Location: St-Cirq-Lapopie, Midi-Pyrenees, France, Europe (1.75 Hours by car NE from Toulouse International Airport) View Map
Accommodations: House, 4 Bedrooms + Convertible bed(s), 4.5 Baths (Sleeps 8-10)
Keywords: Exquisite, charming, Medieval home in PREMIER beautiful village, 3 stories, ideal for families and 1 to 4 couples
You will believe you have walked back in time. And you will enjoy the exquisite pleasures of gourmet food, wine, foie gras and truffles. Set at the lower end of a beautiful artists' village, just inside the medieval village gate, Maison D'Etre welcomes and invites you, your family and friends 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. There are very few signs of anything more recent than the 18th century. It is ranked Premiere among France's "Most Beautiful Villages." It is under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Considered the most beautiful 100 km in France, the road along the banks of the River Lot will delight at every turn. Tour nearby chateaux and dine on wonderful gourmet meals. Kayak, canoe or swim in the river. Shop in thriving markets in one of the many other nearby beautiful villages. See cave paintings at Pech Merle. Located 15 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 (Malbec) of the Cahors appellation. A visit to the wonderful and award winning wineries is a great day trip. The world-famous wineries of Bourdeaux and St. Emilion are a half-day’s drive from the village. The famous Tour de France climbs of the Pyrenees are similarly less than a half-day away. There is great hiking and magnificent biking in the region. It is a slice of heaven for those interested in spelunking.
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 and take in the views. For a panormaic view of the Lot River valley, climb up to the top of the 300 foot outcrop on which the village is built.
GROUND FLOOR: Dining room (seats up to 8), fully equipped kitchen that goes through to the luxurious bathroom with heated towel rack, laundry room with washer/dryer. Lots of clean towels.
MIDDLE LEVEL: Wood burning fireplace, antique French "sleigh" bed, TV, DVD, books & music. Comfortable second sofa can also be twin bed for extra guest. Master Bedroom with bath on this level.
THIRD LEVEL: 3 bedrooms. One with double bed, en-suite WC and airconditioning. Sofa and coffee table in lounge area for privacy and quiet. Two with King beds, each convertible to two twins.
Weekly rental from Saturday to Saturday. Possibile discount for more than than one week stay. Longer-term winter rental available at very low rate (e.g 4 to 6-month winter sabbatical for writers, artisits etc).
What is Self Catering?
A Self catering Gite is a European method of holiday home rental. It allows several important differences from the usual hotel.
•First, the rates are usually less than a full service hotel. In a gite there is no maid service. Before you arrive, the staff has thoroughly cleaned the home. It is clean, fresh and stocked with initial necessities (coffee, tea, milk, paper products, soap).
•Second, daily cleaning staff will not bother you. Lounge around as long as you like with the assurance that no one will want to come into your home.
•Third, the absence of cleaning people coming in and out gives you more of a feeling that you live here rather than being just another overpaying customer. It’s slightly participatory in nature. Most guests find it preferable to the more commercial feel of hotels. You’re in someone’s home, and you’ll feel a part of it in a very special way.
Vacation Rental Features
- Amenities
- Air Conditioning : in bedroom on top floor. Note: thick stone walls also keep home very cool in hot weather. Ceiling Fans in two bedrooms.
- Linens Provided
- Washer
- Dryer : Plus there is a clothesline for the eco minded!
- Off Street Parking : One may drive to the front door to unload luggage; we provide a parking pass to an assigned parking area for renters which is within a block, just outside the Medieval Gate
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- King Bed (2) : Each can be converted to two twin beds.
- Double Bed : On the top floor
- Twin/Single Bed (9) : All king beds can be converted to twins to total 6 twins. There is also a small antique twin bed on the second floor in the lounge, a sofa which can serve as a twin when the back cushions are removed, and two fold-out. foam, twin-sized mattresses suitable for children.
- Convertible Bed : The sofa becomes a twin bed if one removes the back cushions. It does not fold out. It is on the middle floor.
