Picturesque Rural Medieval Village House

Imagine waking up in a medieval village in rural France. Welcome to our lovingly restored 14th century home. Walk to the bakery just around the corner to purchase fresh pasteries and bread. Return home to a cup of coffee alongside a roaring logwood fire in an oversized fireplace. Or, walk to breakfast a short block away.

Montpezat de Quercy is a small medieval village full of charm and friendly people. Known for its half-timbered picturesque houses, this charming village is nestled in the beautiful Midi-Pyrenees region of southwest France. This area is one of the sunniest sectors in all of France with mild summer temperatures, October 'indian summers,' and short, mild winters.

A memorable holiday can be experienced, whether it is being a tourist and 'seeing everything' or relaxing and unwinding from your hectic schedule back home.

Listed as a protected town, Montpezat de Quercy is a medieval, scenic village built in the 14th century. The world famous Saint-Martin Collegiate church which contains opulent Flemish tapestries from the 14th century is a major, international tourist attraction.

Our home is two stories (over 200 meters square and exceeds 2000 square feet) with oak beamed ceilings and stone accent walls. A castle-size, wood log burning fireplace highlights the living and dinning grand room. Two master bedrooms with king size beds, additional sleeping sofa-bed, two modern bathrooms, a well-appointed, fully furnished modern kitchen with dishwasher, oven, fridge/freezer and cooking utensils are present. A washer, dryer, iron and ironing board are provided. Original paintings and decorative items add to the original French decor. Artifacts gathered from around the world have been artistically placed.

Upon your arrival, you will find a variety of delicatessen cuisine and local wine provided in the kitchen for your dinning pleasure.

This sensual retreat is only a few short steps from a vegetable market (Les Marroniers Brasserie), butcher boucherie), bakery (Boulangerie Le Founil Quercy- across from the gas station as you enter the village), outside cafes, pharmacy, restaurants, boutique (Les Trois Filles-ask manager),post office, hair dresser, medical doctors, medical supply store, grocery store, gas station and garage, taxi service and bar. Several upscale restaurants are only a few feet from the front door: La Table Du Cardinal -walk through the arch and experience fine dinnng with discreet and elegant charm (www.latableducardinal.com), and Le Heron d'Or which is in the heart of the village in the central square. A bistro (Bistro de Pays) is located a block away at the Cafe De L'union. Relax at an outside table and you can sense that very little has changed over 400 years.

It is an ideal 'homebase' for daytrips to historic walled villages (Carcassonne, and others), markets, festivals and wine-tasting at local vineyards. Antique stores are nearby.

This unspoiled, rolling hills, farming region of rich cultural heritage produces fruit of all kinds. Geese and duck farms provide fresh foie gras, while other farms provide truffles, delicatessen meats and cheese and quality award-winning wines. Highly rated campgrounds are located in the sourrounding area. Prehistoric caves with cave art dating back thousands of years are a short drive away.

Local markets in nearby villages provide a variety of fresh meat, vegetables, fruit and other products:
Monday--Caussade, St. Nicolas de la Grave
Tuesday--Caylus, Montech, Negrepelisse, Valance d'Agen
Wednesday--Albias, Grisolles, Labastide St-Pierre, LaFrancaise, Laguepie, Lauzerte, Moissac, Montauban, Septfonds
Thursday--Castelsarrasin, Monclar de Quercy
Friday--Lavit de Lomagne, Montricous, St. Etienne de Tulmont, Verdon St. Garonne
Saturday--Montpazat de Quercy, Cahors, Beaumont de Lomagne, Caylus, Lauzerte, Moissac, Montaigu de Quercy, Montauban, Varen
Sunday--St Antonin Noble-Val, St. Nauphary, Auvillar, Laguepie, Moissac, Negrepelisse, Roquecor

Major shopping districts/malls are located a short drive away in the larger cities. Here, you can shop at small French botiques or larger chain stores.

Guides to the large number of festivals of various types can be obtained from the Office of Tourism located a block away (www.tourisme-montpezat-de-quercy). Well-informed, multi-lingual staff are on site to provide you information, written material and maps.

To arrive by automobile: From Paris take A20, exit at Cahors exit number 58, then take D820 and then D20 (RN20).
From Toulouse take A20, exit at Caussade exit number 59 then take D820 and then D20(RN20).
From Bordeaux take A62, exit at Montauban, then take A20 to D820 and exit on D20 (RN20).
By train: The station in Caussade is 12 Km away; The station in Cahors is 27Km and the station in Montauban (TGV) is 35Km away.

The manager of our property lives a short two blocks away and has lived in the village for a large portion of her life. She is multi-lingual and is extremely knowledgeable of France and much of Europe.

Every village in France holds an amazing history and generous sightseeing opportunities. Just a few of these villages are listed: Cahors--a cosy town with a beautiful cathedral and a bridge from the medieval period. Many wines from this region enjoy a high reputation. St. Cirq-Lapopie--situated high above the rocks above the river Lot. Rocamadour--Only 100km from Montpezat, this three level medieval village is 'hanging' on a steep mountain side. Nearby is an underground river upon which you can actually sail. In St. Antonin-Noble-Val are canoes for rent and exciting markets. Carcasonne--A beautiful medieval town with 40 towers is only 160km away. The Mediterranean Sea is 250km away and is worth a few days visit. It is easy to see Nice and Monte Carlo as well as many hillside towns.

Local produce: lamb (delicate full flavor), goat cheese (velvety skin and creamy texture), walnuts, black truffles and saffron are only a few of the locally produced high quality items. The Quercy area melons and foie gras are noted for their flavor and quality. Croustilot bread made from local wheat is the perfect accompaniment to the Quercy's delicious food.

The river Lot is navigable over 75 km and traverses a variety of landscapes, making it one of the finest for river tourism in all France. This stretch of the Lot is officially navigable from April first to mid-November.

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Keywords: house, gite, vineyards, sleeps 6, 2 baths, king size beds, modern amenities, tourist area