Imagine picnics by the banks of the Dordogne devouring produits du terroir from nearby Périgord markets, before returning to your maison for a dip in the courtyard swimming pool. Followed perhaps by apéritifs in the pretty garden, then dining al-fresco by the barbecue or wandering to the local village restaurant. Maison Des Saveurs is a historic gem a short stroll from the river, close to market towns, vineyards and glorious Dordogne and Gironde landscapes. In a peaceful setting in a hamlet, you can walk to the local village for fresh bread, croissants and coffee in around 20 minutes, then hire canoes or kayaks to explore the verdant and idyllic scenery around you. Soak up the rustic charm of this 3-bedroom holiday home with its characterful yet spacious interiors. The French kitchen is a sociable area for preparing feasts for your family or friends and it is brilliantly equipped whilst the house offers ample room for lounging as well. Each of the three inviting doubles has its own personality alongside their own bathroom. The bedroom with the round bed, chaise longue and large shower room is especially impressive. The courtyard offers the chance to unwind on the terrace, cool off in the pool and relax beneath the pagoda. The wild garden is the perfect spot for a game of croquet or just sitting back with your morning coffee listening to the birds. Take long walks by the river watching the wildlife, hire bikes for cycle rides through La Durèze valley, visit impressive châteaux and enjoy sampling wonderful wines in nearby vineyards or a little further in Bergerac and Bordeaux. Not forgetting the UNESCO World Heritage landscapes of Saint-Émilion, an enchanting medieval hilltop town famed for its history and excellent wine.    Charming market towns not to be missed include Issigeac, Duras and nearby Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, home to one of the region’s largest markets on a Saturday morning. Bring back a wealth of Périgord produce from mushrooms, truffles and foie gras to delicious cheeses, wines and jams allowing you to truly experience the amazing flavours of the Dordogne and beyond.  Features: Maison Interiors Entrance Level -    Lounge area with sofas -    Dining area Upstairs (via small staircase) -    Bedroom with double bed and bathroom with shower, sink and WC Courtyard Level -    Lounge area -    Kitchen, fully-equipped including American-style fridge -    Bedroom with round bed and doors leading to terrace, pool and courtyard. Bathroom with bath, sink and WC -    Bedroom with lounge area and bathroom with shower, sink and WC Outside Grounds -    Swimming pool (7x4m, max. depth: 3m) with pool safety alarm. Open approximately mid-May to mid-September -    Al-fresco dining table and parasol -    Covered pagoda with outdoor lounge -    Barbecue -    Garden (ideal for garden games such as croquet) Facilities -    Wi-Fi -    Heating -    TV with English channels -    DVD player Location: A short stroll to the banks of the river, Maison Des Saveurs enjoys a wonderful position close to a riverside village in the Dordogne department near the border with Gironde, within an hour of both Bergerac and Bordeaux airports and only 25km from the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Saint-Émilion. It’s such a pretty setting in this historic French hamlet – just walk down the lane and you will reach the banks of the Dordogne within 50m. Enjoy riverside picnics, fish to your hearts content and wander by the river to the local village, about a 20-minute amble away, for canoe and kayak hire in the summer months. There’s also a tabac in the village for fresh bread, croissants and essential groceries and there are three restaurants within easy reach with pleasant terraces for al-fresco dining. Further places to eat can be found within a short drive from authentic roadside cafes to Michelin starred establishments – the owner recommends the restaurant at Château De Sanse (5km) with its especially beautiful surroundings. Heading south towards the Durèze valley, Gensac is just a 5-minute drive away, a characterful French village dating back to medieval times which hosts a number of summer events including concerts in its 19th century church. The small fruit and vegetable market on a Friday morning is very charming whilst August is known for its annual brocante and occasional Marché Nocturne (night markets can be found in many villages and towns in the height of the summer). The village is also home to a restaurant, boulangerie and Spar grocery store. There are so many idyllic walks and cycle rides to be enjoyed in this part of the Dordogne and Gironde, passing picturesque villages, verdant valleys, historic châteaux and landscapes of woodland, orchards, walnut groves and vineyards. Indeed, there are so many wine-tasting opportunities whether you explore wineries close by or head further towards the vineyards of Bergerac (38km) or Bordeaux (59km). Château Bauduc, a 45-minute drive away, is a popular spot for wine connoisseurs with its wines favoured by the likes of Rick Stein and Gordon Ramsey. If you wish to spend the day in Bordeaux or Bergerac, one option is to take the train from nearby Vélines with direct departures to Bordeaux Saint-Jean (taking 50 minutes), Libourne (25 minutes) and Bergerac (22 minutes). The enchanting hilltop village of Saint-Émilion (30km) is one of the many highlights of this region, not only for its historic charm but also its world-famous vineyards which are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Food-lovers will adore the wonderful markets that showcase the best of Dordogne and Gironde produce from seasonal fruit and vegetables to traditional cheeses, foie gras and truffles. Nearby Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is the place to be on a Saturday morning for its bustling market - it’s also a lovely place to discover with its riverside setting and historic buildings. Issigeac (52km) and Libourne (30km) are known for their Sunday morning markets whilst Castillon-la-Bataille (11km) is worth visiting on a Monday morning. Furthermore, in late July and August look out for the spectacular shows that take place in Castillon-la-Bataille on a Friday and Saturday evening which depict the mighty battle of Castillon. History lovers will also appreciate the Gallo-Roman mosaics in the nearby village of Montcaret (4km). Terms & Conditions: Arrival time? 4.30 p.m. Departure time? 10.00 a.m. Energy costs included? Yes. Heating costs included? Yes. Linen & towels included? Yes, changed once for stays of over 7 nights. Pool towels included? Yes, changed once for stays of over 7 nights. End of stay cleaning included? Yes and mid-stay cleaning for stays of 7+ nights also included. 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. Pool opening dates? The pool is open approximately mid-May to mid-September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. Changeover day? Saturday. All other changeover days on request. Minimum stay? 7 nights. All other durations on request. Pets welcome? Not allowed. Smoking Allowed? No. Other Ts and Cs? Only children aged 8+ are allowed to stay at Maison Des Saveurs (an exception is made for babies – two cots can be provided). It is not suitable for toddlers and under 8s.