River View Cottage in Bordeaux, Aquitaine

River View Cottage Self-Catering

A honey-coloured stone house in a dreamy riverside location in the Dordogne… Do French getaways get any better than this?

This beautiful house has been a family home for four generations, and you can feel the love that’s been poured into it. The decor is simple and bright so as not to take away attention from the traditional features like exposed stone walls. Wide windows look out onto the river, which is flanked by lush greenery and flowers.

Wake to the bells of the small church opposite, and take breakfast on the terrace. There’s a romantic feel to this part of the world, particularly in the early morning when the haze still clings to the river. Sip your coffee and breathe in the tranquillity of the region.

The house is only a six-minute drive from Limeuil, where the Vézère meets the Dordogne. The Panoramic Gardens have the most stunning views – after you’ve drunk in the vista, head to a bistro or cafe nearby. You might also like to paddle along the river, pulling into river beaches to soak up the sunshine – we like to set off from Le Buisson, which is eight minutes away by car. You’re in a great location for day trips of all kinds, whether you want to meander along the narrow medieval streets of Sarlat – forty-three minutes away – or sip local wine at Château de Monbazillac, which takes forty-four minutes in the car.

Make sure to call in at the local food markets to sample the best produce in the area. After a day out seeing the sights, why not settle in for a family barbecue on the terrace? Splash around in the pool while the barbecue is heating up, and spend your evening under the stars.


Home truths:
*A cot and high chair can be provided on request