WELCOME TO FRENCH COTTAGE RETREATS 2008

Welcome to the Aveyron department of Southwest France. We hope you enjoy our enlarged website for the coming 2008 season.

All of our cottages are personally selected for peace and tranquillity and most have dramatic views over rivers or deep valleys. With exception of two cottages each one has an exclusive or shared swimming pool. Linen is provided for all beds and towels are provided in all cottages. All are furnished to a high standard and are managed under our own supervision and accommodate from 2 up to 11 persons.

Again this year Special “Just for 2” prices outside of peak season enable couples to stay at our larger houses at a competitive price.

We now have 23 cottages in our portfolio, including a number of new properties.

Firstly there is Gineste which is 10 minutes from Grande Vabre and Vieillevie above the Lot valley. It is a beautiful conversion of an old farm house with expansive lawns and wonderful views.

Nearby is La Grange. This cottage, artistically renovated by local craftsman and overlooking the RiverLot, is 5 minutes drive from Grand Vabre with shops, bars, restaurants and garage. An added attraction is the “natural” swimming pool. Both these cottages are very near the famous and spectacular village of Conques.Finally Au Riverain. It is perched 100metres above Vieillevie and within walking distance of the bars, restaurant and local shop selling fresh bread and croissants daily . It has a heated swimming pool and sits comfortably within an acre of landscaped garden. You can sit on the south facing terrace and watch and listen to the river below flowing by. It is built in the traditional style of the region.

We plan to introduce several new projects to improve your enjoyment of this magnificent area. We have an English speaking guide who can be hired for half a day or more. Janice is well versed in both the local surrounds and history and would help those who want to immerse themselves in this local knowledge or just take you where you might not otherwise visit.

Also we have a local gite owner who is a very experienced pilot and who can fly you over the valleys and hills to provide an exhilarating view of all below.

We are hoping to create a CD catalogue of brochures of things to do and see, which will be sent to you prior to your visit.

Finally as a departure from previous years we are introducing cottages away from the immediate area but still in southern France. These cottages are owner managed and are chosen for the same high standards that we demand in our current portfolio. Many people who visit regularly might like a change of scenery. Here is the opportunity to do so with confidence.
We hope you enjoy this edition of our brochure for 2008 and look forward to welcoming you to this most dramatic part of France and to one of our cottages.

Michael and Mary Warman
French Cottage Retreats Ltd