Domaine Le Cariol

Welcome to this stately home in the Dordogne, nestled in the landscape like a miniature picture-book village. Admiring the main house with its limestone façade, you have to wonder if it might not already have been the secret star of a film. It certainly has the potential to be one, as does the park-like garden with its drystone walls and gnarled trees, surrounded by meadows, fields, and woods. The history of this lovingly restored estate dates back to the Middle Ages. First it was a winery, then a farm—today, it’s a family-run resort with four individual vacation cottages. La Métairie and La Foulerie are part of the main house, La Fermette and L’Atelier are in separate outbuildings. In each one, special details testify to how much heart and soul has gone into this project: Discarded wooden doors turned into a bed, original masonry cleverly incorporated into the rooms and complemented with modern furniture, and old industrial lamps and refurbished vintage furniture telling stories of days gone by. The long wooden table where hostess Caroline serves her vegetarian creations once a week, accompanied by a good drop from the winemaker next door, is the perfect place to enthuse about all these wonderful things together.

WHAT WE LIKE MOST:

• What would a perfect day at Domaine Le Cariol look like? A croissant on the terrace in the morning, followed by a short hike through nature, a good read by the saltwater pool in the afternoon with the scent of lavender on the air, and dinner under the stars in the evening? Ideally, the ingredients for this would be purchased while on a stroll through the colorful markets in the area.
• The accommodations feature exposed stone walls, historic tiles, beams, and floorboards with their own patina, complemented by vintage pieces and modern furniture.
• The personal touch with which the rooms are furnished: In one place, there’s a collection of alarm clocks adorning the wall, in another, an old travel chest serving as storage. Some of the furniture includes unique pieces made by the host Niels himself.
• The earthy tones and natural materials in the rooms create a warm atmosphere, embodying the connection to nature: The perfect blend of cozy and minimalist!
• The owners Caroline and Niels are always on hand to answer any questions or requests you may have, should you need a tip for an excursion or a restaurant recommendation.
• On the day of arrival, Caroline serves her guests a welcome dinner in their accommodation or on the terrace in front of it.
• The landscape of the Périgord with its limestone plateaus, vineyards, rivers, forests, and gentle valleys
• There’s so much to experience here: Hiking, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing, climbing in Parc-en-Ciel, visiting markets, enjoying excursions to the caves of Lascaux or Font de Gaumes, the medieval bastides of Monpazier and Domme, the numerous castles, or visiting the towns of Sarlat, Bergerac, and Beynac.
• In summer, many villages organize a Marché Gourmand—an evening market where you can sample the flavors of the region.

GOOD TO KNOW:

• The La Fermette, L’Atelier, La Métairie, and La Foulerie cottages have different layouts, some spread over two floors, some over one, all offering space for up to four guests.
• Children are very welcome, evident in the form of cozy sleeping alcoves, bunk beds, and the trampoline in the garden.
• Every house has its own terrace and features a modern bathroom and a fully equipped kitchen for turning market purchases into fresh meals.
• There’s a hot tub in the garden, offering the perfect place to look out over the French countryside and relax as you plan the next day.
• Once a week, guests have the opportunity to enjoy a vegetarian three-course meal in a convivial atmosphere at the table d’hôtes.
• Those who fancy an active vacation can spend hours walking or hiking in the surrounding area, cycling over hills and valleys, renting a canoe, or going horseback riding.
• As the four accommodations are spread across the estate, there are plenty of places to retreat to and spend your days off with family or friends—together, but with enough privacy for everyone.
• The accommodation is only a 20-minute drive from Bergerac Airport.