Enchanting Home Medieval Village Ideal for Families & Couples

• More than I dreamed

  More than I dreamed

  • Guest Janice and Tom
  • Date of stay 07/07/12
  • Review Submitted 07/29/12
  In 1975, Andre Breton's first wife, Simone, said to me "The best dreams are those that come true." Since then I have dreamed of visiting St.-Cirq-Lapopie, where Breton had a home. The magical experience in this gorgeous village was made even more special by staying in La Maison d'Etre. Perfectly located at the entrance to the village, this spacious, well-appointed, welcoming home was both comfortable and beautiful. The rooms are large and lovingly furnished in the style of Southwest France, and taking our meals in the charming garden was delightful. The owner supplied us with in-depth information to make our stay easy to navigate. Thanks to Ann and her home, our visit to St. Cirq was more than I dreamed. I trust that this will be the first of many visits.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway.

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 0/0

• The vacation everyone deserves at least once in a lifetime

  The vacation everyone deserves at least once in a lifetime

  • Guest Anonymous
  • Date of stay 07/30/11
  • Review Submitted 06/26/12
  This will be relatively brief, because we concur with all the praise from the earlier postings. From contacting Ann, to booking the house, to arriving, and, best of all, to living there for two full weeks, this was an exceptionally pleasing experience. Ten of us (two families, each with three school-age children) descended on Maison D'Etre in the village of St. Cirq Lapopie with our rental car, our luggage, and all the excitement and expectation that this, a celebration (in part) of my wife's 50th birthday, evoked. The experience turned out to be even better than we had imagined. Not only one of the most beautiful villages (and regions) in the world, but we got to live right in the thick of it! This was not one of those vacations, although very nice, out in the beautiful countryside somewhere with a nice swimming pool, etc.-- this was in the heart of the heart of southern France. We were surrounded by culture, by restaurants, by ancient buildings, by a swimmable river and beach-- we were in an exceptionally comfortable home, we had restaurants and shops we could stroll to, and we could take the most extraordinary days trips, from bicycling along the river to exploring local markets, from trips to the vineyards to visiting the local castle. The place, the experience, was so perfect, we were so captivated, that we actually bought a 'ruin' in town (a 14th Century stone house) and are in the process of renovating it. I guess we couldn't bear to leave. If you only have a week to spend at Ann's place in St. Cirq Lapopie, you will be blessed with a fantastic vacation--but if you can manage to give yourself at least two weeks in town, you will have the vacation of a lifetime. Thank you, Ann, for making this possible.

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: Charlie, THANK YOU to my favorite new neighbor! and WELCOME to the village! We are looking forward to sharing a glass of wine together at your new place... and another one at ours. I appreciate the perspective you have shared of the benefit of a two-week stay. There is more than enough to do. No one would be bored or disappointed! Ann and Mark

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• A Perfect Vacation

  A Perfect Vacation

  • Guest Steffi
  • Date of stay 03/29/12
  • Review Submitted 05/02/12
  This was an extraordinary vacation for our family of four. The house was immaculate and utterly lovely, with a pretty yard for sun bathing. The village feels like we were in the 15th century, but the house was completely up to date while keeping its old world charm. We lounged by the fire, we hiked every day, we rode bikes, we visited open air markets, we feasted on the local foods, we explored the charming villages, we visited the cave paintings, we soaked in hot baths, we drew, we read, we wrote....It was magical!

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

  Owner response: We are SO glad! Thank you for the comments in our guest book, too. Your tips on finding your way on the French hiking trails are really helpful! We were staying at the house right after you and found a few of the village restaurants, Bar Lapopie, Le Cantou and L'Oustal (new chefs at the latter two) to be especially great this time. Oh la la!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• Over the Top!

  Over the Top!

  • Guest Betsey & Dave
  • 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!

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

  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...

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• A Week of Renewal

  A Week of Renewal

  • Guest Mary Grace
  • 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.

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

  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!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• St-Cirq Home

  St-Cirq Home

  • Guest Dan & Lindsay
  • 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.

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

  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

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 1/1

• A week in St. Cirq La Popie

  A week in St. Cirq La Popie

  • Guest Scott
  • 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.

  Recommended for: Families with teenagers, sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, families with young children, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

  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!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 2/2

• Fabulous French town

  Fabulous French town

  • Guest Susan Elizabeth
  • 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!

  Recommended for: Sightseeing, romantic getaway, age 55+, girls getaway, adventure seekers.

  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!

  Did you find this review helpful? Yes | No Helpful votes: 4/4

Weekly rate: $2200 USD 
Check in after 4PM 
Check out by 10AM (strict policy due to turnover time required)
Available off season for long term rental. NOTE: Village is VERY quiet off season
Strict cancellation policy. Refunds available if property is re-rented.
Payment accepted via Pay Pal, electronic transfer and check
$300 Damage deposit & $200 cleaning deposit fully refundable
.15 Euro/KWH for electricity beyond 100KWH allowance (this is above average use)

Note: Until confirmed, rates are subject to change without notice.