Over the Top!

Guest: Betsey & Dave (Seattle, WA, USA)
Date of Stay: 05/28/11 Review Submitted: 06/22/11

Our 2 week adventure (May 28-June 11, 2011) in SW France was preceeded by high expectations of making “a dream come true”. Upon arrival at Maison d’Etre in St Cirq Lapopie we were greeted warmly by Natalie and Jesse, Ann’s two cheerful caretakers who showed us the home. We happily found everything and more than we had anticipated. Shortly afterwards, Penni came by with our pre-arranged gourmet meal of Boeuf en Vin Rouge, a delicious lifesaver before we settled in for the night. The master suite is large and private with an awe-inspiring view up above of the Gothic Church of Saint-Cirq and out across the equally amazing Lot River valley. Pictures of this tucked-away paradise do not do it justice-you must experience it for yourself. Literally, everywhere you look is a sight to behold. Not to mention the fascinating medieval village with its warm and friendly people! You may not speak French, and they may not speak English, but somehow you both happily make it happen! Up and down the cobbled stone lanes there are shops of various shapes and sizes full of unique contents, and restaurants offering everything from rustic to gourmet French fare abound (Restaurant l’Atelier, Le Cantou and La Tonnelle, to name a few). On days when you drive to other nearby villages to explore and attend their open-air markets (such as Limogne) or need to find some basic staples at the shop in Tour de Faure, you’ll come “home” with your treasures and enjoy all the comforts of your own gourmet kitchen. Dining outside at the picnic table in the private garden, while the sun was setting and the birds were chirping, was an absolute joy! This charming, completely renovated maison exceeded our expectations on all counts. We are sure you will find the same, as soon as you can get there! Bon voyage!

Owner response: Betsey, for the life of me I can hardly think of anything to add that you did not cover! Oh… maybe the fact that we have luxury linens and towels for the guests? Or the view while seated in the master bath tub equals the one from the master bedroom pillow? …. AND, for those fascinated by the curious, on display now behind glass in its original location, is a 15th c. egg we found hidden inside a wall for good luck by the people who built the house 6 centuries ago. It is our most original of the original artwork there…

Recommended for: Age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

5 out of 5 stars

A Week of Renewal

Guest: Mary Grace(Austin, TX USA)
Date of Stay: 05/14/11 Review Submitted: 05/19/11

I echo the reviews above regarding match to the description, good food, particular outings. I needed some form of renewal and coming to St Cirq Lapopie provided the perfect escape. A colleague and I immersed ourselves in all that this medieval home brings — rich furniture pieces, cozy blankets, astounding views, quiet garden, clever design, and even modern internet! Embedded in such an authentically French village enhanced everything. We found plenty of things to do in the area thanks to the owner’s collection of guidebooks, maps, and recommendations. As a vacation rental, it’s a fabulous combination of privacy and comforts of home, yet also the escape from my own home that I needed. I certainly recommend this property to others.

Recommended for: Age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with young children, romantic getaway.

5 out of 5 stars

St-Cirq Home

Guest: Dan & Lindsay(Mercer Island, WA)
Date of Stay: 06/14/10 Review Submitted: 05/18/11

This was a supremely comfortable place to stay even before the expansion/remodel. The village is quite special and the Lot valley beautiful. This location in is also very convenient for exploring all around that region of France. We found favorite Delis and restaurants in many of the surrounding towns and villages as well as castles and other historic sights. Maybe best of all, after a long day of exploring, was the knowledge that we had a very nice, comfortable place to rest again that night.

Recommended for: Age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with teenagers, romantic getaway.

5 out of 5 stars

A week in St. Cirq Lapopie

Guest: Scott (Kirkland, Washington. USA)
Date of Stay: 05/24/10 Review Submitted: 07/11/10

Better than the description or photo’s, this medievial enchantment completely surpassed our expectations! Our village host (local) accomodated every need and more, providing a gourmet dinner including that incredible local Cahor wine. We are already talking to friends about joining us on our next visit. The restaurants were outstanding and the owners treated you like locals. Our walks to the bakery each morning were very memorable, and great exercise. The breathtaking views (clinging to a 300 foot shear face above the lazy Lot River) held you spellbound. Within a few minutes drive we experienced the “Peche Merle Cave tour. very powerful experience. We toured north to the Gouffe De Padirac near Rocamador and enjoyed getting lost in the countryside,and the thursday market in Ville France was not to be missed. This entire region was so rugged and picturesque that we cannot wait to go back.

Recommended for: Age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, families with teenagers, families with young children, romantic getaway.

5 out of 5 stars

Fabulous French town

Guest: Susan Elizabeth(Boise, Idaho)
Date of Stay: 04/17/10 Review Submitted: 05/14/10

My husband and I and our 23-year old daughter had a fun week in St. Cirq Lapopie. The house was perfect for the 3 of us. The bike riding in the area is excellent and the town itself is quaint and romantic. There are several markets in the area to buy food and there are also many delicious restaurants in the village. I would recommend this house and village. You can pretend that you live in a cool French town!

Recommended for: Age 55+, adventure seekers, girls getaway, sightseeing, romantic getaway.

5 out of 5 stars