Maison Cistus

One spring day in 2021, Delphine and Jeff set off on a little trip to the Périgord Noir in southwestern France. When the couple from Paris discovered the small hamlet near the medieval town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, it was abundant with white rock roses. As they approached it along the narrow winding road, they fell in love with this place immediately. Ultimately, it also meant that they had found the perfect name for the guesthouse they dreamed of building here: Maison Cistus. It was only later that they learned that the flower is said to have magical properties. This could hardly be more fitting for this spot, which exudes a very special kind of charm. Surrounded by an overgrown garden awash with beautiful flowers and fragrant scents, there stands an ensemble of historic natural stone houses connected by crooked stone steps—the perfect picture for the cover of any Dordogne travel guide! Since the renovation, the historic walls have been home to two spacious suites with terraces, ideal for solo travelers or couples, as well as a cottage for two to four people with a view of the countryside. The interiors beautifully combine exposed ceiling beams and natural stone walls with antiques, king-size beds, and modern bathrooms. The day begins here with breakfast in the former tobacco shed or on the terrace, maybe continuing with a dip in the saltwater pool, a game of boules, or a treasure hunt in the on-site antique shop. But even if you just decide to sit under the hundred-year-old lime tree and take in the surroundings, you’ll soon find you have everything you need for a great vacation.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• The charm of days gone by blends harmoniously with modernity and comfort.
• The idea of designing the Tilia Terrace Suite as an open window to nature. The garden view accompanies guests in every room.
• The bathroom in the Feijoa Terrace Suite with colored cement tiles by Iranian-French architect and designer India Mahdavi
• The discreet luxury of the Gîte La Canopée, which can be rented separately. The interior, with natural stone, oak beams, a fireplace, and antique furniture, is simply stunning.
• Maison Cistus has created its own little cosmos with a vegetable garden, where guests can help themselves to produce, and a Japanese water temple.
• The little spa moments you can treat yourself to here: Sunbathing on the wooden decking by the pool, a massage, or yoga and meditation classes that can be booked separately
• The junk shop on site that’s a trove of treasures and trinkets: Antique crockery, jewelry, oil paintings, vases, and other beautiful objects to discover behind the blue door
• The hospitality of Delphine and Jeff, who make you feel welcome right away
• The town of Sarlat is just around the corner. It captivates with its medieval charm, cobblestone streets, stone houses with ochre-colored facades, excellent cuisine, and a colorful market where you can buy truffles, porcini mushrooms, cheese, and wine.
• There are many worthwhile excursion destinations in the surrounding area: From countless castles and palaces to the pretty villages of Domme, Rocamadour, and La Roque-Gageac to prehistoric sites and geological cave systems.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• Guests aged 12 and over are welcome.
• A vegetarian breakfast is available, offering fruit from the garden, organic products from local markets, yogurt from nearby farms, and homemade treats. Breakfast is included in the price for guests staying in the suites, and guests of the Gîte La Canopée can book it for an additional charge.
• The Tilia Terrace Suite is 35 square meters in size and suitable for one to two people. What makes it special is the king-size bed, the huge bathtub for two, and the private terrace.
• The Feijoa Terrace Suite is 40 square meters in size and can accommodate one to two people. It includes a private terrace with a view of the ancient lime tree.
• Gîte La Canopée is located on the edge of a small forest and offers 80 square meters of space on two levels for one to four guests. It has two separate bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a covered terrace.
• There are deliberately no televisions in the accommodations, but free Wi-Fi is available.
• Yoga mats, Tibetan singing bowls, a selection of inspiring books, and organic and vegan care products from Terre de Mars are available to guests.
• A charging station for electric cars is available for a fee.
• Those who want to get active can paddle a canoe through nature, explore the region on hikes, or go cycling.
• The nearest train station is Sarlat, ten minutes away. Brive-Vallée de la Dordogne Airport is less than an hour’s drive away.