Gite le Sabatou. The Barn has an exposed beamed roof and terracotta floors throughout. An open plan spacious country kitchen, at one end of the barn, leads onto a covered dining terrace, with gas BBQ, overlooking the garden. In the middle of the barn is also a dining table and sitting area with sofas in front of the chimney. The main bedroom has a large double bed 160x200cm and a fold out sofa 130x190cm for small children. The main bathroom has a wide shower and separate bath tub. Above the main bedroom is a large open plan mezzanine with full size English snooker table and two single beds for older children. A second separate double bedroom, with en suite shower and wc, is on the ground floor of the main house (the owners home) with an independent entrance. This has a large double bed 180x200cm and a single bed 90x190cm. The garden and pool of the rental barn are orientated away from the owner's home.
The 11m x 5m pool has a shallow area and deep end. Easy access stairs. Lightly solar heated. Garden furniture.
Utility Room: Washing machine. Bed linen provided but not towels. This is a self catering property which must be returned to the owner at the end of stay in a fully cleaned condition. A cleaning service is not provided.
ASPAS Nature Reserve.
Previously wine rows interspersed with rows of lavender were grown on the slopes of the horse shoe shaped relief surrounding the property (sabata/zapato from which the present name derives). Since 1989 Gite Le Sabatou has flourished as a protected ASPAS nature reserve free from pesticides with the return of extraordinary wild flowers, particularly orchids and healing Bach plants. We have wild bees as well as feral honeybee populations. Most significantly is the butterfly reproduction area in the prairie with a growing population of the Large Blue Azuré du Serpolet.
Walking and Cycling Holidays
Foot paths head off directly from the Barn onto partially sign posted walking trails as well as the Chemin de Santiago de Compostella. An online guide is available.
Immediately above the property on the plateau (locally called the “Causse”) is a partially restored stone windmill. From here it is possible to see the fully restored windmill at Bois and then further onto the 3 windmills of Castelnau-Montratier. These windmills are land mark features in the Quercy Blanc.
Enthusiasts of off road cycling will find these paths create the perfect combination of gradients on low hill heights.
For on road cycling this area offers quite, traffic free roads with picturesque villages to stop at for refreshment.
Medieval Hilltop Villages, local produce markets, cafes & restaurants.
The three surrounding medieval hilltop villages of Castelnau-Montratier, Montcuq and Lauzerte (8 to 17kms from Cezac) are some of Frances “most beautiful villages”. The local produce markets are a must to visit. Dates and times are provided. The Wednesday evening market at Castelnau-Montratier, for example, has live music and outdoor tables for dinning throughout July and August. This is the real France with children and teenagers running around the village square, old men playing “petanque” and wine intoxicated parents dancing.
Restaurants and Cafes are in abundance to choose from everywhere. There is no need to ask for specific recommendations, you will discover these yourself.
Cahors
Cahors is without question one of the most beautiful historic towns of France, set in the meander of the river Lot with the medieval Valantry bridge. Take a day or two to explore Cahors and its many back streets. Again the market on Wednesday or Saturday is a must.
Lot River Valley (East of Cahors) – Canoeing, Grotte de Peche Merle, St Cirque Lapopie.
A day trip to do along the overhanging sculpted cliffs of the Lot river valley. Visit the world famous prehistoric cave paintings in the refreshingly cool Grotte de Peche Merle at Cabrerets before going to explore the village of St Cirque Lapopie. Do not miss the restaurant “La Truite Doree” on the way at Vers for lunch.
A subsidiary of the Lot, the Cele valley and river are a nature paradise. Canoe hire is available by reservation. This is a day out on its own and will be a day for future family memories.
Lot Valley Wine Tasting
Along the valley east of Cahors is a concentration of wine chateaux and domains, traditionally the home of malbec grapes. This black wine area is another “must do” for a holiday at Le Sabatou. Mercues, Douelle, Luzech, Puy L’Eveque, Albas are full of Chateaux to discover, including Chateau Lagrezette, Chateau Chambert and the Chateau de Caix.
St.Antonin Nobel de Val & Canoeing
Another day trip to make, in a different direction taking the D820 through the hat making town of Caussade, is to St Antonin Noble de Val set in the spectacular gorges of the Averyon river. This small film setting medieval town is a delight to explore. The 9km stretch of river through the gorge is great family fun for canoe hire, swimming and jumping into the river.
