friendly. You will be greeted by everyone you see and they will be curious to see new faces in the winding streets. There is a local bakery, one minute from the house on foot. It also sells simple grocery items. There's a friendly bar with a lively social life (be sure to introduce yourself to Dominique, the proprietor). We have a post office. On the outskirts of town is a bio (organic) food store.
Four minutes drive up the valley is Rouffignac, which has two bakeries, a supermarket and several cafes. It has a Sunday morning market filled with local produce. [Rouffignac experienced Nazi terrors during the war, when the Mayor was given the choice--either we kill everyone, or you empty the village and we burn it to the ground.]
Four minutes down the valley is Le Moustier, which has an excellent restaurant. Cross the river and visit the cave dwellings in the cliffs. Ten minutes up and over the Plazac hills is Montignac which has an Intermarche supermarket, antiques, medieval streets, bars, cafes, restaurants, a bookstore/newsstand and a canoe facility. Near Montignac are the Caves of Lascaux. The Plazac hills are laced with walking trails.
The preserved medieval city of Sarlat-la-Caneda is 30 minutes by car, as is the Dordogne valley with its dozens of castles and chateaux. Be sure to see the Valley of the Five Chateaux near Beynac. Castle Beynac and Castelnaud (across the river) are well worth a visit. Ten minutes from Plazac is Les Eyzies, which features stone cliffs dotted with ancient cave dwellings. (On the way you might want to visit the Prehistory park which is fun for the whole family.)
The Perigord Noir was the site of the Hundred Years War between the French and the English, which explains the hundreds of castles and guard towers dotting the hills. Every village is worth a visit, since they're all medieval and the residents have respected the unique historical qualities of the place where they live.
Here is a testimonial from a recent guest (September 2007):
"Just wanted to say thanks for the use of your wonderful home in Plazac. We had such a good time! We loved the vistas, the town and the markets. We spent a couple of days just hanging out, fixing slow meals of the local foods and relaxing. We found Montignac to be a charming town. It was near enough to go a couple of times for walking around, having one great lunch (we left the card at the house) and enjoying the mid-week market. We also wanted to tell you that Ineke and Theo, who greeted us with the keys, were very kind, helpful and sweet to us. What great neighbors you have!"
Barbara S.
Seattle
Another guest loved the view from the house so much he posted a 10 minute video of just the view on You Tube. The exciting climax comes when the church bells toll seven. On You Tube search for PLAZAC (our village) and select the video that mentions church bells.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning: There is an air conditioner in the main bedroom.
- Washer: The washer and dryer are down a short flight of steps.
- Dryer
- Linens Provided: There's also a good supply of pool towels.
- Wood Fireplace: A true medieval fireplace that draws perfectly.
- Wood Stove: Only for cold winter nights. This thing pumps out the heat.
- Beds
- Queen Bed: In the main bedroom.
- Double Bed: In the smaller bedroom.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV: There are two TV sets, each with two satellite boxes -- one with the 6 basic French channels, the other with dozens of British channels. Also included is CNN and BBC World.
- DVD
- Video Library: There is a collection of DVDs of unusual movies that caught our interest. A few Hollywood standards are included.
- CD Player
- Stereo System
- Private Pool: You'll love the pool. It's in the garden which is full of flowers and has a great view of the surrounding hills.
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: We like to cook. Everything is waiting for you if you like to make fancy meals. You can shop at the local markets. Or, warm your coffee in the microwave to drink with the fresh croissants from the Plazac bakery, a one minute's walk away.
- Cooking Utensils Provided: It's pretty much all here, except for a food processor.
- Refrigerator: Big for France, small for America. It has a freezer compartment.
- Dishwasher: Miele. So quiet you may wonder if it's broken.
- Microwave: For that cold coffee.
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill: There is a gas BBQ in the courtyard. You can take it out by the pool if you like.
- Deck/Patio: By the pool. Or use the walled courtyard.
- Balcony: Off the living room. Great view.
- View/Location
- Mountain View: The rolling hills of the Perigord Noir. We've never seen so many different shades of green.
- Communications
- Telephone
- Free Long Distance: VOIP. Calls are free to fixed line phones in North America and all of Europe.
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Handicapped Accessible (may have limitations)
- Wheelchair Accessible (may have limitations): Three steps up from the street outside the front door. There are small (one step)changes of level between several of the rooms. Access to the garden is down 7 steps.
- Kid Friendly: The pool. The lake in Plazac is popular with the local kids.
- Smoking Not Allowed: Please don't smoke in the house. You may not smell anything bad, but the next renters could well be offended.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Tennis
- Theme Park (Amusement Park)
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Other Activities
- The house is right in the center of a prehistoric area. There are several museums and cave dwellings to explore.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
We are flexible about arrival dates, although we prefer a Saturday to
Saturday stay. You will be welcomed by our next door neighbor.
Daily rate $230 USD or $1,500 per week.
We accept stays of less than one week.
Cleaning charge $175 per stay.
Special rates for longer stays, and for stays outside High Season.
NOTE:You will be required to pay a deposit at the time of booking. If you decide
to cancel this deposit may be retained if we cannot find a new client in time.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Credit Cards Accepted:
Property Photos
- Plazac is a medieval village nestled in the hills of the Dordogne - France Vacation Rental House in the Perigord Noir
- The main bedroom has a queen sized bed, three windows and AC - France Vacation Rental House in the Perigord Noir
- The kitchen is fully equiped. - France Vacation Rental House in the Perigord Noir
- The living room has a medieval fireplace, antiques and a great view.
- The walled garden with the pool is behind the house
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #132462
There have been 7182 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2007.
This listing was first published here in 2007.
Date last modified - November 03, 2009
