Pigeonnier de Tivoli - 2 Bedroom (Sleeps 4) Gite in Nouvelle-Aquitaine
Pigeonnier de Tivoli (La Petite Maison du Lot), Lot et Garonne
Book with the owner direct
Owner/Property
Manager: Barbara Millar
Book this Gite by contacting the owner
directly to confirm
price, property details and availability.
Booking directly with the owner means you pay the owners price with
no added booking fees or extra charges.
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
15 Reviews
Charming, well-equipped, glorious
By Simon Thomson on 07-Sep-2026My wife and I had a wonderful two-week stay at the Pigeonnier. It's been beautifully adapted and retains lots of its charm as an old building but has everything you could need for a self-sufficient stay. The set up feels so perfectly isolated and is very peaceful, with a range of birds and bats to enjoy—we even had a deer. But it's also easy to get to shops and bakeries. The swimming pool is a great size for quick dips and longer swims, and we really enjoyed having inflatables and toys to play with. That, along with the barbecue and eating area outside, was the centre of our stay. We just had a perfect time and basically didn't leave apart from to bring in more supplies. Barbara was outrageously patient and always swift and friendly in communication. Strong recommend all round. I guess with more than a couple it might feel a bit tight, and the steep stairs (part of the charm of the building) would be a challenge for anyone with mobility issues. But for us it was all just terrific.
Relaxing week
By The Clarkes on 01-Aug-2026We had a lovely week at the Pigeonnier. We loved all the outdoor space and the newly refurbished pool (6m x 12m approx). It was great to be able to cook outside and we made good use of the BBQ, plancha and pizza oven. The property was really well equipped and the kids enjoyed the toys and games. Communication with Barbara and Kim was friendly and easy. Thank you!
Such a special place to stay
By Sara & Andy Byrne on 08-Aug-2026We had the most wonderful stay at the Pigeonnier — it was absolutely everything we wanted and more. From the moment we arrived, we fell in love with the beautiful setting, the character of the property and the peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind. The Pigeonnier was extremely comfortable and had everything we needed including a fabulous pool, which we made good use of everyday. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay and seeing wild deer and hare from the bedroom balcony each morning was an added bonus. A truly special property in a gorgeous location, and somewhere we would happily return to. We left feeling completely relaxed and with some very happy memories. Thank you for such a wonderful stay and generous welcome pack!
Such a special place to stay
By Sara & Andy Byrne on 08-Aug-2026We had the most wonderful stay at the Pigeonnier — it was absolutely everything we wanted and more. From the moment we arrived, we fell in love with the beautiful setting, the character of the property and the peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect place to relax and unwind. The Pigeonnier was extremely comfortable and had everything we needed including a fabulous pool, which we made good use of everyday. We honestly couldn’t have asked for a better place to stay and seeing wild deer and hare from the bedroom balcony each morning was an added bonus. A truly special property in a gorgeous location, and somewhere we would happily return to. We left feeling completely relaxed and with some very happy memories. Thank you for such a wonderful stay and generous welcome pack!
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 :)