You should find everything you need in the kitchen. Here are a few handy hints:

Transcription

1 A Warm Welcome to La Malartrie 24220, Vezac France Mike & Helen Cosgrove-Kirkham 1

2 Guest Information The personal value of a really good holiday can never be under-estimated. Here is a brief outline of some of the information that will help to make your stay at La Maison Sumherst as enjoyable as possible. Lounge The TV has most Satellite free-to-air BBC & ITV Channels and numerous Radio Stations. Besides playing movies, the DVD player will also play your music CDs. Simply toggle between TV and DVD using the marked-up button at the bottom left side of the TV Remote Control. You will find the Sony PS2 game console and monitor in the down stairs bedroom next to the lounge. Please use place-mats and coasters when using the dining table. You will find them all in the drawer in the kitchen. Kitchen You should find everything you need in the kitchen. Here are a few handy hints: The bin is in the cupboard under the sink and bin-liners can be found in the drawers. The two dustbins outside can be used to sort the recycling from the rest. The gas hob uses bottled gas located in the cupboard adjacent to the cooker. There should be plenty of gas to meet your requirements, however if it should run out a spare bottle can be found in the cupboard in the hall. The dishwasher is operated using the buttons on the top of the door. A fire extinguisher and fire blanket is available in the kitchen (the fire blanket is on the shelf under the oven ). The washing machine is installed in the hall cupboard. There are three independent switched lights under the wall units and one under the cooker hood which you simply pull out. The slide switch is on the top right of the slide-out hood. Please do not throw away any old coffee granules down the sink but simply tip them into the waste bin. 2

3 In the hall cupboard you will find other useful items including the light switches for all the outside lights (please remember to turn them off last thing at night), an iron and ironing board, airer, candles, torch and a first aid kit if required. BBQ There is a Charcoal BBQ stored in the garage. Feel free to use it as often as you like and all we ask is that you clean it after use and return it to the garage and cover it up. The BBQ tools are in the hall cupboard. Plumbing All tap water is filtered and suitable for drinking. The house is not on the mains for sewerage at this time, we therefore respectfully request that no inappropriate items are put down the toilets, as these will cause a problem with the septic tank. A blocked loo will not enhance your stay! Heating The house is fully centrally heated (oil fired) with the addition of a log burning fire for cosy winter evenings. The thermostat is located in the hall; the boiler and hot water tank are in the garage. Rubbish Unfortunately, as with all houses in France, rubbish is not collected from the house but must be taken to local points where it is removed almost daily. The house will be clean on arrival but we would ask you to take your rubbish to the skips on a regular basis during your stay. These are located just across the road opposite Le Petit Manoir or alternatively, in the village itself near the tennis courts, where full recycling facilities are available. Please put all bagged rubbish in the black skips, plastic & cardboard should be recycled in the skips with the yellow lids, glass should be recycled separately. Cleaning is carried out on handover days. (Saturday). Shopping Large Supermarkets can be found in Sarlat (Champion, LeClerc etc) and there is a good Champion in St Cyprien and a smaller supermarket just down the road in Cenac called Shoppi which sells just about everything but has a more limited selection. A mini market can also be found in the square, over the bridge at Castelnaud. Supermarkets normally close for lunch between 12pm and 2pm except in July and August. 3

4 Boulangeries The local boulangerie/patisserie in the village provides everything you may need for breakfast, snacks etc but can have a limited opening during the winter. Other Boulangeries can be found in Cenac and nearby Castelnaud. Markets Markets are held throughout the week in most towns and villages and are well worth a visit, not just to buy, but also to experience the atmosphere, the sights and smells as you stroll through. The biggest market is in Sarlat itself on Saturdays but there is a smaller market on Wednesdays. All markets start at approximately and go on until approx Market Days are: Tuesday morning in Le Bugue ( Excellent Large Market ) Tuesday morning in Cénac ( Small Market ) Wednesday morning in Sarlat ( Mainly Food market ) Friday morning in Le Buisson ( Mainly Food market ) Saturday morning in Sarlat ( Fabulous Large Market ) Sunday morning in St Cyprien ( Exquisite local Village Market ) All the local towns have a market; this is just an indication of some of the closer ones. Banks and ATMs The nearest ATM is just in the village car park opposite Le Palmier Bar and Restaurant. The next nearest ATM is in Cénac and there are numerous Banks and ATMs in Sarlat. Most ATMs will display instructions in English when selected. Tourist Office For full tourist information visit the main Office de Tourisme which is situated at 114 Rue Tourny, Sarlat. Tel: Canoeing There are many options in the area for canoeing. The closest is Canoe Dordogne on the beach (100 metres from the house). This company has prearranged departure times and will take you to Carsac (or other, it may vary) for you to canoe back to your start point (La Malartrie). Simply get out of your canoe, hand in your paddle and walk back to the house easy. 4

