La Graule is a large renovated farmhouse that comfortably sleeps 14 people. It is ideal for 2 or more families.
It's old, stone walls keeps it cool in the summer (fans are available), and is also heated throughout for the winter: making it an ideal place to stay throughout the year.
Two large living spaces
There are two huge living spaces.
The first is a large lounge with dining area. The table seats 12 people comfortably. There are two large sofas, a log burner, TV and extensive DVD library. Perfect for those cooler evenings or for when you want a break from the heat. The thick walls means it is always cooler inside during the summer.
The second is a large games room. There are two large settees, a full sized pool table, darts board (with oche), games consoles (wii and Playstation3), TV and DVD player.
Kitchen
There is a modern kitchen (replaced in 2022) which includes everything you need for your stay and plenty of storage space. There is a gas range oven and hob, large fridge freezer, microwave, dishwasher, coffee machine, soda stream, toaster and kettle. There is plenty of crockery, pots and pans, glassware and cutlery. Plastic plates, bowls, cups and glasses are provided for al fresco dining. In addition there is a further large fridge freezer (very important to keep your drinks cold) and washing machine in the utility.
There is also a table for 8 people in the extended hall/kitchen area.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms
There are six bedrooms:
There are 3 bathrooms, 1 with a roll top bath and shower over and 2 shower rooms (1 of which is ensuite).
Other living areas
There is a mezzanine level (above the main lounge) with toys and games for children and two single futons if required.
Address: Le Gorre, Pessac sur Dordogne, 33890 Gironde, France
Size: 14 Rooms, 6 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms
Beds: 4 Single beds, 4 Double beds, 1 Child bed, 1 King size bed
Outside space
The house sits on around 2 hectares. At the front, there is parking for 3/4 cars, including space for 2 undercover within the tobacco barn. There is an outdoor socket in the tobacco barn specifically to enable you to plug in your electric or hybrid car. The tobacco barn will also have enough logs to keep you warm even on the coldest of weeks.
There are acres of grape vines and farm land at the front. The acre of vines immediatley next to the house are part of the groungs. You may aso see the Alpacas in the field across the road.
There are picnic tables in the garden and small patios at the front (outside the games room, hallway and kitchen) for you enjoy the tranquility of the vines.
The back of the house is where the real magic is. There is 10x5m private pool (with electric cover rather than fence) and a trampoline under of the tobacco barn. There is a large covered terrace which looks over the pool and garden and the stunning view down the Dordogne river.
The terrace has a large table that comfortably seats 10 people, and a large gas BBQ. Its in full shade from mid-morning so it is perfect place to take a break from the sun and enjoy long lunches and evening meals enjoying the peace and the view.
La Graule is situated in beautiful countryside about 3km from the two villages of Eynesse and Pessac Sur Dordogne, and 5km from Gensac. Eynesse has a bar and small convenience store (and new bread vending machine), Pessac Sur Dordogne has some great restaurants (including a pop up in the summer on the quay), a pharmacy, bakery, a tobacconists and convenience store. Gensac has a great, small supermarket, pharmacy and several restaurants.
The nearest large town is Ste Foy Le Grande (10km). Ste Foy has eveything you'll need. There are some great restaurants, a Saturday market, and large supermarkets.
Things to do
From the House
La Graule sits in 2 hectares of it's own vineyard. The vines are farmed by Robert Barriere the local vintner and one of the nearest neighbours (5 minutes walk up the road). Mr Barriere produces a variety of wines and provides wine-tasting sessions and tours of his working mill (for a small fee). The grapes fromt he vines at the front of the house make up the majority (if not all) of his Le Petit Montibeau.
You can swim in the Dordogne. There are a couple of natural sandy beaches close to the house. If you want to go further for your swim, Lac du Gurcon (10km) is a local lake that has a beach area including beach bars and activities for children including a water slide.
You can also fish in the river. The Dordogne is known for its shallow gravel runs and deep pools. the Gin clear water offersmixed fishing for all coarse fish including pike, perch, zander, chubb, barbel, carp and catfish. There are good tackle shops in Ste Foy and Bergerac. Licences available locally from the tobacconists in Pessac (3kms).
The river is easily accessible from just outside the house.
There is some great walking and lots of people cycle in the area. Bikes can be hired in Pessac https://www.canoe-fjep.org/ or from Bergerac www.apolo-cycles.com.
You can also book a canoe trip from Pessac Sur Dordogne. https://www.canoe-fjep.org/. They'll drop you in Eynesse and you can have a leisurely trip along the river, past the house to Pessac. You'll certain see lots of people doing this from the terrace.
Locally
La Graule sits between two regions of outstanding natural beauty, famous for their history, culture, food and wine: the Dordogne and the Gironde.
The Gironde to the west is home to the world's finest vineyards. La Graule is 20 mins drive from the picturesque, World Heritage town of St Emillion - the most famous of all of the wine making centres. You could spend a week here wine-tasting in the local wineries and chateaux and would have only sampled a fraction of what's on offer.
Further west you arrive at the historic city of Bordeaux (1hr 15mins) and the Atlantic Coast with great beaches (including the largest sand dune in Europe in Arcachon). In the Dordogne to the east the scenery becomes more dramatic as cliffs begin to rise up above the river. The Dordogne boasts some of the oldest cave paintings ever discovered and civilisation dating back over thousands of years. More recently, there are as many as 1000 castles and châteaux (some are ruins but many are still still inhabited and are open to the public). Many of the castles, the châteaux and the stunning Bastide towns dateback to the hundred years war where the 'French' and 'English' faced each other from their respective sides of the river.
Ther is Golf at Chateau Des Vigiers - (20 mins drive), an 18 hole par 72 course set in the vineyards of Bergerac with a spectacular 18th hole over water. Two restaurants and a luxury health suite, a challenge for any golfer. More details at: www.vigiers.comGuided horse-riding treks are available locally. Riding lessons can be arranged for novices. www.poneyclubstefoy.com
Go Karting near Bergerac airport for a fun day out. www.bergerac-karting.com
Markets
On Saturday, the market at St Foy La Grande is a great place to get fresh food and local delicacies.
There are some great restaurants in the local area, Gensac, Pessac Sur Dordogne and St Foy la Grande. We can give you recommendations if you need.
The house is in a secluded position. Ideal for a peaceful break. This means that you will need a car. However, if you have bikes, you can cycle to lots of local villages (and restaurants). Warning: there are hills.
La Graule by Car & Ferry
If you are coming by car/ferry the drive from St Malo or Caen takes between 6 and 7.5 hours respectively. Our favourity routs is taking the overnight ferry (with cabin) to St Malo or Caen. The St Malo ferry leaves at 7.45pm and the Caen ferry at 10.45pm. They arrive early in the morning meaning you can then take a leisurely drive down to La Graule arriving mid-afternoon.
La Graule by Air
La Graule is around 35 mins drive from Bergerac airport and 1 hour 30 mins from Bordeaux airport. Both destinations are serviced by budget airlines.
Car Rental
Cars can be hired from both Bergerac and Bordeaux airports. All the main rental companies are represented.
