Location: Bergerac, Aquitaine, France, Europe (20 Minutes Southeast of Bergerac)
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 10-12)
ABOUT THE HOUSE…
Le Grindoux is less than one kilometer away from the bastide village of Castillonnès, founded in 1259. Originally a two-room farmhouse dating from the 1700’s, Le Grindoux has been completely renovated into a comfortable four-bedroom, two bath family home that sleeps up to 12 people while retaining the quaint feeling of a old stone farm house.
On the ground floor there is a fully equipped kitchen with small seating area, a salon with a dining table seating 6-8, a convertible sofa, chairs and a fireplace. Each bedroom on the ground floor has a queen size bed. A separate shower room and WC make up the remainder of the ground floor. The two bedrooms upstairs have queen beds a small sink, and one of the rooms includes two twin beds. There is a bathtub/shower room and separate WC upstairs as well.
There is a small seating area in the front of the house facing the main road into town. The back of the house has a lovely patio that opens up to sweeping views of the countryside. You and your travel companions will enjoy the large patio table, lounge area, hammocks and barbeque grill.
ABOUT THE AREA…
Le Grindoux is in the department known as the Lot-et-Garonne, next door to the Dordogne region. Almost all of the surrounding area is farmland, actively farmed for corn, hay, sunflowers and other crops. Those who aren't farming the land for cash crops are often cultivating food for their poultry or other livestock. There are many farms to visit, sometimes called fermes auberges, where you are welcome to stop and tour the farm, taste the products or even share a meal with the farmer.
In the village of Castillonnès there is a weekly farmers market on Tuesday mornings, tennis courts to reserve for play, a community pool, bakeries, restaurants, a café, movie theater, and a couple of small supermarkets.
THINGS TO DO…
There are many unique adventures to be found in this region of France. Do not hesitate to go into the tourism office in Castillonnès (or in any town), where there is always someone ready to help (who speaks English), as well as numerous pamphlets and fliers on what's happening during your visit.
Touring Chateaux and vineyards are of course among the most popular activities in the region. Chateau Monbazillac winery is open for touring and tasting and there is a beautiful view of the Bergerac valley from the grounds. Chateau Lanquais is one of the only furnished castles in France, with a very intriguing (and sinister) history. Often it's best to call ahead and make a reservation for tastings and tours of the vineyards. However, a visit to one of the many farmers markets in the region may land you a personal invitation from one of the vintners to come visit his vineyard to see the process and sample their wines.
The region has numerous museums, prehistoric cave paintings, and working farms open for visiting. While the museums and cave paintings of D"Les grottes" along the Dordogne river (Font de Gaume, Lascaux) and The National Prehistoric Museum in Les Eyzies tell wondrous stories of the history of the region the working farms are a way to experience the real life of the French countryside. Le Chaudron Magique in Brugnac is a working organic farm featuring angora goats. Tour the animal pens, pet and feed the goats, see a goat cheese making demonstration and give the kids (baby goats) a bottle. This and a visit to a nearby working windmill are great children's outings.
Hill top bastide villages are the norm rather than an exception in this rolling region of France, and often host a weekly farmers market where you can buy regional specialties including produce, cheese, wines and aperitifs. Market day is a great time to wander these small towns, talk with the merchants and visit the local shops. Plan an evening visit to take in a meal, attend a celebration of music or experience a seasonal or traditional festival.
If you are looking for more active ways to spend your holiday, swimming, boating & horseback riding are all nearby. The lake in Lougratte, offers swimming and "pedalo" (pedal boats) to rent. There are canoeing opportunities on the Lot or Dordogne rivers and "gabarre" (barge) rides in Bergerac. The nearest stables for horse riding are ten minutes drive from the house.
Walks and cycling are popular local activities. A nice walk may take you along the quieter "C" (commune-maintained) roads in the area or if you are more adventurous, there are pilgrimage trails ("randonnees") criss-crossing the countryside.
While we have a couple of adult bikes at the house for your recreational use, serious cyclists will want to bring along their own bicycles to enjoy the miles and miles of quiet rolling country roads spreading in all directions from the property. These roads make for peaceful rides and the occasional passing car or farm equipment are for the most part mindful of sharing the road. Many of the visits to castles and surrounding sites can be made on your bike.
The Tour de France changes its route every year as it circles the country. It can make for a fun day trip to catch the spectacle of the passing peloton and all the celebration that goes along with it.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Washer
- Dryer
- Linens Provided
- Off Street Parking
- Beds
- Queen Bed
- Twin/Single Bed
- Child Bed
- Convertible Bed
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio
- Lanai
- Communications
- Telephone
- Broadband Internet
- WiFi (Wireless Internet)
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Horseback Riding
Rate Details (In Euros)
Jun 20-Aug 29 ................. €850/week
Aug 30-Nov 29, Mar 01-Jun 20 .. €700/week
Dec 01-Feb 28 ................. €450/week
Rentals are Saturday to Saturday with arrival after 4pm and departure by 11 am.
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Property Photos
- Le Grindoux - Bergerac Vacation Home Near Community Pool
- sunny breakfast spot - Bergerac Vacation Home Near Community Pool
- kitchen and front door - Bergerac Vacation Home Near Community Pool
- dining/living room
- lavender queen sitting (ground floor)
- patio and sweeping view
Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #216971
There have been 2183 visitors to this page since the counter was last reset in 2008.
This listing was first published here in 2009.
Date last modified - November 20, 2009
