Dordogne

Our Gite in Dordogne

L’Ecurie at Le Fournil - Carlux - Dordogne

We drove from Paris in mostly rain to our gite in the Dordogne. The highways are wonderful and we love the numerous “aires”, rest stops, along the way. Some are fully serviced with fuel, food, washrooms and picnic areas. Others have only washroom facilities and picnic tables.
Our home for four weeks is an apartment attached to the residence of two former Canadians. Located in the town of Carlux (pronounced “Carloo”), it is about 20 minutes from Sarlat and central to most of the desired villages, chateaux and activities in the Dordogne.
Moolyn had visited this particular place, had taken pictures and had emailed me about it, when she knew that we were considering a month in Dordogne. Fodorites are great sources of valuable information!
This apartment was, at one time, the stable for the main residence. The owners lived in it while they fixed up the main house. This was and is a labour of love as they have lived here for thirteen years. Photos of before and after reveal the amount of change that this property has endured.
The word “attached” is misleading as the two separate residences are really quite private and attached only by a shared furnace room and laundry facility. The gite enjoys its own entrance as well as a private, hidden patio with table and chairs.
The apartment is open concept with a sitting room, blending into a computer-dining area. This, in turn, leads into a tiny kitchen. The loft contains a very comfortable queen bed, dressing area, sink and separate, enclosed toilet and shower stall.
I was not prepared for the quality and extent of the furnishings. It seems as if, when the owners moved to the “big house”, they left everything as is and furnished that place as new. There is anything and everything you could possibly want. It is decorated perfectly. There are plentiful top-notch linens, towels, robes, washcloths and a good beginning supply of soaps, paper products, etc.
The kitchen has the usual appliances plus food processor, pots and pans galore, bowls and sieves and whisks and serving utensils, flatware, dishes, wine glasses, etc. The stove has gas and electric elements. There is a coffee maker, kettle, French press (two in fact) and so on. We were provided olive oil, vinegars, fresh gourmet coffee, milk and two bottles of wine as well as spices, sugar, flour.
Internet access, availability of a phone, cell phone, satellite TV with several English news channels and English movie channels are part of the deal.
The sleeping and washroom arrangements make this place suitable for one couple or a single person. Children would be out of the question. The village of Carlux is 300 metres down a steep hill and hosts a bakery, cafe and butcher and convenience store. A car is a necessity in the Dordogne. Really you are on the outskirts of Carlux and it has the feel of a country home do to the private nature and large grounds surrounding.
Although the owners are on the premises, we have found that more of a help than an imposition. They are very respectful of our privacy. A place like this might not work for someone accustomed to a more boisterous, active life. It is quiet at night... and that suits us fine.
This gite is perfect France for us... everything we could imagine.
The owners also manage other properties. I haven’t seen them, but have no reason to believe that they are not similar in quality.
I think we are spoiled, though. This and our apartment rental in Paris have been so positive that they will be our standard for future rentals.
I have no connection with the owners other than renting their gite. I will be happy to answer any questions from my perspective. The rental terms are available at
www.yourfriendsinfrance.org

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