Listen to the church bells ring as you enjoy your morning coffee and croissants in your enclosed courtyard before spending the day exploring the beautiful villages and towns dotted around the Dordogne River, just a 10-minute drive from riverside Lalinde. Le Petit Cour is a delightful cottage with a rich heritage, sitting next to a 13th century church and the tiny village’s castle ruins. Step through the gate and into the front courtyard with its al-fresco dining table, barbecue and hot tub overlooking the olive tree. This is such a characterful setting with such a charming outlook. Inside the home, the contemporary-style restoration is impressive with its gorgeous lounge featuring comfy sofas facing the stone fireplace and Smart TV (with Netflix), not to mention the stylish kitchen with a long oak table, exposed stone walls and modern light fittings contrasting the wood beams. Sleeping 6-8 guests, there are three bedrooms at Le Petit Cour, each one with an en suite bath or shower room. The ground floor king-size double has been designed for guests with restricted mobility and features a spacious bathroom with a walk-in Italian shower and separate bath tub. Following the old wooden staircase, come across a pretty twin and en suite shower room alongside a master en suite double beneath the sloping ceiling (with a pull-out bed for two extra guests if needed). Stroll down the lane to admire the shuttered windows of this sleepy rural village, then walk past rural landscapes so typical of the Bergeracois region. It’s only 7km to Lalinde, an attractive bastide town by the banks of the Dordogne with restaurants, supermarkets and a Thursday morning market. Other picturesque spots along the river include Trémolat, home to an iconic Michelin starred restaurant, and Limeuil where the Dordogne and Vézère converge. The bastide town of Beaumont-du-Périgord is just a 20-minute drive to the south or continue towards Monpazier, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Bergerac is less than half an hour away, a handsome town known for its historic houses, wine, gastronomy and riverside setting. Further afield, spend the day soaking up the history of Sarlat-la-Canéda, visiting the markets of Périgueux and even the vineyards of Saint-Émilion in this captivating corner of south-western France. Features: House Interiors Ground Floor -    Large entrance -    Lounge with TV and fireplace -    Kitchen-diner, well-equipped with long oak table and fireplace -    Small pantry with double fridge and microwave -    Bedroom with king-size double bed and large bathroom with bath and walk-in shower Upstairs (via old wooden staircase) -    Study in hallway with castle and church views -    Master bedroom (with sloping wood beams) with super king-size double bed, Ikea sofa-bed/pull-out bed and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower -    Bedroom with twin beds, feature fireplace, walk-in wardrobe, church and castle views and en suite bathroom with walk-in shower Outside Grounds -    Front courtyard -    Hot tub -    Al-fresco dining table -    Barbecue Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Fireplace -    Heating -    Smart TV with Netflix -    Hot tub -    Board games Location: Le Petit Cour is in a tiny rural village just 7km from the riverside bastide town of Lalinde and less than half an hour from Bergerac. Fly into Bergerac Airport (19km) or take the TGV train from Paris Montparnasse to Bordeaux (with connections onwards to Lalinde). The cottage stands next to a church that dates back to the 13th century – it’s charming to listen to the church bells ring every day (usually from 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 p.m. depending on the time of year). Walking past the village castle ruins, stroll down the country lane to admire old houses and picturesque landscapes of the Dordogne countryside. Lalinde (7km) is a bastide town by the banks of the Dordogne River with restaurants, a couple of supermarkets and a delightful Thursday morning market. A little further along the river is Trémolat (16km), home to Le Vieux Logis restaurant, and pretty Limeuil, one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ where the Dordogne and Vézère converge. As you explore, come across canoeing and kayaking opportunities alongside summer river beaches. In the other direction is the beautiful town of Bergerac (19km) with its markets, restaurants, wine-bars and idyllic riverside setting – take a river cruise on a traditional gabarre vessel. Bastide towns of southern Dordogne which are easily reached include Beaumont-du-Périgord (14km) and Monpazier (29km). Other highlights of the Dordogne include the exquisite town of Sarlat-la-Canéda (56km), famed for its historic architecture and Périgord gastronomy, as well as the historic city of Périgueux (50km) and its bustling markets.   Wine-lovers should consider venturing further afield towards the vineyards of Saint-Émilion (75km), a UNESCO World Heritage site, or even the grand city of Bordeaux (138km). Slightly closer to home, visit family run wineries near Gensac (59km) and the Durèze valley or close to the handsome wine town of Duras (57km) in the Lot-et-Garonne. Not forgetting the sweet white wines of Château de Monbazillac (22km) and the Bergerac valley. Terms & Conditions: Security deposit? £650 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. Arrival time? 3.00 p.m. Departure time? 10.00 a.m. Energy costs included? Yes. Heating costs included? Yes. Linen & towels included? Yes. End of stay cleaning included? Yes. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. Tax? French Visitors Tax payable to Oliver's Travels at the time of balance payment (typically costs €1-€10 per adult per night - please enquire if exact amount is required). Changeover day? Saturday. All other changeover days on request. Minimum stay? 7 nights. All other durations on request. Smoking Allowed? No. Pets welcome? Not allowed. Other Ts and Cs? Please note that Le Petit Cour accommodates 6 guests across 3 bedrooms, with an additional 2 guests on a sofa/pull out bed.