In our region, the climate is temperate but with enough variation to make it interesting. Although in the winter you might get only a light dusting of snow, we keep our main rental season between April and November when the best weather is most likely to occur.
We've been to the village during every season and we have hit patches of rain and patches of cold and, last year, our first significant heat wave. But we are an adventurous and adaptive family, and there are no weather conditions that could diminish our joy and pleasure at being here.
Preparation is the key. So here are some tips, depending on when you've scheduled your journey to the village:
April-- we've had weeks of sunshine but also some rainy days-- usually a good smattering of each. It's a beautiful time because the village is waking up, it's already starting to green up, there are flowers and the air is fresh and invigorating. You may have days you'll need just a t-shirt and light pants, but you'll want to bring warm sweaters and light rain gear (a simple poncho and/or hat), and comfortable walking shoes. Bring along a good portable umbrella too (we keep some at the house, but can never guarantee that they'll be there)-- although the rain tends to be intermittent and more of a sprinkle usually, and sun often wins out, the rain sometimes gets heavy and steady. Be prepared and you'll have a beautiful holiday. Click here for: a brief French history lesson that includes a list of things you can do when it rains.
May-- you may get some of the residual rains and chills more common in April, but again it is another gorgeous month of Spring, usually with heavy doses of sun. Nights can get cool, but you'll find extra blankets in each bedroom armoire or bureau, and there are portable radiators in addition to the grand fireplace (please read the fireplace instructions in the on this website or on the TouchStay app which we will send you).
June, July, August-- these are typical summer months-- lots of sunshine, occasional thunderstorms, spectacular skies, and seldom the need for a sweater except maybe for late alfresco dining. Global climate change has brought more, and unpredictable, heat waves, with temperatures sometimes rising above 90 and 100 degrees. We arrived during a heat wave in early August 2019 (102 degrees!), so we timed our outings for the mornings (which were relatively cool) and made sure we were at the caves or on or near the water in the afternoon-- canoeing or swimming (the public river beach has wonderfully clean, fresh, safe water-- water shoes are a good idea, but not essential for us sturdier folk, since beyond the beach sand are there are pebbles and stones). We went to outdoor markets, visited beautiful sites, everything we would have done in cooler weather. Just a bit more slowly. There were 9 of us (two families), and it was a fantastic vacation.
We've been to the village during every season and we have hit patches of rain and patches of cold and, last year, our first significant heat wave. But we are an adventurous and adaptive family, and there are no weather conditions that could diminish our joy and pleasure at being here.
Preparation is the key. So here are some tips, depending on when you've scheduled your journey to the village:
April-- we've had weeks of sunshine but also some rainy days-- usually a good smattering of each. It's a beautiful time because the village is waking up, it's already starting to green up, there are flowers and the air is fresh and invigorating. You may have days you'll need just a t-shirt and light pants, but you'll want to bring warm sweaters and light rain gear (a simple poncho and/or hat), and comfortable walking shoes. Bring along a good portable umbrella too (we keep some at the house, but can never guarantee that they'll be there)-- although the rain tends to be intermittent and more of a sprinkle usually, and sun often wins out, the rain sometimes gets heavy and steady. Be prepared and you'll have a beautiful holiday. Click here for: a brief French history lesson that includes a list of things you can do when it rains.
May-- you may get some of the residual rains and chills more common in April, but again it is another gorgeous month of Spring, usually with heavy doses of sun. Nights can get cool, but you'll find extra blankets in each bedroom armoire or bureau, and there are portable radiators in addition to the grand fireplace (please read the fireplace instructions in the on this website or on the TouchStay app which we will send you).
June, July, August-- these are typical summer months-- lots of sunshine, occasional thunderstorms, spectacular skies, and seldom the need for a sweater except maybe for late alfresco dining. Global climate change has brought more, and unpredictable, heat waves, with temperatures sometimes rising above 90 and 100 degrees. We arrived during a heat wave in early August 2019 (102 degrees!), so we timed our outings for the mornings (which were relatively cool) and made sure we were at the caves or on or near the water in the afternoon-- canoeing or swimming (the public river beach has wonderfully clean, fresh, safe water-- water shoes are a good idea, but not essential for us sturdier folk, since beyond the beach sand are there are pebbles and stones). We went to outdoor markets, visited beautiful sites, everything we would have done in cooler weather. Just a bit more slowly. There were 9 of us (two families), and it was a fantastic vacation.
September-- as with any month be prepared for any sort of weather. You'll find early September beginning to cool down from the summer and late September experimenting with the kind of cooler weather that makes bicycling and hiking such a pleasure (although if you are a real bicycling or hiking aficionado, no weather should stop you) . You may get some rain, you'll normally get lots of sunshine, and a comfortable sweater is usually sufficient for most climate eventualities. You may need an extra blanket at night (they are in the bedroom bureau or armoire). And throughout the month, there are many days when a t-shirt will suffice.
October-- a gorgeous month, a bit of quiet descending onto this active region. Mostly sunny and with occasional showers, evenings can be chilly and a cold spell can descend (more likely as you near November), but days for t-shirts are still not uncommon. Nevertheless, bring sweaters, a warm jacket, and rain gear just in case. And read up on how to get a good fire going in our grand fireplace. Those ancient house walls provide great insulation, so let in the warmth of the day and close up if the nights get cold.
