Location: Domme, Aquitaine, France, Europe (1 Hour E. of Bergerac; 2.5 Hours E Bordeaux or N of Toulouse) View Map
Accommodations: House, 2 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 2 Baths (Sleeps 5)
Keywords: House, in village, stone, historic
Picture yourself waking up in this two-bedroom, two-bath, 14th century house! Domme, a wonderful medieval bastide town in Southwest France, holds the honor of being voted one of France's most beautiful villages. Ideally situated on a quiet street, this charming stone house--"La Belle Petite Maison"--and streetscape appeared on the cover of Travel + Leisure magazine in 2003 for a cover story entitled “The Heart of French Country.” The house has been furnished to a high standard using a mixture of both antique and new French oak furniture. Much of the house is newly decorated.
Dine in the kitchen at the large table or enjoy outdoor dining just out the glass door which opens onto the very private garden patio. The day-bed in the second floor salon offers comfortable sleeping for a fifth guest. A glass door leads to a lovely balcony with table and chairs, providing stunning views of the village, one of the ancient gates, and the hills to the South. The balcony makes a lovely spot to relax and enjoy coffee, tea, or a digestif.
Given the location of the house within Domme, visitors can easily walk to the local museum and tourism office, the cave, gardens, wonderful restaurants and shops—as well as enjoy the village market on Thursday mornings! Fresh croissants for breakfast are only a few steps away. Stroll along the esplanade in the evening to watch the sun set over the valley below or walk the ancient ramparts around the village.
On the edge of a cliff, Domme offers a vast panorama over the Dordogne River valley. Enclosed by walls, this bastide village founded by Philip the Bold in 1283, tells of its glorious past through its fortified gates and towers, where Knights Templar were once imprisoned. The visitor will also discover the consuls’ and the goldsmiths’ houses, the old covered market and the governor’s hotel. Domme offers the green luxury of its suspended gardens above the Dordogne valley and a fascinating cave (grotte) below. Domme provides an ideal location to visit the Dordogne’s many places of interest such as the numerous chateaux, prehistoric caves, spectacular gardens, museums, churches, villages and artisan’s studios--all of which are an easy day-trip!
Additional information on the many area activities are available at the house or from our property manager.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : Available in the guest annex. The main house has shutters and 2-foot thick stone walls to keep it cool in the summer.
- Washer
- Dryer
- Wood Fireplace : Huge medieval stone fireplace!
- Beds
- Queen Bed : In each bedroom. These are each 140cm wide so slightly larger than an American double, but smaller than an American Queen.
- Twin/Single Bed : A sleigh bed in the salon on the second level of the main house.
- Entertainment
- Cable/Satellite TV : Satellite is limited to a few French channels only.
- DVD
- Video Library : Small at this time. NOTE: U.S. made DVDs do NOT work on Euro DVD players--only Euro made DVDs.
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : Stovetop is gas; oven electric; built-in timer is inscrutable. Use the mechanical timer hanging on the wall.
- Cooking Utensils Provided : Full complement of cooking utensils, dishes and glasses supplied.
- Refrigerator : A separate freezer may be found in the lower level of the guest annex with the washer and dryer.
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Outdoor Features
- Charcoal BBQ Grill
- Deck/Patio : Adjoins the guest annex and has a table and chairs for dining, plus an umbrella for shade.
- Balcony : Lovely views from here, access from the second floor salon. Great for a glass of wine at sunset!
- Communications
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : New for 2011! Wifi from Orange.fr at the house. Bring your wireless ready laptop or netbook and stay connected!
- Other Amenities
- Beautiful village view to the south from the salon terrace, small walled garden for privacy.
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Smoking Not Allowed
- Activities
- Golf
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Rafting
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Restaurants
- Cinemas/Movie Theaters
- Museums
- Other Activities
- The entire village is a perfect example of a medieval bastide and provides many entertainments within easy walking distance of the house. For more photos and information, check out our Facebook page: "La Belle Petite Maison."
Rate Details (In US $/Euros)
Jan-Apr 01 & Oct-Dec ......... €450/week
Winter Holiday Weeks ......... €550/week
Apr School Holidays .......... €500/week
Early May to Early Jul, Sep .. €700-750/week
Jul-Aug ...................... €800-€900/week (Peak Season)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Cozy Medieval Village House in Domme, Dordogne
Year Purchased: 2005
Why the Owner Chose Domme
In May of 2005, my husband and I finally returned to Europe after an absence of nearly 20 years. Neither of us would have imagined 20 years ago that our return would be to Southwest France—we would have been certain that it would be to Cornwall or Denmark (both homes of our ancestors). In the fall of 2004, I received a travel brochure from one of the universities I attended which invited me to join a tour of village life in France. I was stunned by the beauty of the photos. I was compelled. I was also sure that we did not want to be loaded on to buses morning and evening to be trotted about the countryside. But I was sure that we must see Southwest France, the Dordogne, Perigord Noir—all quite unfamiliar to us.
With an adventurous spirit and the Internet at our fingertips, we booked ourselves nearly three weeks in France, ending in Paris, of course! But we spent two weeks in Sarlat-la-Caneda near Domme. Each day was more awesome and beautiful than the last. It took our breath away. The history! The food! The French people! The wine! The extraordinary natural beauty…. The place had utterly captured us.
Most of all, the Dordogne Region made me recall D. H. Lawrence and my scattered readings of his works in college. While I cannot quote the source from so many years ago, I have never forgotten that Lawrence first told me about "a sense of place." A location where one felt a sense of comfort and homecoming, of wonder and joy. My husband and I have been fortunate enough to find two such places, one is the Dordogne River Valley in Southwest France--and Domme.