5 Gabares Gabares are the flat bottomed boats you see sailing past the house. A number of operators provide guided boat rides (English is spoken). These leave from the pontoon at the car park in La Roque Gageac and departures are between 10am and 6pm daily (afternoon only in October and November). The cost is approx 8 Euros for adults and 5 for children. Trips are also available from Beynac. Light Aircraft Flights Light Aircraft flights are available locally for all the family to enjoy and the nearest is just a short five minute drive away. The operator is called Air Chateaux and they are situated between Castelnaud and Beynac. Prices for a short flight around the surrounding area start at circa 30 Euros and to book a flight their telephone number is You can also take short flights around the local area from Domme Airfield. Hot Air Balloon Flights There are two local operators. One is situated just outside our village towards Cenac and the other between Beynac and St.Cyprien. However, flights can be expensive costing as much as 125 euros p.p. which includes a glass of Champagne. Golf For those who enjoy a round of Golf, there is a superb course at the Hotel Domaine de Rochebois situated in the nearby village of Vitrac, only a 15 minute drive away on the D703. The nine-hole course takes you along the banks of the river Dordogne and up into the oak-covered hillsides with their wonderful views. Holes: 9 Par: 36 Yards: 3272 Bike Hire Bike hire for adults and children is available during the summer season and bikes can even be delivered to the house if required. There are three local Bike Hire Hubs which are situated in Sarlat, Castelnaud and St.Cyprien. To reserve a bike simply call Joel & Kate on (0033)

6 Bowling L OSMOZ is a new Bowling venue situated just outside Sarlat on the D704 and only a five minute drive from McDonald s. There are 8 lanes for Bowling, Pool tables, Brasserie, Bar and Pizzeria with an outside terrace and ample parking facilities. To book Tel: Horse riding For Horse riding and trekking visit the Perigord Equitation at St. Genies which is only a ten minute drive from McDonald s on route between Sarlat and Montignac on the D704. (Just a very short drive further on from the Bowling venue). All skill levels are catered for. Airparcs Airparcs are tremendous fun for all the family and the one which we and most of our guests have visited is the Indian Forest Acrobatique which is located only 5kms from Sarlat on the route to Souillac on the D704A. It s very well organized and extremely popular and is no more than a 30 minute drive away from the house. Details can be found on Zoo Park of Conservation Only 10kms from Sarlat on the route to Souillac on the D704A is the Zoo Park of Conservation (just a very short drive further on from the Indian Forest Airparc). Set in deep woodland the animals can be watched and admired in their habitat from a number of well placed observation platforms. 6

7 Local Caves (Grottes) La Roque Gageac: From the centre of the village there are steep steps to an interesting troglodyte fort in the cliff-face with great views (including one of our house!). You can also get there from the car park via the small botanical garden at the far end of the village. Domme: Situated at the top end of the village is Grotte de Domme. This magnificent underground gem is the largest natural cave in the Perigord Noir. The cave has one of the finest limestone formations in the region and includes colonnades, stalactites and stalagmites, water mirrors and lighting effects. The skeletal remains of a prehistoric rhinoceros and several bison were discovered when work was done on the cave and are still on display. The exit is via an elevator ride back to the surface and which affords a breathtaking panoramic view of the Dordogne valley. Restaurants It is worth noting that here in France lunch often provides the best value for money and a pichet (small jug) of the local wine, red, white or rose represents excellent value. Tables for lunch can be from noon until two and a leisurely lunch can take a good couple of hours. There are so many good restaurants in the village and surrounding area, far too many to mention here, but particularly so in the ancient part of Sarlat. Foie Gras is famous in the area, both Goose and Duck, the shops in Sarlat, Domme and all the surrounding villages and towns seem to sell little else. The foie gras mi-cuit with a glass of Monbazillac gets about as near to Gastronomic Heaven as one can get. Here are just a few restaurants that come highly recommended: 7

8 Village of La Roque Gageac The Belle Etoile Hotel - An excellent dining experience. This popular gastronomique restaurant is truly worth a visit to sample some of the very best of local Dordogne cuisine. It is highly recommended. 8

