Maison Acacia

The villa

The French poet Jean Cayrol spent many years at this village home; perhaps you, too, will find inspiration in the enchanting walled garden. Maison Acacia is in the heart of a small Gironde village, a wonderful location for visiting the many beautiful market towns along the Dordogne River and the world - famous vineyards of Saint - Émilion and beyond.

The historic 17th - century main home (built of yellow honeystone) includes two additional residences—guests can retire to private quarters, then join one another to dine on the terrace beside the secluded, heated swimming pool. This characterful villa carries a sense of relaxed elegance; unfussy yet comfortable furniture brings country relaxation into the village.

Just a short drive from the Dordogne River, this tiny hilltop village, with its narrow rows of medieval houses and gardens, will utterly charm you and a local restaurant is just a few steps away. A couple of bikes are provided for leisurely cycle rides across the surrounding countryside - you could even venture as far as the riverside town of Castillon - la - Bataille, around 6 km away, with its wonderful Monday morning market.

Other highlights of the area include hilltop Gensac, with its surrounding vineyards, and Pessac - sur - Dordogne, with its riverside walks and summer canoeing/kayaking opportunities. Not to mention the UNESCO World Heritage site of Saint - Émilion, which has been producing some of the world's best wine since Roman times, only 18 km by car.

Furthermore, less than an hour’s drive will take you to Bordeaux, the heart of the eponymous wine region. Indeed, following either the Dordogne or the Garonne Rivers toward Bordeaux will lead you to wineries and châteaux by the dozen and allow you to soak up the natural beauty of this glorious region in southwestern France.

Maison Acacia is in the heart of a tiny village in the Gironde region of south - western France, less than a 10 - minute drive to the historic market town of Castillon - la - Bataille and only 18km to Saint - Émilion and its world - famous vineyards. Both Bergerac Airport (50km) and Bordeaux Airport (66km) are within easy reach.

The small village is home to a tabac and much - loved restaurant within a very short walk. It’s centred in an area rich with historic small towns, picturesque villages and beautiful châteaux. Visit riverside Castillon - la - Bataille (6.5km) on a Monday morning for its atmospheric market and look out for impressive historic enactments of the battle of Castillon on Friday and Saturday evenings in the height of the summer (tickets can usually be purchased in advance). Also by the banks of the Dordogne, Sainte - Foy - la - Grande (24km) is a characterful town famed for its Saturday morning market, one of the most beautiful in the region.

Another favourite spot nearby is the hilltop village of Gensac (9.5km). Walks and cycle tracks radiate across vineyards in all directions and you don't need to go far to make some lovely new discoveries. Meanwhile, look out for canoeing and kayaking along the river as well as gorgeous walks near Pessac - sur - Dordogne (11km).

Of course, one of the main highlights of the region is Saint - Émilion, a breathtaking medieval gem brimming with history, charm, and world - renowned vineyards. Wander its cobbled streets, discover the awe - inspiring Monolithic Church, and soak in panoramic views from the King’s Tower. Wine lovers can indulge in exquisite tastings at prestigious châteaux surrounding the hilltop town, while gastronomes delight in gourmet dining. Explore the mysterious underground catacombs, or simply unwind in the picturesque squares.

There are yet more wonderful restaurants, good shops and vibrant markets in the town of Libourne (24km) whilst Bergerac (48km) and Bordeaux (59km) are other grand days out for food enthusiasts, historians and wine - lovers alike.

You can even reach the Atlantic coast within a 90 - minute drive whether sampling oysters at the bay of Arcachon, climbing Europe’s highest sand dune, Dune du Pilat, or experiencing the surfing waves around Lacanau (picking up some Médoc wine at the prestigious châteaux of Pauillac or Margaux en route).