Les Ecuries

The villa

In a wonderfully rural area near the banks of a river, yet only a ten minute stroll into a charming medieval market town, Les Ecuries is the perfect setting for an unforgettable family reunion or special celebration in the south of the beautiful Dordogne, just under half an hour from Bergerac.

When hiring Les Ecuries exclusively there are eleven elegant bedrooms over five beautifully renovated apartments, each of which has its own open - plan living space with Wi - Fi and a Sonos sound system plus a well - equipped kitchen, bright and modern bathrooms and its own terrace and barbecue. Four of the apartments, including one with three bedrooms, are in a converted barn and feature air - conditioning in the bedrooms and a wood burning stove for cosier evenings whilst the fifth home, next to an impressive yoga space, has thick stone walls to keep the interiors cool in the summer.

The owners have a keen eye for detail and have aimed to create the highest of standards such as Feather & Black beds, the best quality linen and dressing gowns for guests including the children. The level of service that guests receive will equally astound you from the morning delivery of croissants and fresh bread every day to the on - site concierge who can arrange a private chef, baby - sitting, in - room massage or simply reserve taxis and restaurants for you.

The vast estate here stretches for 25 acres including delightful woodland walks and tranquil paths leading to the rivers edge where you can feast on picnics prepared by the chef or try out a spot of fishing. Enjoy the summer scents from the flower garden, pick herbs for your evening meal or simply find one of the benches or hammocks across the wonderful gardens to relax with a good book. Kids will be in their element with two play areas with slides, climbing frames and a great trampoline not to mention so many outdoor toys and a fantastic kids pool whilst grown - ups can enjoy some serious swimming in the 25m long swimming pool. Friends or family can gather by the vast terrace overlooking the pool, prepare wonderful meals in the large barbecue or pizza oven and enjoy leisurely lunches or lingering evening feasts with fine wines under the clear skies at night.

Should you be able to tear yourself away from the glorious grounds, the bastide town of Eymet is just around 10 minutes walk away. Enjoy the bustling market on a Thursday morning or simply wander around the medieval streets, admiring the fascinating history whilst browsing into shops and sampling some of the fantastic restaurants, cafes and bars.

The south of the Dordogne offers a wealth of activities from cycling, hiking and canoeing nearby to tree - top adventure parks, farms, water parks and go - karting to keep the kids entertained. There’s a decent choice of golf courses nearby and wine - lovers will be able to explore the surrounding vineyards from nearby Château de Monbazillac to idyllic Saint - Émilion and beyond. Not forgetting the array of characterful villages and cities nearby such as beautiful Bergerac and impressive Bordeaux to the smaller and charming Issigeac and Monpazier. Explore local towns on market day for a true Dordogne experience!

Whether a special celebration with friends or an extended family holiday, this is a unique place where you will feel most welcome and looked after in this stunning part of southern Dordogne. For smaller groups it is possible to rent out one of the two bedroom apartments ( Les Ecuries II ) or the three bedroom apartment ( Les Ecuries III) separately with a shared pool and grounds.

The location of Les Ecuries is wonderful for those looking for a rural holiday yet not have to depend on a car as you are just a ten minute walk from the charming market town of Eymet. The 25 acres of private grounds at Les Ecuries lead to the banks of the Dropt river.

In Eymet (2km) you will find some excellent restaurants and bars, a couple of supermarkets, a boulangerie and butchers as well as other interesting shops and a vibrant market in the beautiful main square on a Thursday. Being on the banks of the river there are some amazing views and great picnic spots. The town dates back to the 13th century and is a typical bastide town in its layout, full of idyllic medieval houses and attractive buildings. The town hosts several cultural events and festivals throughout the year and is a vibrant as well as historical place to stay. In terms of activities you will find canoeing within ten minutes by car, bike trails in the area (and electric bike hire and tours in Eymet!) several golf courses within twenty minutes and a picturesque lake with swimming, slides, barbecue facilities and a café just half an hour away. In and around Bergerac you will find a waterpark, go - karting, boat rides and a miniature ferry sailing lake plus there is a tree - top activity centre for all ages just half an hour drive away in Sainte - Colombe - de - Duras. Younger kids will also love Le Chaudron Magique, an organic farm where children can milk the goats and make goats cheese!

You are surrounded by idyllic villages and towns, full of history and character, worthy of a visit for a leisurely lunch and explore such as the warren of medieval streets at Issigeac (24km) or the attractive Sainte - Foy - la - Grande (28km) facing the Dordogne. Not forgetting beautiful Bergerac (27km) with its medieval architecture, narrow streets of boutiques and great restaurants and impressive Bordeaux (95km), definitely worthy of a fantastic day trip.

In under an hour you can access two of France’s Plus Beaux Villages, Monflaquin (45km) and Monpazier (47km) or follow the Dordogne east all the way to beautiful villages such as Beynac - et - Cazenac (80km), La Roque - Gageac (84km) and Domme (90km) before heading north to delightful Sarlat - la - Canéda (92km). For a change of scene you can also head west for a day trip to the coast to sample some local oysters at Cap Ferret (180km) or Arcachon (170km).

Wine - lovers are in the perfect location with vineyards in the surrounding area as well as both south and north of the Dordogne, some of them organic. As well as the famous La Route des Vins de Bergerac, you also have the Bordeaux vineyards to the west and beautiful Saint - Émilion (63km) just an hour away. Nearby the Château de Monbazillac (22km) is an especially wonderful place to sample and buy wines whilst Eymet even has its own local brewery if you fancy a change of drink!

Those looking to experience market days across the region should head to Saint Alvere (55m) on a Monday, Riberac (80km) on a Tuesday, Bergerac (27km) or Sarlat (90km) on a Wednesday, nearby Eymet or Saint Astier (75km) on a Thursday, Souillac (116km) on a Friday, finishing off with Saint Cyprian (73km) or Issigeac (24km) on a Sunday. Bergerac (27km) also hosts a wonderful flea market on the first Sunday of every month and in the summer you should look out for the atmospheric night markets dotted around the villages of the Dordogne, including Eymet, for a special experience of amazing food and festivities. Each market often specialises in a regional cuisine and/or craft from that area and sometimes throughout the year seasonal markets pop up.