Ecuries Claria, Dordogne | Oliver's Travels

FranceSouth West FranceDordogne

Ecuries Claria

16 guests

8 bedrooms

5 bathrooms

Catering AvailableSustainable Collection

Key Highlights

Private Pool

Wi-Fi/Internet

Walk to Restaurant

Sustainable Collection

This property has been handpicked for its low environmental impact.

Close to the Dordogne border, only 1.5km from a beautiful medieval village and small lake, Écuries Claria is a set of three dwellings which were once 17th century stables. They have been sensitively renovated to create a charming holiday home with swimming pool in the Lot-et-Garonne, sleeping up to 16 guests.

In an L-shape, each of the three stables features a lounge-dining room and small open-plan kitchen, well-equipped including the all-important espresso machine, alongside an attractive terrace and barbecue. Enter through an impressive hallway with a huge door - this leads to Stables I and II, both with three bedrooms (two doubles and a twin) and two bathrooms (one en suite). Both Stables I and II can be interconnected via their lounges if you wish. Stables III and its two bedrooms, one bathroom completes this holiday abode.

All three dwellings have been designed to accentuate their character with rustic flooring and old wood beams. There’s an air of charming simplicity across the décor and furnishings creating a restful and authentic ambience.

Guests can gather by their very own swimming pool with a poolside terrace and sun loungers surrounded by safety gating (as per French regulations). The garden is glorious with splashes of summer colour, lavender and green space. Also part of the open grounds is neighbouring Château Claria (which is usually rented out separately or the owners may be staying there). If you wish to book both the château and stables (sleeping 32 guests in total), please see Domaine Claria.

The estate is set on a country road leading to a delightful little village only 1.5km away with restaurants, useful shops, a small Saturday morning Farmer’s market and an impressive Renaissance castle. Stroll around the pretty lake with its picnic benches, look out for birds and other wildlife or partake in a spot of fishing at certain times of year (a permit will be needed).

The beauty of the Lot-et-Garonne is on your doorstep with gorgeous market towns such as Castillonnès, Miramont-de-Guyenne and Villeréal all within easy reach as well as Monflanquin, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Canoe or kayak along the river near Allemans-du-Dropt, sample wines in the vineyards around Duras and savour delicious regional produce such as Agen prunes steeped in Armagnac, tomatoes from Marmande, Tonneins ham, walnuts, truffles and foie gras of course.

You could even venture to the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Saint-Émilion, just over an hour away, or stay slightly closer to home as you explore the southern part of Dordogne with picture-perfect villages (Issigeac, Eymet and Monpazier, for example) and handsome towns - Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and Bergerac are both by the banks of the Dordogne and make a superb day out, especially on market day!

Location

In the Lot-et-Garonne, a short drive from the Dordogne border, Écuries Claria is located close to a pretty village and lake around half an hour south of Bergerac.

Surrounded by farmland and countryside landscapes, Écuries Claria is set in the same open grounds as the impressive Château Claria, situated just off the country road leading to the local village. You can reach the characterful village in around 1.5km by car or on foot (no pavement) where you will find a boulangerie, restaurants, small grocery store, pharmacy and other amenities. Walk through the village admiring half-timbered houses, medieval lanes and the old Renaissance château. A small Farmer’s market takes place on a Saturday morning and showcases delicious local delights (also look out for night markets in the height of the summer). The lake is very picturesque, perfect for gentle walks, bird-watching and even a spot of fishing when allowed (with a licence).

Other pleasant walks can be found nearby (the owners can provide a guide of walking tours) as well as cycling routes (bike hire is in the local village). There is summer canoeing within a short drive near Allemans-du-Dropt (17km).

There are larger supermarkets just outside Miramont-de-Guyenne (11km) and Castillonnès (13km). The bastide town of Castillonnès is charming with its rich heritage and bustling Tuesday morning market whilst historic Miramont-de-Guyenne is another pretty place to discover with a Monday morning market, close to the attractive Lac du Saut du Loup fishing lake.

Crossing into the Dordogne, Eymet (9km) is yet another attractive bastide town that dates back to the 13th century. Pick up fresh bread and picnic items from the Thursday morning market, then wander to the banks of the Dropt for lunch by the river. Other beautiful villages to discover include Issigeac (20km), Villeréal (26km), Monflanquin (31km) and Monpazier (40km), some of which are officially classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

Wine-lovers can visit nearby vineyards and wineries to sample local wines or spend time in the historic towns of Duras (28km) and Bergerac (30km), both known for their wine heritage. Taste the sweet wines of Château de Monbazillac or venture a little further to the world-famous vineyards of Saint-Émilion (72km), a UNESCO World Heritage site. Further afield, the wine city of Bordeaux (120km) and its surrounding vineyards is less than two hours by car.

Meanwhile, gastronomes have a seemingly unending choice of markets to choose from each morning from local villages to larger towns such as Marmande (32km), Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (37km), Bergerac (35km) and Agen (63km). Local produce includes tomatoes from Marmande, Agen prunes and Tonneins ham alongside strawberries, asparagus, walnuts, hazelnuts, truffles and of course foie gras.

Getting to and around

The pace of life in the Dordogne is languid, laid back and positively infectious. Relax in bucolic beauty as you drift along the Dordogne River, or wander among the forests and hillside of the Périgord Natural Park.

The foodie scene too, is a relaxed affair. Take your time over your lazy lunches of local duck, black truffles and goats cheese. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hunt for them yourself. The wine here is second to none, with famous grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chenin Blanc all having a huge presence here.

The Dordogne is also brimming with history. Castles and chateaux are scattered throughout the region, among the enchanting medieval villages. History of an altogether more ancient sort can also be explored in the incredible prehistoric cave drawings of Lascaux and Grotte de Rouffignac.

Nearest Airport: Bergerac Airport (28km)
Nearest Airport 2: Bordeaux Airport (124km)
Nearest Train Station: Marmande/Bergerac (32km/35km)
Nearest Village: Medieval village (1.5km)
Nearest Restaurant: In the village (1.5km)
Nearest Shop: Grocery store and other shops in the village (1.5km)
Nearest Supermarket: (11km)
Nearest Town: Miramont-de-Guyenne/Castillonnès (11km/13km)
Nearest Golf: Golf Vigiers (28km)
Nearest Tennis: Local village (1.8km)

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