Nestled near the enchanting village of Monpazier in the south of France's beautiful Dordogne region, Monpazier Boutique Hideaways is a hidden gem. Owners Phil and Gillian bought the former farm in 2019 and set about revamping the place in accordance with their deep commitment to sustainability. Cleverly created in a former barn and in an extension to the farmhouse, the four stylish apartments showcase handcrafted furniture made from reclaimed materials by Phil himself, while the glass doors and spiral staircases were crafted by local artisans. The spirit of eco-friendliness continues with solar-generated electricity and the use of well water for non-domestic needs.
But this is a true retreat away from the bustle of the tourist hordes that can often plague the Dordogne. You can spend your days lounging by the pool, gazing over the spectacular countryside from the sunset terrace or taking quiet walks and bike rides through the nearby lanes and forests. That said, it’s also a great base for exploration. Monpazier, only 2km away, is considered one of the prettiest and most historic villages in France, but this entire area is steeped in history from its castles and chateaux to its ancient caves and their famous paintings. Culture vultures, foodies, wine lovers, outdoorsy types, nature enthusiasts, gardeners and even shopaholics will be very happy here.
Highs
- It’s very child friendly and there’s lots to keep kids entertained: pool, swing, games, books and toys
- Peace and quiet – far enough off the beaten track to offer privacy and tranquility, but close enough to the action
- Excellent feedback on the review sites, particularly praising the lowkey but friendly service; Phil and Gillian are on hand to assist with queries and local restaurants
- The mix of accommodation means it’s good for groups, kids and couples
Lows
- Note that much of the accommodation features internal spiral staircases, which may not be suitable for the very young. Bunk beds may put off those with older children
- A car is definitely recommended – there’s too much to see and do to rely on pretty basic public transport
- Only open 6 months of the year (April-October plus Christmas/New Year), and a 7-night minimum stay in July and August
- This is the southern section of the Dordogne; the River itself is actually a 30-minute drive away
Best time to go
The Dordogne comes alive in the spring with Easter seeing the start of tourist season, so May and June are usually warm and not too busy. July and August see the best weather but also the crowds. September/October are quieter again and popular with wine lovers – the vineyards turn red and golden in time for harvest. The property is closed 1 October-30 April (but open for Christmas/New Year).
Our top tips
It’s a little out of the way (40 mins by car) but La Roque-Gageac has to be seen. It’s often called the most picturesque village in France. There’s the Dordogne on one side, cliffs on the other and the village crammed in between, creating a vertical jumble of squares and side streets. Actually, the best way to see it is to take a gabare (a flat-bottom boat), but a stroll is just as scenic.
- Boutique Apartments
- 4 apartments for 2-6
- Self-catering (restaurants nearby)
- All ages welcome
- Closed: October-April (open Xmas & NY)
- Outdoor Pool
- Spa Treatments
- Beach Nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Bicycles Available
Rooms
Each of the 4 apartments is thoughtfully designed, striking a perfect balance between historic charm and contemporary comfort. The three largest are in a converted barn, while the Studio Apartment sits alongside the farmhouse.
Apartment 1 is a cosy one-bedroom retreat, ideal for couples. With its polished concrete floor, exposed reclaimed oak beams and wood-burning stove, it exudes rustic elegance. The loft bedroom overlooking the double-height lounge adds a touch of romance. The outside terrace has hand-crafted oak chairs and a table seating four.
For families or larger groups, Apartment 2 is a sumptuous and light-filled villa. Its mezzanine level boasts a double bed and inbuilt bunks for the kids and separate loo, while the ground floor has a kitchen and living area as well as a master kingsize bedroom. The double-height glass doors open out onto a private terrace with table seating 6 and a large outdoor bench sofa for admiring those fantastic countryside views.
Apartment 3, a stylish one-bedroom loft-style apartment, is spread over two floors, and works for a family of four. It has a double bedroom on the mezzanine level overlooking the kitchen-diner-living room area below. The ground floor also features full sized inbuilt bunk beds plus two private terraces (front and back).
The Studio Apartment has an industrial-style double bed and single bed. It's a very compact yet comfortable studio, offering a fully equipped kitchen/dining area, ensuite shower room, a separate entrance and a small private terrace.
All apartments have large walk-in power showers and access to a shared laundry facility. There's also a lovely woodland pathway leading to a sunset terrace, which has a wooden outdoor seat, a swing and some outdoor games for children; this area opens out onto wild meadows.
