Vidalot – Family accommodation for 8 in a stunning private location - From £625 - £1820 per Week

Vidalot is one of 70 properties in this area of France managed by HL Holidays, formerly Halcyon Leisure.

This renovated Farmhouse is situated at the end of its own small lane, offering guests complete privacy, and has become a favourite with couples and smaller parties seeking a very private and spacious property as well as remaining popular with larger families and groups of friends. You arrive there, switch off your car engine, and let the peace envelop you while you enjoy the open south facing pool and terrace with spectacular views.

Vidalot offers:

• Sleeps 8 in 4 bedrooms (2 Double, 2 Twin)
• Private 12 x 6m swimming pool –  Alarmed
• All accommodation on one level
• Well equipped kitchen with fridge/freezer and dishwasher
• English & French satellite
• WiFi
• All prices include Linen (Bed linen, bathroom towels & kitchen towels)
• Cot, High Chair & Playpen are available to hire at £15/week/item

The house is furnished very practically to suit all tastes, and oozes strong character inside and out. Impressive features, exposed timbers and tiled floors coupled with the spectacular view from both the pool terrace and the large shaded terrace outside the living room.

Accessed by its own drive, the house sits at the head of a south facing valley overlooking fields and trees. All the accommodation is on one level, the only steps being those up into the house from outside.

The private Swimming Pool measures 12 x 6m, and has an alarm system. Water purity is maintained with chlorine. It is surrounded by a good sized terrace, and also enjoys the views across the countryside.

Many ask about heating for the pool…. the fact is that the sun and air do that for you – Pool temperatures are usually in the Mid 20s by early June, and stay there until mid-Late September. If you are in the sun with an air temperature above 30C, as it will be for most of August, and get into the water… it will feel cool – but only initially! Thus pool heating is not required here.

Beside the pool is an open barn area, which has a table tennis table in it. A charcoal barbecue is also provided.

Beyond the garden are woods and fields, and all together offer families a very private getaway. The privacy is verfiied by the house’s interesting history, having been a Resistance hideout in World War 2.

Local Attractions 

Vidalot sits under woodland, and overlooks open countryside so walking, cycling and natural history including birdwatching are all there to be enjoyed close by the house. Deer are frequent visitors to nearby fields in the evening, and the woodland around is a haven of birdlife with the morning chorus a free show every morning.

The countryside is a large foodbasket, with vineyards nearby including Vin du Tsar and Domaine du Garinet which are both open for tastings and direct purchase of excellent wines and other foods. As you travel among the acres of sunflowers you will also see soft fruit orchards, many producing plums for ‘Pruneaux d’Agen’, vegetables and nuts. Many of these are available direct from producers at markets which are held on most days of the week somewhere close by.

Much of this produce is also used by restauranteurs, and a variety of restaurants can be found to suit all tastes. Food is generally of a high quality, and prices very reasonable. Local specialities include delicious duck dishes.

Vidalot is about 1.5km off the D656 which follows the route of a Roman road between Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Cahors so exploring further afield is direct and fairly quick.

Those who enjoy venturing into history will also be very well catered for in this area with numerous ‘bastide’ villages dating from medieval times, many of which are perched on fortified hilltops. All make interesting visits: Lauzerte and Pujols are both listed among ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages de France’, Villeneuve-sur-Lot and Cahors both had Roman activity, and there are more medieval villages along the River Lot, including Puy L’Eveque, built clevely into a very steep slope above the river.

Vidalot itself has an interesting history, with recent guests encountering a visitor who lived there as a boy during WWII who was able to tell them that the house had been a Resistance safe house and arms store, and the first stopping point for SOE agents who parachuted into the valley below.

To the north of the River Lot is some spectacular scenery, and there are two chateaux of note, Chateau de Bonaguil and Chateau Biron both open to visitors and making interesting visits.

All along the River Lot water based activities including boat hire and river cruises can be found. The nearest points to Vidalot will be at ‘Port Penne’ near Penne d’Agenais and Fumel.

There is also a water park at Montaigu de Quercy, about 10km away, with a large beach area, lifeguard patrolled (in season) swimming, pedalo and boat hire, zip wires across the lake and some bars and restaurants.