- Child Bed (3) : Antique French Day Bed located on the middle floor is suitable for child or small adult. Also, two fold out single, foam mattresses which may be places anywhere.
- Crib : Availalbe on request
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite) : We have yet to watch TV while there as there is so much else to do!
- DVD
- Video Library : some DVD's
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen : a fully-equipped, gourmet kitchen with everything you need to prepare your own coq au vin!
- Cooking Utensils Provided : includes a pressure cooker
- Refrigerator : 2 refrigerators in kitchen
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- Catering Available : you may choose to have a gourmet meal await you upon arrival, or to have dinner provided on any evening ~ lovely menu selections, including dessert and wine!
- Outdoor Features
- Gas/Electric BBQ Grill : Gas Grill
- Deck/Patio : Behind an antique gate and ancient stone wall awaits a beautiful garden with mature arbor and large table for al fresco dining for up to 12
- View/Location
- Water View : From the master bedroom, the Lot River is visible as it winds lazily through the valley
- Mountain View : From our front door and second story windows, one can look up to the village and church on the outcrop, 300 feet above the river valley It is a stunning view.
- Monument View : across the street is a lovely 18th century residence. The church at the top of the hill and the remaining stones of the Medieval castle are visible from our home. Everywhere one looks could be a postcard. The village is under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Communications
- Telephone : free
- Free Long Distance : free international calling
- WiFi (Wireless Internet) : Wifi in the home. There is also free wifi in the village at the restuarant at the top (Bar LaPopie), and we are able to make arrangements with one of the residents to use their wifi if for any reason it is needed
- Other Amenities
- exquisite view of protected medieval village, church and castle foundation; swimming in the River Lot
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed : We are so sorry, there is also no land associated with the house for the dogs to use
- Kid Friendly : This rental would work well for one to four couples or for a family.
- Smoking Not Allowed : This is our home. Please do NOT smoke inside.
- Activities
- Golf
- Tennis
- Shopping
- Kayaking
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Fishing
- Antiquing
- Horseback Riding
- Hot Air Ballooning
- Zoo/Wildlife Park
- Restaurants
- Hiking
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Visit ancient original cave paintings at Peche Merle, one of the few original caves remaining which one may see. There are various festivals in and near the village throughout the season. Wine tasting at the many outstanding wineries is a wonderful day trip. The world-famous wineries of Bourdeaux and St. Emilion are a half-day’s drive from the village, The famous Tour de France climbs of the Pyrenees are similarly less than a half-day away, There is a guided boat tour up the River which is also fun. World class spelunking and biking. Canoeing down the lazy River Cele is fun with the family. Take a picnic! The area is rural with verdant fields and lush countryside. Located right on the River Lot.
Rate Details (In US Dollars)
Daily rate $250. Minimum 3 nights. Cleaning fee $200
Weekly rate: $1600 USD plus $200 Cleaning fee
Check in between 4PM and 6PM, check out by 10AM
Available off season for long term rental. NOTE: Village is VERY quiet off season
Strict cancelation policy. Refunds available if property is re-rented.
Payment accepted via Pay Pal, electronic transfer and check
Damage deposit of 200 Euros required at check in.
.15 Euro/KWH for electricity beyond 100KWH allowance (this is above average use)
Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.
Map & Owner's Profile
Enchanting Home Medieval Village Ideal for Families & Couples
Year Purchased: 2009
Why the Owner Chose St-Cirq-Lapopie
The first time I visited the village of St Cirq LaPopie 20 years ago, it took my breath away. Seven years later, I went back with my husband. We loved our time there, and I always wanted to return. I visited again in Fall of 2008. We stayed in a gite in the village and became friends with the owners. They showed us their petite maison for sale. We are very excited that we could make it ours. In 2010, we bought the house next door and combined it with our first house, knocking out walls between. We gained a fabulous garden for BBQ's and dining, 3 more bedrooms and 2 more baths, as well as a proper laundry room.
