A sweet little gîte for two with a secure, private, walled garden. What a knock out setting: an atmospheric medieval village on the banks of the Célé river surrounded by steep limestone cliffs, and your little gîte is right in its heart. The South African owners transformed this tumble down 200-year-old cow shed into a warm homely place for two to hole up for a week or so. Leave your car in the ‘place’ then walk down a little alley and step into your holiday home. It’s all open plan downstairs and Laurence and Riana have left their mark on this happy space: splashes of colour in the bright red sofa and armchair, plenty of books to dip into, an oriental kilim, sculptures and good art. The kitchen is big enough for a dining table and chairs and is well kitted out. Upstairs to a small bedroom with a large double bed dressed in vibrant linen and a gleaming bathroom with plenty of big fluffy towels. A visit to the ancient abbey is a must, and the river is right there for messing about in canoes, or you can stock up at the fantastic local market and bring your spoils back for a barbecue in the courtyard garden. And you’re right in the centre of the Parc Naturel with absolutely heaps to do.

The Benedictine Abbey St Pierre in Marcilhac boasts the oldest Gothic archway in France. This "Monument Village" is also surrounded by numerous Dolmens, and a beautiful Menhir in Belinac. The Gite is situated in a "black triangle" - ideal for star-gazing. Rocamadour is one of the Midi-Pyrenees' main attractions. This city in the sky is built from the very mountain against which it is perched. The site of pilgrimages since the 12th Century, Rocamadour still amazes all who visit. St. Cirq Lapopie, the Grottes de Pech Merle, Cahors and the winelands, Figeac, Gouffre de Padirac, Cuzals, Cajarc, Gramat, Carennac, Autoire, Conques, Laguiole, Albi, Cordes, the Dordogne, Sarlat, Moissac, Brive and the Aveyron Gorge are all within a day's outing. There is excellent walking, varying from Grandes Randonnees forming part of the ancient pilgrim route to Santiago de Campostella, to smaller tracks and footpaths. Cycling offers another way to explore. Bicycles can be hired inexpensively in Marcilhac.