Pétrou is a one bedroom centuries-old cottage, under the branches of a huge spreading oak tree, which has been converted into a modern, warm and comfortable place for two. The well-equipped and cosy property is available throughout the year. Pétrou is set on 10 acres of land, with a 10 by 5 metre swimming pool, hidden in rolling hills between the villages of Catus and Uzech in the wine country of Cahors. It is located in the Quercy Region, at the height of land between the Lot and Dordogne Rivers. It's a beautiful, sunny and warm spot with fine views of the rolling countryside, and a large terrace with a gas barbecue for sunny days.

The cottage is completely modernized, well insulated, and furnished for gracious relaxed living. A well equipped kitchen with plenty of cupboard space will please the discerning cook. The living room has armchairs, a satellite TV and stereo for relaxing. There is one step up into the bedroom from the living room.

The large roofed veranda, with gas barbecue, is an excellent place to enjoy a glass of wine or a peaceful meal. The large oak tree beside the barn completes the idyllic setting with summer shade. Fresh fruit is available to pick in the orchard. Pétrou is a great cottage for entertaining with little effort, but also a place to escape for true tranquillity. It is an ideal base from which to discover the many wonderful features of the region.

Special features:	• Pool on the property • Bilingual assistance available on site
Swimming pool:	10 by 5 metres; in full sun all day

Pétrou is 25 kilometres north of the Gallo-Roman city of Cahors, and 40 kilometres southwest of the cliff hanging heritage site of Rocamadour. It is easy driving to the many beautiful villages, castles and châteaux of the Perigord to the north and west. The town of Catus is seven kilometres (10 minutes) away, where tennis, fishing, boating, and lake swimming are available. The town has many facilities and services, including a gourmet restaurant, food stores, doctors, a pharmacy, and a post office.

There are many other cultural attractions in the Lot and Dordogne valleys, including the fortified (or bastide) villages of the region of Midi-Pyrénées. There are many vineyards on the nearby farms, as well as in the valleys. Pétrou is close to the major medieval pilgrimage route which leads across southern Europe to Santiago de Compostela in Spain, the burial place of St. James; a route dotted with gems of Christian heritage. A map of the many local attractions for visitors is provided in Pétrou. There's no shortage of things to do, including golfing, swimming, rock climbing, caving, painting, hiking and cycling. The Lot & Dordogne Rivers have boat tours, rental boats and canoes... or just relax by the pool.

There are a number of heritage sites and recreation areas nearby, such as Uzech, two kilometres to the east, which is the nearest community to the property. The walking is comfortable, generally on level ground, and has nice views to the south. En route is the small but beautifully restored buildings of of Richard. In the village visit the local potteries and excellent cafe. About six kilometres to the northeast is the picturesque village of Peyrilles, which also has a good restaurant and other amenities. It can be reached by walking or taking back roads. Be sure to visit the many other historic villages of the Lot and Dordogne region.

The various routes northwest to Rocamadour cross the dry limestone plateau called the Cause de Gramat, now recognized as one of France’s natural parks. Try to go via Couzou from the south for the best view approaching Rocamadour. En route you drive from the rich and well vegetated hills around Pétrou to quite dry causse limestone land around Rocamadour. Plan to reach Rocamadour early in the morning, before the crowds, as it is one of the most visited places in France. Then make your way afterwards to the Gouffre de Padirac, one of the largest potholes or caves in Europe with an underground river. This is enough for a full day for most people.

While you are in this area, or if you want to go back, do visit villages and castles along the Dordogne River, including: Autoire, Loubressac, Castelnau, Carennac. Return via Floirac. Or take the D48 south from St Cere, which involves an incredible climb south to a point where you can see the ancient volcanic mountains of the Massif Central about 100 kms to the east.

Going north, the routes can take you through Gourdon, and/or Souillac. In Souillac the hotel school offers excellent lunches and dinners (with set menus that change daily) during the normal school terms between September & June; here reservations are essential (phone ahead to 05 65.37.89.88). While in the Sarlat-la-Caneda area, do also visit the Grotte de Lascaux, a World Heritage Site, and other pre-historic caves to be found in the Vezére River Valley. On the way back go to the castles of Cazenac, Castelnaud, and Monfort. Also, while driving along the Dordogne River visit Domme, a fortified hilltop village or bastide. Then take a cross country route back south along the D46 to the D673, and the D6 to Salvezou. There, turn east to find yourself close to Pétrou again.

Travelling west to Montbazillac and Bergerac takes one through bastide country of small and very old villages and towns, where the hills gradually disappear. This is a countryside of farms with little fortified villages dating back from the wars between the English and the French some five hundred years ago. Follow a cross country route via Cazals, Monpazier, the huge Chateau Biron, and Beaumont, to the vineyards around Montbazillac. Then, take some time and visit the town and vineyards west of Bergerac. This is real wine country with lots of vineyards offering "degustations". Return home south via Eymet, Castillonnes, Villereal, Montlanquin, Fumel and Puy-l'Eveque. Here you can follow the Lot River valley through the main Cahors wine country.

Wednesday and Saturday mornings are the market days in Cahors. The two gems are the Cathedral and the Pont Valentre. Everything here is within walking distance; so just park the car and walk. Then find a small café and plan a relatively short drive down-river through Mercues, Caillac, Parnac and Luzech. Try a boat tour near Luzech. You can continue on to Puy-l'Eveque on the south shore, or just return home via Chateau Caix, Crayssac, & Catus. Or go further afield to Chateau Latuc near Mauroux. This is wine country with lots of vineyards offering "degustations" and wines for sale. The local supermarkets also offer a good variety of Cahors wines.

Drive to the rail station in Cahors and take the train south to Toulouse for the day and enjoy the countryside. Toulouse has a lot to see and definitely warrants such a trip. In addition, a stop in Montauban on the way back is also worthwhile.

Travelling the Lot Valley east from Cahors to Figeac follows the meandering valley past or through some of the most beautiful villages of France, such as St-Cirq-Lapopie and Calvignac. Other points of interest are the Cele River valley and la Pierre Martine (near Livernon,) which is an ancient Stonehenge-like set of large stones build in pre-historic times and the Grotte de Pech-Merle, where there are many pre-historic cave paintings.

It is allso worht a trip up the Lot Valley Gorge to medieval Conques on the pilgrimage trail, which is now recognized on the World Heritage List. The cathedral here is one of the gems of medieval France.

The cottage under the huge oak tree	The living room with one step up to the bedroom
The living room	The kitchen
The spacious bedroom	The spacious bedroom
The bathroom	The pool
Great hiking around here	Pétrou
The patio	The cottage