We've stayed at the house in November-- the village starts closing down to hibernate for the winter, many of our neighbors are off to their first or second homes, or their second jobs, and the skies darken early-- it is really quite wonderful. But it takes a brave soul to live by fire alone and in such quiet, so, as with the rest of the winter months (from November on), we only rent the house for longer stays-- ideal if you want to work on that novel, or escape humanity's noise.
October-- a gorgeous month, a bit of quiet descending onto this active region. Mostly sunny and with occasional showers, evenings can be chilly and a cold spell can descend (more likely as you near November), but days for t-shirts are still not uncommon. Nevertheless, bring sweaters, a warm jacket, and rain gear just in case. And read up on how to get a good fire going in our grand fireplace. Those ancient house walls provide great insulation, so let in the warmth of the day and close up if the nights get cold.
We've stayed at the house in November-- the village starts closing down to hibernate for the winter, many of our neighbors are off to their first or second homes, or their second jobs, and the skies darken early-- it is really quite wonderful. But it takes a brave soul to live by fire alone and in such quiet, so, as with the rest of the winter months (from November on), we only rent the house for longer stays-- ideal if you want to work on that novel, or escape humanity's noise.
Cooling It During Heatwaves
(Make sure you have good weather app, like Weather Underground, that shows hourly temperatures for Saint Cirq Lapopie/Cabrerets.)
1) The main thing you must do is to 'regulate' the house. As soon as you arise in the morning, close the windows and keep the curtains drawn. (An app will show you when the temps start to rise, usually about 8 or 9 a.m., and then starting to drop around 9 or 10 p.m.) At night, open the windows as you turn the lights out and go to bed.
2) Locate the fans, and position them for maximum coolness.
3) In the afternoon, grab the bamboo mats and stroll down to the river for a daily swim. (The white towels are for the beach; please do not use the beige/cream towels you found on your bed.)
3) Visit the Pech Merle caves on the hottest day (you'll need a sweater there).
4) Canoeing and Kayaking are great things to do in the heat (via Kalapca).
5) We've enjoyed morning bike rides (via Le P'tits Velos) on very hot days.
6) Walks along the river are fairly shady and very beautiful.
7) Evenings are a great time to hang out with drinks and food on the terrace and enjoy the darkening sky-- I think we spent a whole heat-wave week down at the terrace tables, for lunch, dinner, and aperitifs.
8) Basically, persevere with your regular plans, take them a bit slower, and don't forget the suntan lotion.
9) We recently added air conditioners to the two upstairs bedrooms which are under the insulated roof. Additionally, we put transparent heat-blocking film on all the sun-facing windows.
Don't forget-- a) the water in the bathroom traps (showers and sinks) evaporates quickly in hot weather, so if there is even a slight odor, just run water down the drain for 15 seconds, and b) please leave the downstairs humidifier (above the shower) plugged in and running at all times.
When It Gets Cold
As changes in climate become more variable, we've tried to make sure the house stays comfortable any time you visit. Sometimes-- most often in early April and late October-- you'll feel a chill in the air. The house is well insulated, but those thick ancient walls are better at retaining cold, not heat. Two of the rooms have built in radiators, the rest have portable radiators and/or electric heaters, the bathrooms have towel warmers that also work as radiators, and there are additional heaters on the main floor. (Do be thoughtful about electricity usage-- it is expensive and bad for the planet.) Every bedroom has a duvet or two to add to the bedding, although you'll probably want pajamas.The fireplace provides good warmth during a cold spell, but it does take some familiarity with using wood, starting fires, and managing the fireplace flames.
Under the Your Journey tab, there is a Fireplace PDF that gives specific instructions on how to use this particular fireplace. We try to keep a supply of wood available on the side of the house or down on the terrace, as well as some kindling and firestarter materials next to the fireplace. But sometimes these things run out. Wood and kindling and firestarter can be bought at any large hardware store (e.g. Weldom in Cahors).
As changes in climate become more variable, we've tried to make sure the house stays comfortable any time you visit. Sometimes-- most often in early April and late October-- you'll feel a chill in the air. The house is well insulated, but those thick ancient walls are better at retaining cold, not heat. Two of the rooms have built in radiators, the rest have portable radiators and/or electric heaters, the bathrooms have towel warmers that also work as radiators, and there are additional heaters on the main floor. (Do be thoughtful about electricity usage-- it is expensive and bad for the planet.) Every bedroom has a duvet or two to add to the bedding, although you'll probably want pajamas.The fireplace provides good warmth during a cold spell, but it does take some familiarity with using wood, starting fires, and managing the fireplace flames.
Under the Your Journey tab, there is a Fireplace PDF that gives specific instructions on how to use this particular fireplace. We try to keep a supply of wood available on the side of the house or down on the terrace, as well as some kindling and firestarter materials next to the fireplace. But sometimes these things run out. Wood and kindling and firestarter can be bought at any large hardware store (e.g. Weldom in Cahors).