Location: St-Cirq-Lapopie, Midi-Pyrenees, France, Europe (1.75 Hours by car NE from Toulouse International Airport) View Map
Accommodations: House, 1 Bedroom + Other (See Description), 1.5 Baths (Sleeps 4-5)
You will believe you have walked back in time. Set at the lower end of the village, just inside the medieval village gate, Le Studio welcomes you, your family and friends and invites you 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. This exquisite artists' village has 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. Canoe the river or swim in it. Shop in thriving markets in one of the many nearby beautiful villages. Or see cave paintings at Pech Merle. Located 20 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. A visit to the wonderful award winning wineries in Cahors is a great day trip. The world-famous wineries of St. Emilion is an easy overnight. Sample the regional specialties of truffles and foie gras. 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 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 view. 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: Breakfast room, fully equipped kitchen that goes through to the luxurious bathroom with washer, dryer and heated towel rack. Lots of clean towels.
MIDDLE LEVEL: Wood burning fireplace, sofa with TV, DVD, books & music. Large dining table seats up to 8 people. Antique "sleigh" twin bed with new mattress. Comfortable sofa can be twin bed for extra guest.
THIRD LEVEL: Attic bedroom with double bed, en-suite WC and airconditioning. Table and two chests of drawers
Weekly rental from Saturday to Saturday. Possibile discount for more than than one week stay. Longer-term rental available at very low rate (e.g 4 to 6-month winter sabbatical for writers, artisits etc).
What is Self Catering?
Self catering is a European method of holiday rental, it means several important differences from the usual hotel.
•First, the rates are usually less than in a full service hotel. In a Self Catering arrangement 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 room.
•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. Note: thick stone walls also keep home cool in hot weather
- Washer: in the bathroom of the home
- Dryer: in the bathroom of the home
- Linens Provided: changed weekly
- Off Street Parking: One may drive to the front door to unload luggage; an assigned parking place for renters is in a lot within a block from this home
- Wood Fireplace
- Beds
- Queen Bed: This is an Aerobed which will inflate in 3 minutes and may be used for additional guests on middle floor
- Double Bed
- Twin/Single Bed: On middle floor
- 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.
- Entertainment
- TV (No Cable/Satellite)
- DVD
- CD Player
- Kitchen
- Full Kitchen: this is a fully equipped kitchen with everything you need to prepare your own coq au vin!
- Cooking Utensils Provided
- Refrigerator
- Dishwasher
- Microwave
- View/Location
- Beach View: There is a swimming beach on the River Lot, directly below the house, a short walk down the road.
- Mountain View: From our front door and second story window, 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 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
- WiFi (Wireless Internet): We are working on this at present and plan to have it in very soon. There is 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. We found the connection in our house to be weak though. It worked if we went outside, but this is obviously not always practical. We will have this problem solved soon.
- Other Amenities
- exquisite view of protected medieval village, church and castle foundation; swimming in the River Lot
- Suitability
- No Pets Allowed
- Kid Friendly: This rental would work well for one couple or for a family of 2 adults with 3 children. With owner's permission, two couples may be allowed. Please ask.
- Smoking Not Allowed: This is our home. Please do not smoke inside.
- Activities (on site and nearby)
- Shopping
- Sightseeing
- Restaurants
- Boating
- Swimming
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Wildlife Viewing
- Hiking
- Fishing
- Rock Climbing
- Spelunking
- Antiquing
- Museums
- Other Activities
- Visit ancient, original cave paintings at Peche Merle, one of the few original caves remaining which one may see. Wine tasting at the many outstanding wineries in Cahor is a wonderful day trip. The world-renowned St Emilion is an overnight away! There is a guided boat tour up the River which is also fun.
Rate Details (In Euros)
NOTE: Rental is from SATURDAY to SATURDAY
2010 Low Season (Oct - mid May)... €380/week
2010 Mid Season (mid May - mid July, September)... €495/week
2010 High Season (mid July - August)... €600/week
Discount possible for more than one week.
Long term rental negotiable.
(e.g. 4-6 mos. winter rental for sabbatical, writers, artists, etc)
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 it is now ours.
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 canoeing, swimming and boating on the river. It is the land of Foie Gras and Truffles. What is not to like?
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 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 were used as shelter or fortress during the Hundred Years War. They can be seen in Bouzi�s, Cabrerets, Sauliac sur C�l�, St-G�ry 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!
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
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
- Le Studio Front Door - Cahors (Midi-Pyrenees) Vacation House with a Fireplace, Tour Area Wineries or Perhaps a Nearby Chateaux!
- Le Studio Dining Area - Cahors (Midi-Pyrenees) Vacation House with a Fireplace, Tour Area Wineries or Perhaps a Nearby Chateaux!
- Le Studio Downstairs - Cahors (Midi-Pyrenees) Vacation House with a Fireplace, Tour Area Wineries or Perhaps a Nearby Chateaux!
- Le Studio Bedroom w/WC
- Le Studio Bath with shower
- Le Studio Kitchen
- Le Studio View from second story window
- View of village church and castle foundations from 2nd story of Le Studio
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Vacation Rentals by Owner Listing #251782
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