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(PLEASE NOTE: We love rentals with pools out in the countryside --Europe has thousands of them. But living in this spacious house, in this mythic village, is something you won't experience anywhere else in the world. And you won't miss the pool--there's a great sandy beach on the river.)
(PLEASE NOTE: We love rentals with pools out in the countryside --Europe has thousands of them. But living in this spacious house, in this mythic village, is something you won't experience anywhere else in the world. And you won't miss the pool--there's a great sandy beach on the river.)
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 extra-
ordinary village stands Coeur de
Lion-- this newly renovated, five-
bedroom, three (and a half) bath-
room home .
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 extra-
ordinary village stands Coeur de
Lion-- this newly renovated, five-
bedroom, three (and a half) bath-
room home .
Our house in the middle distance (two dormers)
As you stroll through the medieval gate, and view the layers of red-capped village houses, many of them garlanded with flowers, you'll feel a mesmerizing sense of an ancient world not yet disappeared.
But once past the old oak-door entryway of the house, you'll find yourself among all the essentials of contemporary living--from the grand gourmet kitchen to the generous king beds to the vintage porcelain tubs.
Stone fireplace, modernized for warming fires.
The house, one of only seven historically 'listed' houses in the village, was restored and renovated with two goals in mind-- to preserve the most enchanting features of its centuries-old heritage, from its great arched windows to its beautiful stone foundation, from its decorative wall niches to its layered, wood-shingled roof.
And secondly, with all its spaciousness and capacity to house families and friends, the living spaces and the layout of the rooms were designed to allow for a cozy intimacy such that even a single couple or two will feel very much at home.
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Strolling through the artist quarters.
Designated an historic site and "the most
beautiful village" in France, St. Cirq Lapopie
has been a mecca for artists and writers throughout the past century.
A safe, friendly, explorable village, it is alive with small shops and fine restaurants, art studios, a museum, a cathedral, lovely walks, and views at every turn. There's a sandy beach too. You don't have to stray far.
beautiful village" in France, St. Cirq Lapopie
has been a mecca for artists and writers throughout the past century.
A safe, friendly, explorable village, it is alive with small shops and fine restaurants, art studios, a museum, a cathedral, lovely walks, and views at every turn. 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 beautiful Célé 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
