Nicotiana - A family friendly converted barn in the Dordogne/Lot borders

by Robert McNeil
(South Normanton)

This extremely well restored four bedroom barn benefits from an ideal rural setting in which you can relax and unwind. however it is located only a few miles from the delightful "Cité Médievale" of Gourdon in a peaceful village,

This traditional building is ideal for family couples with young children. It is within easy reach of all major attractions and necessary facilities for an enjoyable "break from it all".

We also welcome families living with learning difficulties and reduced mobility and we are happy to consider specific requests. Just ask!

The property benefits from its own fenced and fully gated terrace and BBQ area and there is parking off-road for 2 vehicles.

Holiday Accommodation at Nicotiana

Nicotiana has been beautifully restored and offers comfortable accommodation for up to 8 people. It comprises:

Ground Floor

Entrance door to:
•The Kitchen / Dining area with dining table and chairs, oak beams, comfortable settee and armchair, large fully equipped kitchen, windows or doors to both sides of the room giving a superb sunny aspect.

To the side you enter:
•The lounge, which has old oak beams. There are comfortable sofa's, coffee tables, TV with free-view channels and the bookcase and games for those who want them.

A further door leads to:
•Separate WC with wash hand basin
•Fully tiled shower room containing shower cubicle and wash hand basin, large mirror with lights over, washing machine and ironing board.

A wide staircase leads to the:

First Floor

Landing leading to:
•Master bedroom with king-size bed, wardrobe, dressing table and bedside tables
•Bathroom with shower cubicle, vanity unit and WC
•Second large bedroom with king-size bed, chest of drawers, wardrobe and bedside tables
•Third double bedroom with 2 single beds, wardrobe, bedside tables
•Fourth double bedroom with 2 single beds, wardrobe, bedside tables

Outside
•Leading from one side of the kitchen/diner is a sunny terrace for al fresco dining.
•Delightful large grassy area

About Fajoles in Lot, Midi Pyrenees

Local Area & Attractions

From the era of Prehistoric Man through the middle Ages and beyond, the Dordogne and Lot area is a sightseer's paradise - steeped in history. The Dordogne region also formed the historic frontier between France and England during the Hundred Years War and this rich heritage offers a renowned variety of sights for you to discover on your sightseeing break in France.

The Perigord boasts numerous castles, churches and medieval bastides towns as well as beautiful stone villages and prehistoric caves, all set in some of France's loveliest countryside. The Dordogne and Lot rivers meander throughout undulating hills, forests and limestone cliffs with new discoveries around every corner.

When sightseeing in the Dordogne, here are a few of the many highlights you should not miss:

Domme

This famous 13th century bastide (fortified) town of Domme was founded on a dauntingly sheer cliff eight centuries ago, high above the Dordogne valley. Classified as "L'un des plus beaux villages de France", Domme offers cafes and restaurants with stunning views over the river.

La Roque-Gageac

Like Domme, La Roque-Gageac is one of the many villages labeled as "L'un des Plus Beaux Villages de France" in the area. Situated on the banks of the river, the ochre-coloured houses are built directly into the face of the huge cliff that overhangs La Roque-Gageac. When sightseeing in La Roque-Gageac, you can take a ride on a Gabare, the traditional flat-bottomed boats of the Dordogne that used to trade goods up and down the river.

Rocamadour

The second most visited site, by sightseers in France, Rocamadour spectacularly clings to the cliff of the Alzou canyon. Rocamadour is part of the medieval Christian pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela, where, Kings and peasants alike once crawled up the Rocamadour chapel steps on their knees seeking redemption and cures.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

Probably the most famous town of Perigord, Sarlat has survived almost unchanged since the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Arched alleyways and ancient narrow cobbled lanes radiate out from the Sarlat main square. On market days (Wednesdays & Saturdays) the streets of Sarlat -la-Canéda burst with local produce such as foie gras, truffles, cheeses, wine, walnuts and mushrooms in season.

Château de Beynac

The Dordogne boasts as many as 100 châteaux and Beynac is one of the best preserved castles in the region. This 12th century fortress is open for visits and gives a remarkable insight into what it must have been like in The Hundred Years War. The Château de Beynac was captured, for a time, by the English King Richard-the-Lionheart. When sightseeing, visitors can take a tour inside the remarkably well preserved interior of the chateax and explore the dungeons, great hall and lookout towers with magnificent 360 degree views across the beautiful countryside.

