PR1123 Mas St Etienne

Dordogne countryside holiday villa - This delightful 19th century honey-coloured stone house is situated in a tiny hamlet and surrounded by a lovely, mature garden stocked with trees and fragrant shrubs. All rooms are comfortable and beautifully furnished in a charming country style. A covered veranda to the front of the property offers a welcome shady place for relaxed outdoor dining.

This Dordogne countryside holiday villa is set in the small hamlet of St Etienne de Villereal: the village has its own tennis court a short stroll away, and guests staying at Mas St Etienne are welcome to use it free of charge. This whole area is rich with fortified medieval villages (bastides), such as nearby Villereal, Monpazier, Eymet and Belves, and there are numerous weekly markets selling local produce, bric a brac, baskets and ceramics. The Chateau du Biron is just a short drive from the villa, and for something a little different there is a karting centre and an aquapark at  Bergerac. You may also like to visit at least one of the spectacular caves in the region: try the Bara Bahau caves at Le Bugue where the wall paintings date from the Ice Age.

The beautiful scenery along the Dordogne river can be best appreciated by walking, cycling or river cruising. Bicycles can be hired in Villereal, and you may like to take a river trip in a gabarre - a traditional flat-bottomed boat.  Kayaking, horse riding and fishing are also available locally. The pace of life here is relaxed, so however you choose to spend your time in this delightful corner of the Dordogne, you are sure to have a very enjoyable holiday.