9 "Plume d'oie" - This restaurant is mentioned in France s best known guides: Michelin, Gault et Millau and Le Bottin gourmand. We understand from our friends who have dined there that the owners of this restaurant, hostess Hiddy Walker and husband Mark the chef, can be compared a little to Basil and Cybil Fawlty of Fawlty Towers fame! Le Palmier ( Bar and Restaurant ) - For a more relaxed, informal meal with the family, Le Palmier does a low fixed price menu and fabulous pizzas, desserts and snacks. Owner Eric and his Maitre D', Nico, together with head waiter Paul are our very good friends and they will make you very welcome. 9

10 Village of Vezac Le Relais des Cinq Châteaux Only two miles away is this truly magnificent Hotel and Restaurant in direct sight of the Châteaux of Castelnaud, Beynac, Lacoste, Marqueyssac and Fayrac, where top Chef Eric Vasseur will offer you a very special gastronomique experience. Children are treated as future gastronomes with their own menus no burger and chips here! Enjoy great views from the terrace as you eat your way through course after course of exceptional culinary delights. To get there, turn right out of the house and drive towards Beynac. At the T junction at the end of the road by the railway bridge (which will be on your left) turn right into Vezac (this road also takes you to Sarlat) and the Restaurant is a few hundred yards up on your right. To book Telephone

11 Les Jardins Marqueyssac The Château, set in the midst of beautiful gardens, is only a couple of minutes drive from the house. The admission charge for the gardens is approx 7 Euros for adults and 3 for children. The terrace restaurant with its incredible views is great for lunch and on some evenings, you can dine to live music, surrounded by serene out-door lighting. Be sure to book in advance. Telephone

12 Village of Castelnaud La Chapelle Les Jardins des Milandes The restaurant is set in a truly idyllic location and diners have free use of its wonderful swimming pool. To drive there simply cross over the bridge at Castelnaud, turn right and follow the road for approx 8kms signposted to Château Milandes, the entrance to Les Jardin des Milandes will appear straight in front of you. The nearby Village of Domme Pot de Fer - There are many appealing restaurants in the village of Domme to choose from. A number of friends and visitors to the house have recommended the Pot de Fer, 1-3 Rue General Rene Carmille, which has a lovely courtyard terrace and a varied menu of local and Mediterranean dishes to choose from. 12

13 Ancient Sarlat There are a vast number of superb restaurants in the ancient town of Sarlat to choose from and nearly all will have a variety of fixed price menus starting around 12 Euros for three courses. Try the Le Jardin des Consuls situated at 4, Rue des Consuls, which has a lovely rear courtyard terrace and a very good and moderately priced menu. For an even more gastronomique experience then why not try the following two restaurants: The newly appointed and very much talked about Michelin Star Le Grand Bleu is situated opposite the railway station in Sarlat at 43, Avenue de la Gare, Sarlat. Telephone: Le Petit Manoir situated at 13 rue de la République, Sarlat, also comes highly recommended. Although slightly more expensive compared to the many nearby restaurants it is in a private 15th century mansion with an enclosed, private garden. The restaurant serves fusion cuisine adding an Asian touch to local produce. Telephone:

