A view of the village from a hillside in April.
Between the Dordogne and Provence, on a cliff overlooking a magnificent river valley, lies the lively, medieval village of St. Cirq Lapopie, a place Richard the Lion-hearted once failed to conquer.
And between 13th Century walls, in the heart of this charming village that time has left untarnished, stands Coeur-de-Lion-- this newly renovated, five-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bathroom home .
Our house in the middle distance (two dormers)
As you stroll through its medieval gate and gaze at the ancient red-roofed village houses, many garlanded with flowers, you'll imagine that time has stood still.
But once past the old oak-door entryway, you'll find all the essentials of contemporary living-- from the fully-stocked gourmet kitchen to the generous king beds to the two-person porcelain tubs.
Spacious enough for large families, and groups, the house was designed to make even a single couple feel cozy and welcome.
But once past the old oak-door entryway, you'll find all the essentials of contemporary living-- from the fully-stocked gourmet kitchen to the generous king beds to the two-person porcelain tubs.
Spacious enough for large families, and groups, the house was designed to make even a single couple feel cozy and welcome.
Strolling through the artist quarters.
Designated an historic site and "the
the most beautiful village" in France, St. Cirq Lapopie has been a mecca for artists and writers throughout the past century.
The town is alive with small shops and fine restaurants, art studios, a museum, a cathedral, and more. There's a sandy beach too. You don't have to stray far.
the most beautiful village" in France, St. Cirq Lapopie has been a mecca for artists and writers throughout the past century.
The town is alive with small shops and fine restaurants, art studios, a museum, a cathedral, and more. There's a sandy beach too. You don't have to stray far.
One of many fabulous markets nearby.
Yet just beyond the village environs lie castles and markets, cave paintings and cathedrals, museums and vineyards, and the lush countryside.
You can bicycle for traffic-free miles along the majestic Lot river. Or canoe for hours along the banks of the river from town to town. Or simply walk to the local castle or a nearby patisserie or cafe.
St. Cirq Lapopie: a village of views.
Whether your prefer lazing or action,
window gazing or window shopping,
dining out or cooking in, day trips or
just a stroll to the corner, there is no end
of enticing choices in our friendly,
inviting village.
* Ranked "Premier" among France's "Most Beautiful Villages" (and under consideration as a UNESCO World Heritage Site).
St. Cirq Lapopie on the limestone cliffs of the Lot River valley.
Photos (clockwise from top left): a) bicycling beneath the village in early spring; b) restaurants in the town square; c) a view of our
house from the hillside; d) another look at the village; e) a side view of our house; f) the historic cathedral on a summer night
house from the hillside; d) another look at the village; e) a side view of our house; f) the historic cathedral on a summer night