The Unique Benefits at this House
The village of St Cirq LaPopie is magical. It is premier among the Most Beautiful Villages of France. It is an artists' village 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 swimming and boating on the river. It is the land of Foie Gras and Truffles. The local community is very warm and welcoming, including a great ex pat group. What is not to like about this slice of heaven?
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.
Great day trip. Spend time on the Pnt Valentre bridge. Buy a picnic in the market and walk down to the river to enjoy it.
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.
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 (some
Fortified caves that look like little castles walls built into a sheer rock face. They were used as shelter or fortress during the Hundred Years War. They can be seen in Bouzies, Cabrerets, Sauliac sur Cele, St-Gery and Vers but are not accessible.
Another of France's most beautiful villages. 1 hour 36 minute drive form St Cirq LaPopie....
Commented cruise in English on a passenger boat. From Bouzi�s to Saint-Cirq Lapopie and back through a 19th lock and along breathtaking cliffs : 1 hr 15. From April to end of October, departures at 11
Another of France's most beautiful villages, although we like St Cirq much better!
Home of the largest truffle market in the world. Festival held in January complete with gendarmes and much secrecy
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, which was thoroughly restored in 1853,
This stronghold of the Imbert du Bosc is a superb castle. It always remained in the hands of its family members.
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 lar
Wonderful market in medieval town center. For your convenience there is a large L'EClerc (like Target in the US) located on the road on the left just before you enter Villefranche
Lovely Sunday market. Great Bike shop here. And if you need a hair cut, go to Alain at Six-O.
Owner's Map of St-Cirq-Lapopie
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.
Property Photos
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- Maison d'Etre Front Door - Cahors (Midi-Pyrenees) Vacation House with a Fireplace, Tour Area Wineries or Perhaps a Nearby Chateaux!
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- kitchen table with view in to kitchen and bath - Cahors (Midi-Pyrenees) Vacation House with a Fireplace, Tour Area Wineries or Perhaps a Nearby Chateaux!
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- Kitchen with dishwasher, fridge and microwave - Cahors (Midi-Pyrenees) Vacation House with a Fireplace, Tour Area Wineries or Perhaps a Nearby Chateaux!
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- View from antique daybed on middle floor
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- dining room with door in to garden
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- View from our house at Sunset
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- The village of St Cirq LaPopie from across the River Lot
Traveler Reviews (5)
Over the Top!
Guest: Betsey & Dave
(Seattle, WA, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11
Review Submitted: 06/22/11
Our 2 week adventure (May 28-June 11, 2011) in SW France was preceeded by high expectations of making "a dream come true". Upon arrival at Maison d'Etre in St Cirq Lapopie we were greeted warmly by Natalie and Jesse, Ann's two cheerful caretakers who showed us the home. We happily found everything and more than we had anticipated. Shortly afterwards, Penni came by with our pre-arranged gourmet meal of Boeuf en Vin Rouge, a delicious lifesaver before we settled in for the night. The master suite is large and private with an awe-inspiring view up above of the Gothic Church of Saint-Cirq and out across the equally amazing Lot River valley. Pictures of this tucked-away paradise do not do it justice-you must experience it for yourself. Literally, everywhere you look is a sight to behold. Not to mention the fascinating medieval village with its warm and friendly people! You may not speak French, and they may not speak English, but somehow you both happily make it happen! Up and down the cobbled stone lanes there are shops of various shapes and sizes full of unique contents, and restaurants offering everything from rustic to gourmet French fare abound (Restaurant l'Atelier, Le Cantou and La Tonnelle, to name a few). On days when you drive to other nearby villages to explore and attend their open-air markets (such as Limogne) or need to find some basic staples at the shop in Tour de Faure, you'll come "home" with your treasures and enjoy all the comforts of your own gourmet kitchen. Dining outside at the picnic table in the private garden, while the sun was setting and the birds were chirping, was an absolute joy! This charming, completely renovated maison exceeded our expectations on all counts. We are sure you will find the same, as soon as you can get there! Bon voyage!