14 Local Places of Interest There are so many local places of interest to visit, here are just a few worth considering The Historic Town of Sarlat: Sarlat is an exceptionally preserved town with more than 1000 years of architecture living through its lanes. The incomparable number of buildings registered or classified as historical makes Sarlat a most enviable place to visit. This historic town also boasts a magnitude of wonderful independently owned shops, bars, cafés and gastronomique restaurants not to mention the biggest weekly market in the region. The Bastide Village of Domme: Set high up on a hilltop with spectacular panoramic views over the Dordogne valley is the beautiful medieval Village of Domme which is only a ten minute drive away from the house. To visit Domme is to plunge into the history of a medieval village which had to defend itself against many invaders and in 1281 the Bastide was built. Domme is also an historic place where approximately seventy French Knights Templar were held prisoner in the 14 th century following instructions from Pope Clement that Knights Templar were enemies of the state. The English Knights were held separately in the cells on the other side of the gate in the village. Some of the finest Knights Templar Graffiti in all of Europe can be found here and an organised tour can be booked through the local Tourism Office in the village. Château Castelnaud: Less than a five minute drive from the house, this incredible Château is a reconstructed medieval castle that is child oriented with lots of nooks and crannies to explore as well as demonstrations of medieval sword fights. From the house turn right and the road to Castelnaud is on the left approx 1km from the house. Cross over the river and bear left and the entrance to the Château is approx 5oo yds on your right. Also, you can park on the left where you will find a small mini-market, Boulangerie and bar/restaurant. Château des Milandes: The Château was the home of the famous Josephine Baker, the 1920 s American Superstar who joined the French Resistance and bought the Château for a home to poor children from around the world. Also featured in the grounds of the Château are Falconry displays which take place in the afternoons. The restaurant Jardin Des Milandes is just beneath the Château. To drive there simply cross over the bridge at Castelnaud turn right and follow the road for approx 8kms signposted to Château Milandes, the entrance to Jardin Des Milandes will appear straight ahead. The Gardens of Marqueyssac: Only a five minute drive from the house are the beautiful gardens (les jardins) of Marqueyssac. Simply turn right out of the house and take the first right to Vezac at the junction with the turning for Castelnaud which will be on your left (see above). The lane leading up to the Gardens and car park is approx half a mile on your right. The Historic Town of Cahors: The famous town of Cahors known for its wine is an excellent day out. It s only 37 miles from the house and takes approx one hour to drive. There is much to do there and many interesting things to see particularly the 14 th century medieval Valentré bridge which is the finest fortified bridge of the Middle Ages in France. There are many historical buildings including the ancestral home of King Henry IV of France and the wonderful 11 th century St Étienne Cathedral. With numerous restaurants, cafés and delightful shops, Cahors is a truly enjoyable place to visit. The Medieval Village of Rocamadour: The ancient village of Rocamadour really has that WOW factor and is one of the most photographed places in France. There are many quaint souvenir and craft shops as well as a good choice of restaurants. Also, there is a free-roaming Monkey park where you can hand feed the Barbary Macaques monkeys. The village is approx one hour s drive from the house but be warned, it can get very busy in the height of the holiday season. The Bastide Village of Monpazier: The origins of Monpazier date from the 13th century and was founded in 1284 by King Edward I of England. Around its paved central square containing the original market hall, it retains many ancient buildings including the original arcades around the edge of the square. More than thirty of the buildings are classified as 'national monuments. 14

15 Comfort and Security: We recommend that you close and lock all the shutters of the house when going out. This will keep the house cool when the weather is hot and will also discourage unwanted visitors. Hospitals, Doctors and Pharmacies: The nearest A&E Hospital is in Sarlat. Drive to the top of the town following the road to Brive ( D704 ). The Hospital can be found just off the roundabout and is clearly sign-posted. The nearest Doctor s Surgery is just a short drive to Cenac. You will also find Pharmacies located in Cenac and St Cyprien. Emergency Contact numbers: To phone for Police, Fire or Ambulance then call 112 from your mobile 112 is the phone number to call the emergency services throughout the EU, from fixed or mobile phones, free of charge. Should you encounter any major problems with the house during your stay then please contact Phil and Sue Miller on their Mobile and be sure to dial +44 or 0044 then or (Home) on Phil and Sue live a short drive away and they manage the house on our behalf. Should you need to contact us urgently then phone us on our mobile(s) in the following order: 1 st on or 2 nd on or 3 rd on Day of Departure: Unless otherwise agreed, please be kind enough to depart from the property by a.m. to allow for cleaning prior to the next guest s arrival. Feedback: We would truly hope you enjoyed staying at the house so please us at info@sumherst.co.uk and lets us know how you got on and to make any suggestions. Finally, please feel free to sign the visitor s book during your stay. The book can be found on the lounge chimney shelf. We would love to hear from you. Bonnes Vacances 15

16 Property details at a glance Location and property type: Nearest airport: Bergerac (Distance 40 Miles) Nearest main Town: Sarlat (Distance 7 Miles) Nearest Village, Bars & Restaurants: La Roque Gageac (Distance 300 metres) Close to River Dordogne: (Distance 10 metres) SatNav Co-ordinate: Latitude N Longitude E Accommodation type: Detached House Central Heating: Quiet location: Parking (4 Cars ) Kitchen facilities: Gas Hob Electric Oven Microwave Dishwasher Large Fridge with Ice box Washing machine Fully Equipped Miscellaneous information: Golf Swimming Sat TV (BBC/ITV) DVD-CD Player Sony Playstation PS2 Accepts children Accepts Pets Hairdryer Iron & Ironing Board Outside Table and Chairs BBQ & Tools High chair Folding Cot Accepts smokers (Inside) Swimming Pool Smoke Alarm / Fire Extinguishers Portable electric fan heater - Nearby - River Beach (Only 100 metres away) - Some Games supplied No - (no Linen) No No Bedrooms: Double 2 Twin Double 2 Fitted Wardrobes & clothes hangers Bed Linen provided Bathrooms: Showers & WCs 2 Cloakroom - Separate WC 1 Towels provided 16

17 La Roque Gageac, a magnificent village officially classified as one of the most beautiful in all of France 17