Prehistoric Man - Lascaux II & Les Eyzies-De-Tayac

This world heritage site is home to prehistoric cave paintings 17,000 years old and contains the finest examples of Palaeolithic art in existence. Lascaux offers a fascinating glimpse into the souls of our distant ancestors and guided tours are conducted both in French and English.

Les Eyzies, the prehistorical centre of France, is situated below limestone cliffs where our direct ancestors used to roam 40,000 years ago. The Vézère Valley in particular houses some 250 UNESCO sites including caves and rock paintings, making it the undisputed 'Prehistoric Capital of the World'.

Le Bugue - tuesday market, village of Bournat (craftsmen, animals, funfair), Aquarium, Proumeyssac underground crystal vault.

Les Eyzies - prehistory centre of Europe, grottos, shelters, caves-paintings, museums, Roc St Christophe, Cap Blanc and other prehistoric sites.

Monpazier - beautiful bastide, perfect rectangular townplan, galleries.

Local Cuisine and Specialties, Haute-Cuisine in The Dordogne

Food and wine are at the heart of French culture and when in the Dordogne the best way to experience this is through colourful French markets and local restaurants.

The Perigord is renowned for its Confit de canard (duck), its world-famous foie gras, truffles, goat's cheese and walnuts served in salads or in the delicious Gâteau aux Noix. Local red wines from Cahors and Bergerac, and the famous white Monbazillac are bound to find their way onto your table. From Haute-Cuisine and Michelin Star restaurants to simple and delicious Auberges serving local produce and specialties, the Dordogne / Lot region offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

Leisure and pleasure opportunities abound in this area a few of which are:

Swimming - Karting - Walking - Visiting Castles and Chateaux - Canoeing - Art Galleries - Cycling - Craft Markets - Golf - Animal & Bird Parks - Hot-Air Ballooning - Parascending - Fishing - Churches - Horseriding - Waterparks - Potholing - Cave Diving - Rock Climbing - Garden Visiting - Tennis - Aquarium
- Cinema - Music Festivals - Adventure Playgrounds - Ancient Cave Paintings.

All these activities are a short drive away.

How To Get To Fajoles in Lot, South West France

Arriving by Air

La Plaine Fajoles is less than an hours drive from the new airport in Brive which currently has flights from Manchester using Jet 2 and also flights are available from London City Airport. We are also two hours drive from three airports serviced by Ryanair (Limoges, Rodez and Bergerac)
From Brive Airport: 45 Minutes
From Limoges Airport: 1 Hour 45minutes
From Rodez Airport: 2 Hour 10 minutes
From Bergerac Airport: 2 Hours
From Toulouse Airport: 2.5 Hours

Distance from the Ports

Easily reached by the A20 motorway La Plaine Fajoles is 786kms (8 hours) from Calais and 640 kms (7 hours) from St Malo. You may wish to try P&O Ferries, Sea France or DFDS Seaways for Ferry Times and Rates.

Arriving by Eurotunnel & Rail

The Paris-Brive direct service takes just under 4 hours and we are 35 minutes from Brive. Alternatively, you can take the Paris-Toulouse service which stops in Souillac, 15 minutes drive from our location.

You may wish to try the Eurotunnel & TGV Rail websites for travel Times and Rates.

Detailed directions will be supplied by email on confirmation of booking.

Guest Reviews Of Nicotiana

Derrie Clark
8/11/13

“What a find!”
From the moment we walked in we regretted having only managed to get the accommodation for four days and wished we had been there for our full two weeks in France. Everything had been thought of with well equipped and beautifully presented accommodation (lovingly restored by the family). On day one, having driven for nearly eight hours we were greeted by Megan who immediately made us feel at home. Table laid and the meal she had prepared ready to heat up while we unpacked - the food was just delicious and well worth the money. We would highly recommend anyone staying at Nicotiana to definitely pre-order this. The area was beautiful and our three teenage children spent two days swimming, sunbathing and canoeing at the Dordogne River in St Julien. We also spent some time at the Lake (complete with sandy 'beach', fishing and pedalos) in La Mouline, Grolejac and ate at the La Table du Maris Restaurant - recommended by Megan and well worth the visit. This is such excellent accommodation with lovely hosts ... and the only reservation we have in recommending it is that it will affect its availability for us on our next visit to France!!

5/5

Contact us via www.dordogneholiday.co.uk for further information and to book a holiday

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