Penne d’Agenais has been voted ‘The Most Beautiful Village’ in France 2023.
Built in 2000 on the site of an ancient ruin, the house is surprisingly large inside and is ideal for 6 people. Maison Recluse is constructed on two levels with the main living area accessed at street level.
From the entrance hall you are lead into the main living room with beamed ceilings, a long table seating 8-10 people, comfortable seating around a fireplace and a well equipped kitchen area. There is a TV/ DVD player for watching DVDs. This contains a large American style fridge/freezer, dish washing machine, electric oven and hob, coffee machine and toaster.
This main room leads directly onto the south facing terrace which accommodates 6 people for outside dining which runs the whole length of the house giving superb views. Also, on this level are a guest WC and a bedroom containing a 6ft double bed/(or twin Beds) and a shower room.
Internal stairs lead down to the second level which has 2 bedrooms leading out onto the terrace and private swimming pool. There is also a shower room, and the laundry with the washing machine and dryer. Bedroom 2 has a 6ft double bed and bedroom 3 has a double bed.
From this level there is direct access to the pool and partially covered terrace and garden. Linen is included except swimming pool towels. There is WiFi but I cannot be liable for any loss or interruption ( such as storms etc) of service. There is no telephone so please bring your mobiles.
This house offers comfortable accommodation and is situated in the heart of one of the loveliest villages in South West France. Due to the property situated in the village it is not possible to park next to the property but a short distance at the end of the lane.
THE AREA
All major supermarkets and shops in Villeneuve and Agen.
This stunning village house situated just outside the village walls guarding the medieval centre with its narrow streets and lovely stone buildings, a delight to explore. Several restaurants are within walking distance of the house and a whole range of shops, including a supermarket are to be found down at Port au Penne on the River Lot, a five to ten minute walk away. The helpful tourist office has a wealth of information on sights and activities in the village and surrounding area. It is an idyllic area for walking, fishing and horse riding whereas at Port au Penne boats may be hired.
Penne d'Agenais, topped by a basilica with a shining metal dome that can be seen for miles around. The old village is a warren of little streets and lovely old stone houses that wind up the hill to the basilica and lovely views across the countryside. Just on the market square there are various artisan workshops and several wonderful, reasonably priced, restaurants.
You will find some amazing restaurants within 10 minutes drive of the house. A must visit is Chateau Stelsia 4-star hotel. Philippe Ginestet, local man and owner director of the Gifi group. In 2011 he purchased the estate and, with his friend and architect Jacques Bru, decided to create a unique hotel complex. Several months of work was necessary to get their audacious architectural project up and running and thus give birth to this exceptional place.
Regional cuisine is served hotel’s restaurant. You can even partake in cooking classes and learn some regional secrets.
Monflanquin (15 min) is an old bastide town with winding streets and fabulous views. All amenities in the village including large supermarket, cafés, restaurants, bakeries.
Don't miss a trip to Pujols, (15 min drive)a stunningly beautiful Bastide town under the towering cliffs. The village regularly wins France's 'Prettiest Village' competition. Every Sunday morning there is a french market with lots to explore.
The Lot et Garonne area of France is one of the most beautiful and one of the most popular. Lovely countryside interspersed with medieval, bastide towns and fairytale châteaux rise from the morning mist.
Its a great region for food lovers; all the Perigordian specialities such as Foie Gras, confit d'oie and canard, mushrooms of all types are in abundance. Many antique markets throughout the year.
Lot-et-Garonne is perhaps the France that you always hoped existed but could never quite find - medieval villages and sunflower fields, quiet roads and small farms in gently rolling countryside. One of the 'best kept secrets' in France!
Spend time in the heart of an oak grove of 40 hectares, Montaigu Beach offers the pleasure to take full advantage of the surrounding nature and the opportunity to enjoy a multitude of activities. Choose and enjoy some holiday activities such as the following; swimming, games, inflatables, rope courses, tennis courts, sports ground, pedal boating, kayaking, yoga kayaking.
Feel like a wonderful evening out to enjoy typical French cuisine then you could always visit Chateau De l'Hoste which is a 10 minute drive from the property.
Address: Maison de Recluse | ||
Zip/Postal Code: 47140 | ||
Latitude/Longitude: 44.388730391114215 / 0.8188972473144496 | ||
Nearest airport | Bergerac | 65 km |
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Nearest doctor | Penne d'Agenais | 1 km |
Nearest ferry port | St Malo | 600 km |
Nearest market | St Sylvestre | 4 km |
Nearest river | St Sylvestre | 4 km |
Nearest supermarket | St Sylvestre | 4 km |
Nearest train station | Penne d'Agenais | 3 km |
Penne d'Agenais
- | Nightly rate | Weekly rate | Monthly rate | Min. Stay | Change-over | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Week | Weekend | |||||
Rate summary | £192 - £225 | £1,350 - £1,575 | - | 7 Nights | - | |
21-Apr-2024 - 23-Jun-2024 Recluse season low | £192 | - | £1,350 | - | 7 Nights | Sun - Sun |
24-Jun-2024 - 01-Sep-2024 Recluse high season | £225 | - | £1,575 | - | 7 Nights | Sun - Sun |
02-Sep-2024 - 27-Oct-2024 Recluse medium rate | £192 | - | £1,350 | - | 7 Nights | Sun - Sun |
Wow what an amazing place. As soon as you open the door of this gite and walk in, it will blow your mind away. The top decking area with views across open countryside are stunning. We couldn't have asked for a better place to relax and unwind. The gite itself is spotless clean and very welcoming. It has all the facilities you will need, we especially loved the ice machine in the fridge (we all need ice in our G&T's). The pool is amazing and to walk straight from your bedroom onto the lower area to the pool was fantastic - they even provided beach towels.
The beautiful village of Penne d'Agenais is a few minutes walk away with a great bar and many fabulous restaurants.
All communication with Lorraine was prompt and friendly.
We would definitely recommend Maison Recluse and we don't normally go back to the same place twice (it's a big world) but this is one place I would 100% return to.
We had never booked through gites.co.uk before and I was a bit apprehensive about whether this place was too good to be true. However, every email I sent to Lorraine (owner) was answered very promptly and she was very helpful,answering my many questions about the local area etc.
You will not be disappointed with the house and facilities. Opening the front door, you are greeted with the most magnificent panoramic view of the rolling hills and the house has everything you need to be comfortable... from black out,automatic shutters that guarantee a great night sleep, incredibly comfortable beds, washer/dryer so you don't even need to pack many clothes....and the ice machine in the freezer was a huge hit with my teenagers! There are also many different, comfortable places to sit back and relax in this property. If you're a large group, it would be easy to still find your own space and a bit of peace here.
The house is in the most picturesque village we've ever found in France. Penne d'Agenais feels like a real unspoilt village. It isn't flooded with tourists and you'll have plenty of opportunity to practise your French!
You're high up here, so most the hard work is done for you if you want to head to the very top of the Bourg (well worth the effort!!) You're only a 3 mins walk from a lovely little bar and great restaurants too. If you like looking around artisan workshops and galleries, you're spoilt for choice in the village. The nearby towns have all the usual amenities such as supermarkets etc.
I am so pleased we found this hidden gem and am already looking forward to our next visit.