Features include:
- Cots available
- Fireplace
- Hairdryer
- Pool towels
- WiFi
Eating
The apartments are self-catered, each with a full kitchen apart from the Studio Apartment, which has a kitchenette. The nearest food shop is 2km away in Monpazier; a larger supermarket is a 5km drive. You'll find coffee, tea, sugar, salt, pepper and bin bags on arrival as well as a bottle of local wine for booking through i-escape. You can arrange for meals on request and book a chef for any special celebrations.
This particular area is renowned for culinary treasures. Truffles here are referred to as "black diamond", while the region's walnuts find their way into everything from oils to confectionery. This is also duck and goose country so you’re never far away from a cassoulet or a foie gras. Cheese abounds (particularly the local Cabécou de Périgord), as of course does wine – the Bergeracs are certainly worth a sample. Regional specialties also include the famous Canelé, a small cake with a soft custard centre and caramelised finish, and the Enchaud Périgourdin – pork loin roasted with garlic and thyme, served cold and preserved in goose or duck fat.
Monpazier itself has a plethora of restaurants, but the entire area is awash with quality eateries, some even boasting that coveted Michelin star. This is the Dordogne, after all, and food is their second (sometimes first) religion.
Features include:
- Barbecue
- Chef on request
- Fridge
- Full kitchen
- Hob or stove
- Oven
- Toaster
Activities
- Explore Monpazier's Historic Centre with a wander through its well-preserved medieval streets. The Place des Cornières (the central square) has arcades and a bustling market under the looming 13th-century Church of Saint Dominique
- Chateaux in the region include Marqueyssac, with its famous gardens, and about 14km away is the magnificent medieval fortress of Château de Biron, filled with grand rooms, panoramic views from the top and an onsite exhibition. Nearby there’s also the Biron Labyrinth, which is great for kids – take a picnic and make a day of it
- Canoeing along the Dordogne is a big hit with all ages; the nearest landing spot is at Le Buisson-de-Cadouin (30 mins)
- A hike in the Parc Naturel Régional des Causses du Quercy (1 hour away) is highly recommended. Along the way you’ll encounter limestone cliffs, caves, lush vegetation, and lots of local wildlife
- Go village hopping – there are so many historic towns you’ll barely get to them all. Highlights would be Monflanquin with its hilltop views and lively market, the medieval spendour of Issigeac, and Beynac-et-Cazenac, which runs along the Dordogne river and was the location for the film Chocolat
- Borrow the bicycles to cycle around the local area
Activities on site or nearby include:
- Badminton
- Boat trips
- Cycling
- Historical sites
- Kayaking
- Plantlife / flora
- Shopping / markets
- Swimming
- Wildlife
- Wine tasting
Kids
Children of all ages are welcome and there are books and toys for them to play with. Do note, however, that some properties are on two floors with spiral staircases, so they may not be suitable for very young kids. Baby cots, single beds and sofa beds for kids are all free of charge.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)
Family friendly accommodation:
Apartment 2 can sleep up to 6 as there are two bedrooms, plus built-in bunks in the master bedroom for kids. Apartment 3 has adult-sized bunk beds on the ground floor. Apartments 1 and 4 can sleep an additional child on a single bed or sofa bed. All apartments can have a baby cot added to them.
Cots Available
Kids Activities on site:
- Pool
- 5 hectares of grounds to explore
- Kids books and toys
- Swings, badminton net, football goals
Families Should Know:
The three larger apartments have spiral staircases
Distances:
- Airport: 40 minutes
- Hospital: 40 minutes (Bergerac)
- Shops: 6 minutes
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Monpazier Boutique Hideaways is just 2 km from the beautiful village of Monpazier, in the southern Dordogne in southwest France.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport, about 30-40 minutes away. Toulouse and Bordeaux are about 2 hours away.
By Train:
The closest railway station is Bergerac. The fast train from Paris to Bergerac takes 4 hours or it's 1hr15m from Bordeaux; from the station it's about a 30-minute drive.
By Car:
Car rental is widely available, and recommended if you want to explore the area. Check out our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent when you book through i-escape.
Airports:
- Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport 40.0 km EGC
Other:
- Beach 215.0 km
- Shops 2.0 km
- Restaurant 2.0 km
Our guests' ratings...
Based on 3 independent reviews from i-escape guests
Feedback is only from guests who have booked and stayed through i-escape