The Unique Benefits at this House
Great local restaurants and shops within walking distance of the house. Excellent wine recommendations from the local merchants. Fresh bread, elegant pastries and croissants every day. (Please say "bonjour" or "bonsoir" when you enter any village--or any French--business!) The local market in the Place de la Halle on Thursdays, plus large markets in Sarlat (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and St. Cyprien on Sunday morning. Fresh fish at the market in Cenac on Tuesday mornings! My husband says the oysters are the best in the world. A huge selection of places to visit and things to do within easy day trips from Domme. Relaxing on the terrace at sunset with a fine glass of local wine. Ahhhhh....
Scenic route west along the river to Le Roc Gagneac, Beynac, St. Cyprien and Bergerac.
Owner's Map of Domme
Buzz Madsen choosing from a delectable array of strawberries in one of the local markets near the house. Buzz and his wife Stephany not only enjoy the markets in France, but also the wonderful gardens, caves, castles and historical sights throughout the region! And there are several wonderful, huge gardens to visit nearby.
Property Photos
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- La Belle Petite Maison abounds with roses in the springtime! - Domme , France House Rental with Village View near Museum, Restaurants, and Shopping
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- The medieval fireplace in the salon is so cozy for the cooler months. - Domme , France House Rental with Village View near Museum, Restaurants, and Shopping
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- Enjoy dining "chez maison" or walk to one of the wonderful village restaurants! - Domme , France House Rental with Village View near Museum, Restaurants, and Shopping
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- A view of the salon, with the sleigh bed for sleeping or just reading!
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- The guest annex has its own en suite bathroom and air conditioning.
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- View of the bathroom in the guest annex.
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- The top floor bedroom sleeps two!
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- The flowers in Domme (and in front of the house) are lovely in spring and summer
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- Stroll up to the Place de la Halle for a panorama of the Dordogne River.
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- View of the Cenac bridge looking West from the esplanade in Domme.
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- A favorite purveyor of food and wine near the house on the Grand Rue.
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- The Porte de la Tour, where the Templars were imprisoned.
Traveler Reviews (4)
Stayed in Domme, Sept 24-30, 2011
Guest: moose
(Wildwood, Missouri)
Date of Stay: 09/24/11
Review Submitted: 10/10/11
Our words can not sufficiently describe our wonderful experience here in Domme. The house was everything described on the website, and its location was terrific... just a few blocks from the main market place, but on a quiet street. The property was clean and orderly, with all of the convenience of a thoughtful layout. We would definately return to this property on our next stay in Domme. Thanks to the owners for keeping such a great property.
Owner response:Patti and Les, delighted to hear that you enjoyed the house and Domme. We've always loved that the house is wihin the village walls and one can walk to restaurants in the evening, drink wine, and still walk safely home. Healthier, too! We would welcome your return. Bonne journee et merci beaucoup!
Recommended for:Adventure seekers, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, tourists without a car.
Domme in the Dordogne
Guest: Bill and Katy
(Golden, Colorado)
Date of Stay: 05/17/10
Review Submitted: 06/28/10
Our visit to the Dordogne this past May (2010) was our first to this part of France. This property was everything it was promised to be... and more. The unit was very clean upon our arrival and the village offered everything you'd want to experience in the Dordogne region. It's central location was very convenint for hitting many of the local markets, one of our favorite activites in France. The market in Domme itself, of course, was very convenient, but the other markets we visited in Cenac and, especially, Sarlat also did not disappoint. You will need a car to get around the Dordogne from Domme but with that flexibility, you can visit any number of the numerous nearby cave sites, canoe the Dordogne River (a must !) and even sample some of the inexpensive (but way under publicized) great wines of the Bergerac wine district. We also enjoyed hiking to any one of the dozens of castles along the Dordogne that are within easy driving distance (Beynac, La Roque and Castelnaud). And finally, our days were capped each night with a walk up to the ramparts with bottle of wine in hand to watch spectacular sunsets over the Dordogne River valley. These sunsets even rival the ones we have here in our home in Colorado ! If you truly want to know what the Dordogne region is all about, Domme will NOT disappoint !
Recommended for:Sightseeing, age 55+, tourists without a car.
Dordogne in the Fall
Guest: Jon & Catherine
(Orlando, Florida)
Date of Stay: 10/02/09
Review Submitted: 06/22/10
This lovely house is a tastefully decorated tri-level that is well represented in the pictures plus it has a fully equipped kitchen and comfortable couches to sink into after a full day excursion. Domme is a small, centrally located bastide that is unique to itself with many shops, a cave, central square and several restaurants within its hilly terrain as well as beautiful views of the valleys below. Day trip adventures are easily accomodated in all directions to nearby open markets, pre-historic caves, several medieval castles overlooking the Dordogne, quaint and unique hilltop villages, grottos, through beautiful rolling hills with dramatic river views and picnic spots, and a large selection of restaurants (La Belle Etoile in La Roque Gageac beside the river, and Hotel Belvedere in Rocamodour at sunset). The Office of Tourism in Domme was also very helpful and friendly and suggested several visits off the main tourist maps (Coremonte, Museum of Man, Monpazier). Don't miss taking a gelato stroll in the park at the top of Domme under the chestnut trees at sunset.
Recommended for:Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+.
Guest: Anonymous
Date of Stay: 08/29/09
Review Submitted: 08/29/09
I just wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed the house in Domme. It was more lovely than I expected and all too short. Much as I tried not to do too much, we did do a lot. How could we not visit the Lascaux caves or canoe up the Dordogne (an interesting experience in family relationships). Our last night was at L'Esplanade restaurant, overlooking a beautiful sunset. My husband had the truffle menu and thought he was in heaven. I enjoyed going to Mass in French. Oh, and we attended a very nice evening of classical music in the church. --H.M.
Recommended for:
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #224656
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