Pigeonnier de Tivoli - 2 Bedroom (Sleeps 4) Gite in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Pigeonnier de Tivoli (La Petite Maison du Lot), Lot et Garonne
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Owner/Property
Manager: Barbara Millar
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price, property details and availability.
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Overview
Description
Pigeonniers (‘dovecotes’ in English) are a distinctive feature of rural architecture throughout the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, and while most have fallen into disrepair, a few have found new life as holiday homes like this one in the quiet countryside of the Lot valley.The Pigeonnier dates back to the 19th century, modernised some years ago by its English owners to provide a snug retreat for a family of 4, or two couples. Complete with its own swimming pool and extensive private grounds, it's the perfect place to locate yourselves in order to discover the many wonderful sites the Lot region has to offer. It’s hard to imagine from the outside, but the refurbishment has managed to accommodate a double bedroom, with a shower room, a balcony and a narrow spiral staircase which leads to the attic where there are twin beds. There is a simple kitchen/dining area for brewing your morning coffee or pulling together a feast of local market goodies. The narrow spiral staircase leads down to the cave where there is another shower, separate toilet and hand basin. The cave also houses the washing machine and large fridge/freezer. The interiors are quirky and a little creaky, as befits a hundred-and-something-year-old building, but if you’re looking for privacy, pretty views and genuine character you’ll be very happy here.
Of course, most of us like to spend more time outside than in on holiday, so there are sunbeds by the pool and a dining terrace with a seating area, bbq and gas plancha for outside dining beneath the shade of a tree which overhangs the terrace. The surrounding countryside is rural France at its most magical, an almost-forgotten world of medieval towns, imposing châteaux and deep gorges cut by the languorous river Lot.
The local area
The nearest town is riverside Castelmoron-sur-Lot, (approx. 4km), which has a supermarket, two boulangeries a pharmacy and a Wednesday market. There is also a small port area from where you can take a leisurely cruise along the Lot. For an active break (or to work off the excesses of the rich dishes that characterise the cooking of the south west) you’ll find walking paths, cycle routes, horse riding, canoeing and fishing. Highlights include bustling Villeneuve-sur-Lot (27km), and Pujols (25km) - a charming fortified town classified as one of France’s 'most beautiful small villages'. For a longer day out, Bergerac and Bordeaux are 60 and 140 minutes away by car respectively, and for top quality wine tastings, the celebrated Bordeaux, Duras and Cahors regions are all within easy reach.
Location
Shops (Castelmoron sur lot) 10min drive, or Monclar (10 min drive)
Villeneuve sur Lot 25min drive
Monflanquin 40min drive
Agen 40min drive
Bergerac airport 1hr 10min drive
Bordeaux airport 1hr 40min drive
Bedroom Details
Bedroom 1
1 x Double Bed
Bedroom 2
2 x Single Profiling Bed s
11 Reviews
Great place to relax and chill
By Gail - holidaymaker on 16-May-2026Wonderful stay and had a very relaxing time around the pool as well as short day trips to the surrounding villages. Comfy beds and all very clean and well kept.
Magical stay in France
By Karen Steel on 09-May-2026What a beautiful place to stay. Set in the middle of open countryside, this pretty pigeonnier tower is the perfect place to stay for peace and quiet. House is fully equipped with lovely touches added by the owners that make you feel so welcome. Barbara and Rob (owners) were so friendly and accommodating, we will be returning next year. Lots of lovely towns and villages to explore in the area and wonderful markets - makes you wish you were born in France :)
Perfect Countryside Escape in the South of France
By Jessy on 02-May-2026We had such an amazing stay at this beautiful countryside property in the South of France. The setting is absolutely stunning, and the sunsets were unreal - the perfect way to end the day with a glass of wine by the pool. The pool itself is huge and ideal for relaxing or spending the whole afternoon cooling off. There’s also so much outdoor space, which made everything feel peaceful and private. The BBQ area was fantastic and became the centre of most of our evenings. Even though the house feels like a true countryside escape, it’s still conveniently close to supermarkets and local shops, so everything you need is only a short drive away. This place is perfect if you want a break from busy everyday life. The beds were comfy and the house had everything we needed for a comfortable stay. We also loved all the extra touches like the inflatables for the pool, plenty of outdoor chairs and lots of sun loungers to relax on throughout the day. A truly special place that we’d happily return to again and again.
Fantastic stay in a great area of France
By Sam on 02-Aug-2025Myself and my wife had a fantastic week here with the dog. The pace is really quirky and very well renovated considering the initial use of the building. I had seen a previous review saying there was dust and cobwebs, well this is the south of France, these old properties suffer with that and that is part of the charm! The peace and quiet was fantastic and just what we were looking for. We really enjoyed the area which had plenty going on and Castelmoron-sur-Lot was a thriving village with good bakeries and restaurants, it's also worth visiting the river there where you can swim and walk. The highlight was laparade evening market, we had one for the best steaks ever!! We would visit again. Thanks to the owners and Kim for making the stay great 🙂
Disappointing Stay.
By Heather Ferguson on 16-Aug-2025We left this property after just 10 hours, abandoning our family holiday and driving overnight to Calais. While it appears charming in photos, our experience was very disappointing. Cleanliness was a major concern—cobwebs throughout, dog hairs on furniture and around the pool, and significant black mould in the upstairs bathroom. Though the beds were changed, the property needed a deep clean. Storm damage was evident (cracked pool, missing roof tiles, broken pool net), yet none of this was disclosed in advance. The pool area was unsafe due to loose slabs unclean, and clearly not maintained. Inside, several listed features were missing or broken: no tabletop fridge, the downstairs rainfall showerhead didn’t work and fell off, and the bedroom TV was missing. The only fans provided were small and inadequate for 40°C+ heat. The loft bedroom was unusable due to extreme heat and an owl nesting outside the window. The outdoor dining space was virtually non-existent, and with no alternative options at such short notice, we had no choice but to leave. We were heartbroken to cut short our only family holiday of the year. We’ve contacted the owner for a refund due to the unacceptable conditions and extra costs we incurred, but have yet to receive a resolution. We do not recommend this property and urge others to proceed with caution.
Owner response on 09-Sep-2025
We are sorry that this guest decided to post this review and we feel it a little un fair they have implied the main reasons they left related to our home. What they fail to mention and the only reason they initially gave for leaving was their son had been out celebrating his exam results and something had happened which necessitated them leaving in the middle of night to return to the UK. I emailed them within 24 hrs offering to help with any insurance claim. It was only 48 hrs after they left we received an 2nd email listing their concerns, some of which were factually incorrect. We did offer a goodwill gesture as we felt some issues raised were founded, however they refused requesting a refund of approximately 80% of the cost. We appreciate it must be very upsetting to have to cut short a holiday, but to lay the sole blame with us and not give us the opportunity or sufficient time to address their concerns, is not the right way to go about the situation.
Amazing place - beautiful!
By Julie on 26-Jul-2025Absolutely stunning property with fabulous 12m swimming pool (salt water - amazing!) which we used every day. Facilities all perfect, location very private. Lots of lovely villages/towns to visit and a few museums too. What’s not to love!!