Your contact:	Thijs and Corine Nicolai
Telephone:	+33-5 65 21 21 98
Email:	Click here to contact Les Noyers

Set on top of a hill on a hectare of land (two and a half acres), Les Noyers is surrounded by fields, farms, and woodland hillsides full of walnut and oak trees. The old barn has been tastefully converted into two spacious gîtes with exposed oak beams and thick stone walls. Le Calottier sleeps up to ten guests in four bedrooms, while Le Nogier can accommodate up to eight guests in four bedrooms. Each gîte is independent, fully equipped and comfortably furnished.

The farmhouse was built in 1821, and is situated in the peaceful hamlet of Lapèze, 23 km north-west of Cahors, midway between the rivers Lot and Dordogne. Les Noyers is ideal for exploring the area or just relaxing and unwinding in the garden, near the swimming pool, or on your own patio.

Each of the gîtes has a log-burning fire and its own terrace with garden furniture and a barbecue. The kitchens are equipped with a washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, and gas cooker with oven and microwave. There is a swimming pool in the large garden with a sunbathing terrace and sunloungers, table tennis, pétanque, picnic tables and a children's play area with a sandpit and volleyball. People in Lapèze live there all year long, and the neighbouring houses are at some distance, ensuring privacy.

Special features:	• Pool on the property • Pets welcomed • Bilingual assistance available on site
Swimming pool:	6m x 15m

The surrounding countryside of the Lot is characterized by forested hillsides and meandering rivers with flowery hedgerows. For those who like hiking and cycling, Les Noyers is located by the trails, and the network of small roads is inviting. Cycle, walk or motor through the woodlands, past farms, vineyards, castles and villages, enjoy the sights of the historic towns or have fun at the music festivals and open markets in the area. Sports clubs are also close by, with tennis (2 km), horse-riding (8 km), wall climbing (25 km) and canoeing (15 km).

The Lot/Quercy region is well known for its food and wine. Lamb, duck, goose, truffle, walnut, prunes, foie gras and the dark red wines of Cahors are the signature of the area. There are several good restaurants within a short distance. The property is only 2 km from Montgesty where one finds a boulangerie and a bar/café, and 7 km from Catus and Cazals where there are several food stores, a market, a doctor, a pharmacy, and a bank. There are also supermarkets in Prayssac (17 km) and Cahors (23 km). Each gîte has a map with lists of suggestions of places to see and things to do.

There are numerous landmarks to remind the traveller of the rich historical legacy of the region: prehistoric caves, fortified farms, châteaux, and countless medieval towns and villages. Within a radius of 50 km one can visit places like Cahors, Saint Cirq-Lapopie, Rocamadour and Sarlat-la-Canéda. Cahors, capital of the Lot département, lies within a great loop of the river Lot. In medieval times it was an almost impregnable fortress. One fortified bridge remains, the Pont Valentré. Every year, during the summertime, its streets resonate with the sounds of the jazz and blues festival. There are also two open markets in the old quarter.

Saint Cirq-Lapopie, also an ancient fortress, is a very attractive village, built into the steep south bank of the river Lot. Its narrow streets, alleys and old buildings have been carefully restored by painters and wood carvers. Rocamadour has been a pilgrimage destination since the twelfth century. Built on an impressive cliff, the houses cling to the vertical rock surface like limpets. The region has seen human activity since the dawn of time and the Lot features a number of interesting caves such as Lascaux and the Grotte of Pech-Merle. Those sites combine prehistoric art with many impressive natural features.

At the Gouffre de Padirac, visitors can take a boat trip on the still, translucent waters of the subterranean river, ending at a stalactite which hangs from the roof 78 m above to just above the surface of the water. The 'Hundred Years War' in the 14th century gave the region many of its characteristic features such as the fortified villages known as Bastides. The region also abounds with châteaux: Bonaguil, the last feudal fortress built in France, finished in 1520, is well worth the visit. On summer evenings there are musical performances by international artists.

The entrance to Le Nogier	Le Nogier: the terrace
Le Calottier: the master bedroom	Le Calottier: one of the double bedrooms
Le Calottier: one of the bathrooms	Le Nogier: one of the twin bedrooms
Le Nogier: one of the bathrooms	Steps lead up to the swimming pool
A selection of local cheeses	Pont Valentre at Cahors