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Manager: Barbara Millar
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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, (4km), which has a few shops, 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 villages'. For a longer day out, Bergerac and Bordeaux are 60 and 90 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 (another 10 min drive)
Villeneuve sur Lot 25min drive
Monflanquin 40min drive
Agen 40min drive
Bergerac airport 1hr 10min drive
Bordeaux airport 1hr 30min drive
8 Reviews
Leave ReviewFantastic 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!!
Wonderful
By Wendy on 12-Jul-2025We had an amazing stay at the Pigeonnier. The pool is massive and our dog enjoyed the freedom of running around in the fields. Communication with Barbara was great and Kim who looks after the property was really helpful booking our vets appointment for the return to the UK. Everywhere was dog friendly and the night market is a must. We had a really relaxing time. Thanks
Tranquil and stunning
By Darren and Beccy on 24-Aug-2024Our third stay now :) Love the pool and surroundings. The reason we come back is that it's absolutely private and surrounded by sunning countryside. The pool gets sun all day morning till evening, large clean pool. Plenty of space for kids to run wild if you have any. The huge London plane tree provides much welcome shade if required, there's seating under it with a big family table and BBQ with table tennis. Pigeonnier itself suits us perfect. Lower level can be accessed directly from the pool, it has a great walk in shower, toilet and fridge/freezer for ice creams and cold drinks. Front door goes direct into small kitchen diner area with seats and a small table. Kitchen is small but has all the basics you'll need for cooking. Up the spiral staircase to a shower room with toilet and your main double bedroom. This has a lovely veranda overlooking the pool, great views. Continue up the stairs to the twin single bedroom at the top. There's shops 5 mins away with a new U supermarket that has everything you need. Don't buy bread there, there's an excellent bakery in town. Park in the square, use the wee grocers there the people are lovely and helpful. From there walk towards the bridge and last road on right there's a bakery there. Really is very good. In your right as you come into Castelmoron-sur-Lot is a Gamme Vert. It's like a DIY store but they also do local wines. Villeneuve Sur Lot is about 15 mins drive away with it's hypermarkets and every shop you'd need inc McDonald's for the kids :) In short, just book it, keep Tuesday evening free for Laparade soirée. Bring a picnic blanket for your table and plates. There's a band on and a dozen or so stalls providing local wines, ales and food Inc snails if you're brave enough :) Has a really local feel with the whole village and surrounding areas turning out to eat and dance. It's not expensive, we paid €6 a bottle for a nice red and the steak was about €7 cooked on the spot for you. The whole region has so much to offer if you like to explore. Monflanquin, Pujols, Beauville, Biron all breathtakingly beautiful. Quad bike treks through the forests and vineyard's is recommended. It's far from a tourist trap though, it's real rural French country life. We've visited in June, August and September and never had a bad week of weather. Recommend to friends who've also stayed and had a great time.
Blissful idyll
By Jack on 17-Aug-2024Everything about this property was fantastic. We had an amazing time and the communication from the owner and the local agent were fabulous. It is a brilliant, quirky space in gorgeous grounds. It's splendid isolation in beautiful countryside