Domaine Fabriges

The villa

Domaine Fabriges is a beautiful château in the Lot region of southern France, set within 75 acres of grounds with landscaped gardens, a children’s play area and vast forest. Admire the avenue of century - old plane trees, swim in the heated pool made from Quercy stone, play on the tennis court then relax by the poolside bar or beneath the leafy pagoda. - ideal for a group of friends or extended family, there is always something to do at this welcoming high - end abode.

Across the old Quercy domaine you will find several reception rooms alongside twelve en suite bedrooms in the main house and adjacent Grange. We adore the original fireplace in the cosy lounge, the Steinway grand piano in the hallway as well as the elegant billiard table and air - conditioned TV lounge. The en suite bedrooms have been beautifully styled with attractive furnishings and graceful décor, some with canopied beds and rolltop baths, and there are glorious garden or countryside views from every room. The extensive wine cellar is also available to guests so they can purchase wines if they wish.

Choose to enjoy breakfast on the terrace overlooking the hills then head over to the large table by the pizza oven and barbecue for long shady lunches close to the chef’s kitchen. A Sonos music system means you can enjoy your favourite tunes on the terrace and by the swimming pool or embrace the surrounding tranquility as you stroll through the vast grounds and woodland, watching children play. Guests young and old will also adore the championship size table football and table tennis.

Housekeeping six days per week is included in the price and if there are more than 10 guests staying then the mandatory chef service has to be booked as well - how wonderful to be able to be cooked for every day (please see the "Extras" tab and enquire for additional pricing for this. Self - catering option available in May, June and September). For less than 10 guests, daily breakfasts can still be arranged for a supplement as well as other optional extras.

If you can tear yourself away from the wonderful surroundings, pop into the local village for a morning coffee and explore other medieval gems such as Castelnau - Montratier and the market town of Montcuq. As well as atmospheric markets showcasing a wealth of delicious produce, look out for brocantes and vide - greniers in nearby villages and towns.

Visit the Malbec - producing vineyards of Cahors, a handsome town known for its fantastic shops, restaurants, hidden gardens and the 14th century Pont Valentre. Soak up the artistic ambience of Saint - Cirq - Lapopie, visit the impressive monastery in Moissac and potter further afield to the likes of Pujols and Monflanquin, classified as two of France’s ‘ Plus Beaux Villages ’ in this attractive region of southern France.

In the Lot department of southern France, very close to the border of Tarn - et - Garonne, Domaine Fabriges enjoys a beautiful countryside location set in four acres of gardens and woodland with seventy acres of working farmland beyond.

The nearest airport is Toulouse just 85km away whilst Brive and Bergerac Airports are also worth considering. There are TGV train services from Paris Montparnasse to Montauban (29km) taking just under four hours.

The nearest village is around 4km by car, a good place to stop off for a coffee after picking up fresh bread, whilst there is a Spar supermarket just outside the village. The bastide town of Castelnau - Montratier is an attractive spot for lunch after admiring the historic squares, medieval houses and church. The weekly market takes place on a Sunday morning. In the height of the summer look out a Wednesday evening night market.

Elsewhere, enjoy the picturesque drive to the pretty old village of Montcuq (25km) which attracts many visitors on a Sunday morning for its bustling market. Indeed, across the spring, summer and autumn you will find a variety of markets across the region - look out for green asparagus and spring strawberries (gariguettes) as well as some wonderful brocantes and vide - greniers dotted around.

Heading north, Cahors (34km) is a beautiful medieval town with upmarket shops, a fantastic twice - weekly market, several good restaurants and cafes as well as hidden gardens and handsome architecture including its grand cathedral and Pont Valentre, a 14th - century bridge which is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The vineyards surrounding Cahors produce some of the best wine in the world.

From Cahors you can take a boat excursion all the way to Saint - Cirq - Lapopie (46km) or you can drive there in just under an hour. This ancient cliffside village by the banks of the Lot is especially loved by artists. It was once on the French pilgrim route and visitors flock to the gorgeous village every summer.

Further south by the Tarn River, Moissac (31km) has an impressive monastery which was visited by pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostella - after visiting, stop off for lunch on the shady church square by the magnolia trees.

Another fantastic day out includes the wonderful city of Toulouse (83km), also known as ‘La Ville Rose ’ thanks to the pink stone used to create many of its buildings. Meanwhile, some of the Lot - et - Garonne’s picture - perfect villages include Tournon - d'Agenais (51km), Penne - d'Agenais (62km), Pujols (74km) and the bastide town of Monflanqun (76km), officially classified as one of France’s ‘ Plus Beaux Villages ’.