Owner response:Betsey, for the life of me I can hardly think of anything to add that you did not cover! Oh... maybe the fact that we have luxury linens and towels for the guests? Or the view while seated in the master bath tub equals the one from the master bedroom pillow? .... AND, for those fascinated by the curious, on display now behind glass in its original location, is a 15th c. egg we found hidden inside a wall for good luck by the people who built the house 6 centuries ago. It is our most original of the original artwork there...
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
A Week of Renewal
Guest: Mary Grace
(Austin, TX USA)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11
Review Submitted: 05/19/11
I echo the reviews above regarding match to the description, good food, particular outings. I needed some form of renewal and coming to St Cirq Lapopie provided the perfect escape. A colleague and I immersed ourselves in all that this medieval home brings -- rich furniture pieces, cozy blankets, astounding views, quiet garden, clever design, and even modern internet! Embedded in such an authentically French village enhanced everything. We found plenty of things to do in the area thanks to the owner's collection of guidebooks, maps, and recommendations. As a vacation rental, it's a fabulous combination of privacy and comforts of home, yet also the escape from my own home that I needed. I certainly recommend this property to others.
Owner response:I am so delighted you mentioned the resources there. We have a library in the house that features every imaginable sort of French book, everything from mystery to history, novels, to cookbooks, children's books (in French!) and language books. You do not even need to bring a guidebook when you come!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, romantic getaway, families with young children.
St-Cirq Home
Guest: Dan & Lindsay
(Mercer Island, WA)
Date of Stay: 06/14/10
Review Submitted: 05/18/11
This was a supremely comfortable place to stay even before the expansion/remodel. The village is quite special and the Lot valley beautiful. This location in is also very convenient for exploring all around that region of France. We found favorite Delis and restaurants in many of the surrounding towns and villages as well as castles and other historic sights. Maybe best of all, after a long day of exploring, was the knowledge that we had a very nice, comfortable place to rest again that night.
Owner response:Thanks, Dan! I hope you and Lindsay will come back. I offer deep discounts to repeat customers! And I would love for you to see it now that it has a master suite, garden and proper dining room. It is hard to believe that it used to be two houses. They were so close together that inside it looks like it has always been the way it is now! Very warmly, Ann
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.
A week in St. Cirq La Popie
Guest: Scott
(Kirkland, Washington. USA)
Date of Stay: 05/24/10
Review Submitted: 07/11/10
Better than the description or photo's, this midevial enchantment completely surpassed our expectations! Our village host (local) accomodated every need and more, providing a gourmet dinner including that incredible local Cahor wine. We are already talking to friends about joining us on our next visit. The restaurants were outstanding and the owners treated you like locals. Our walks to the bakery each morning were very memorable, and great exercise. The breathtaking views (clinging to a 300 foot shear face above the lazy Lot River) held you spellbound. Within a few minutes drive we experienced the "Peche Merle Cave tour. very powerful experience. We toured north to the Gouffe De Padirac near Rocamador and enjoyed getting lost in the countryside,and the thursday market in Ville France was not to be missed. This entire region was so rugged and picturesque that we cannot wait to go back.
Owner response:Thanks, Scott for the wonderful comments. We want everyone to have such a memorable trip and will do whatever we can to exceed expectations. I hope you and Sherry will come back and bring friends!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, families with teenagers, romantic getaway, families with young children.
Fabulous French town
Guest: Susan Elizabeth
(Boise, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 04/17/10
Review Submitted: 05/14/10
My husband and I and our 23 year old daughter had a fun week in St. Cirq Lapopie. The house was perfect for the 3 of us. The bike riding in the area is excellent and the town itself is quaint and romantic. There are several markets in the area to buy food and there are also many delicious restaurants in the village. I would recommend this house and village. You can pretend that you live in a cool French town!
Owner response:We have a lot of detailed information in the house about great hikes and outsanding local bike rides of various lengths. We love to have cyclists and walkers!
Recommended for:Sightseeing, adventure seekers, girls getaway, age 55+, romantic getaway.
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #251782
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