1 Bedroom Apartment in Castelnaud la Chapelle

Le Rouquet is in the old part of Castelnaud la Chapelle. The picturesque village runs down the hillside from the medieval castle to the River Dordogne and the property lies midway between the two. It is built in the local style of honey coloured stone, has a sunny South facing aspect and wonderful views across the valley from the windows and the terrace. Le Rouquet has been renovated to form two independant holiday gites which can be rented separately or together at a discount.

The Balcony apartment sleeps up to 4 people in comfort. It consists of a modern bright fully fitted kitchen (including oven, ceramic hob, microwave, dishwasher, fridge with freezer compartment, toaster and kettle) and has a log burning stove making Spring and Autumn holidays a delight. There is plenty of room for the large dining table in the kitchen but on warm sunny days you will probably choose to eat outside on the sunny balcony which overlooks the church below and across the valley to the wooded hills beyond. Breakfast with freshly baked croissants from the village baker on the balcony are a special event and there is a barbeque for those evenings when you just want to quitely watch the sun go down.

Stairs from the kitchen lead up to the pretty bedroom which has twin beds and is heavily beamed with polished chestnut flooring. There is a wardrobe and chest of drawers for clothes.

From the kitchen a few steps lead down to the sitting room which is again beamed and has lovely local stone features with views across the valley through the full height opening window. The settee easily converts into a comfortable double bed and there is a walk-in wardrobe for clothes. The bright modern bathroom is fully tiled and has a large shower and heated towel rail which ensures that it is always comfortably warm and towels are always dry.

The village has a number of shops that can supply all your needs, small general store, butcher, post office and the baker is especially noted, having won the "best baguette" competion for the Dordogne in 2005. In addition there are number of cafes and restaurants both down beside the river and in the upper village near the castle. All these facilities are just a few minutes walk from Le Rouquet. The magnificent castle is a great attraction and rates 2 stars in the Michelin Guide and is well worth an extended visit.

The swimming in the river is safe and wonderfully refreshing after a day of exploring the area and all its history or perhaps just relax and have a picnic on the grass under the willow trees and watch the canoes drift by.

The apartment shares access to the gravelled garden and paved terrace with the Garden apartment. The garden is a real sun trap being sheltered by a hedge but there is shade if you need it under the covered area on the terrace. Alternatively there are beautiful shade trees and grassy areas by the river beach at the foot of the village. Le Rouquet's flower beds are filled with shrubs, roses and aromatic herbs. Loungers are provided. The large spacious kitchen has a log burning fire for those cooler evenings but in the summer the balcony outside the kitchen door is a charming and convenient place to have meals alfresco watching the sun set over the wooded hills or maybe a hot air ballon floating overhead on the evening breeze.

Castelnaud is in an area of exceptional beauty with pretty medieval villages and castles to explore. Nearby Sarlat,La Roque Gageac, Beynac and Domme are outstanding examples of villages with beautiful medieval architecture and are all within just a few kms and are mostly within walking distance. Other attractions include the colourful markets selling local produce, formal gardens and the many prehistoric sites including the famous Lascaux caves with their wall paintings.

We highly recommend a paddle down the river in a canoe when it is hot and this can be arranged in the village. You can make a day of it by stopping along the way to have a snack or cool down with a swim.

Bikes can he hired locally and even delivered to Le Rouquet.

• Nearest Airport : Bergerac at 65 kilometers distance;
• Nearest Train Station : Sarlat at 10 kilometers distance
• Nearest Town : Castelnaud at 0 kilometers distance