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'As Happy as God In France' at La Chartreuse du Maine, unique estate in Dordogne

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Elegant and cosy sitting room with open fire of Chez Colette et Mimi
La Chartreuse du Maine, unique location in the centre of the Dordogne region
Right under the sun. All day long
All is Joie de Vivre !
Iris, mascot of la Chartreuse du Maine and truffle hunter
Front of Chez Colette et Mimi at la Chartreuse du Maine

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bedrooms2 bathroomsSleeps 5115 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Dryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Washer
  • Fireplace
  • Pool

Explore the area

Map
Cubjac-Auvézère-Val D'ans, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Grotte de Tourtoirac
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Château de Hautefort
    ‪21 min drive‬
  • Cathedrale St-Front
    ‪22 min drive‬
  • Perigueux (PGX)
    ‪15 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

2 bedrooms (sleeps 5)

Ground floor Bedroom

1 Queen Bed

Upstairs Bedroom

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Ground floor en suite bathroom

Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Upstairs en suite bathroom

Toilet · Shower only

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Garden
Dining area

About this property

'As Happy as God In France' at La Chartreuse du Maine, unique estate in Dordogne

Chez Colette et Mimi :
Chez Colette et Mimi is a gracious two bedroom house in the grounds of the French country estate known as La Chartreuse du Maine. From your own garden, limestone steps lead up to your private terrace overlooking a pasture. You can read and sunbathe while relaxing in comfortable cushioned lounge chairs. A patio table and chairs invite you to dine on your terrace, which is equipped with a Weber grill for barbequing your dinner. The sunny, modern kitchen opens directly onto the terrace. Elegant burgundy cabinets contain all the dishes, glassware and utensils you will need to prepare a gourmet meal for your family. The spacious living room opens onto the patio and features a large window overlooking the gardens. There you can choose to dine inside on the comfortably cushioned dining chairs or sit by the wood-burning fireplace on a cool evening.

La Chartreuse du Maine:
Chez Colette et Mimi is one of the three independent luxury gites located in the 300 year old outbuildings of Le Maine, an early 18th century delightful Chartreuse. Here everything breathes Peace, Harmony and Beauty. Located in the centre of the Dordogne region, Le Maine is the perfect relaxing base to get to know the Dordogne, go in search of 350,000 years of history of mankind, experience rural France, discover local gastronomy and wines, and be happy like God in France in a peaceful, bucolic atmosphere. The estate of La Chartreuse du Maine encompasses 67 acres of gardens, meadows and woods with many pathways, on the edge of the peaceful village of Cubjac. Within Le Maine you will enjoy relaxing in a lounge chair by the sunny swimming pool that overlooks the estate.

The village of Cubjac:
The shady tree-lined entrance to La Chartreuse du Maine is on the outskirts of the village of Cubjac, which is in the Dordogne region on the banks of the peaceful Auvezere River. You can easily walk to the village center for a drink at a local café or to do your shopping at the local bakery and general store. There is even a farmers’ market on Fridays with fresh local produce all year round, and hand-made regional crafts for sale in summer.

The region and the 'Perigourdine lifestyle':
It is not pure coincidence that man has been living in this paradise for over 350 000 years. When strolling alone in the superb unspoilt countryside you can just imagine why. Often, mostly in low season, you might catch yourself thinking the Dordogne has not changed at all. The joy of holidays in Dordogne is that nowadays you still can fully indulge in that ‘simple art de vivre’ which all these cultural and historical sites speak of. The Dordogne is synonymous with gastronomy and life in Perigord revolves around markets, recipes, seasons of mushrooms, truffles, foie gras, walnuts, goat cheese, strawberries, wine harvest. Everybody here has a kitchen garden to grow their own preferred vegetable varieties. Every woman has her old secret recipes, a family heritage.

Property manager

Catherine Lambert

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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House Rules

Check in after 5:00 PM
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 0–17
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Events

Events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts cash
Parties and events are allowed on site
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed GBP 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property

About the area

Cubjac-Auvézère-Val d'Ans

Located in Cubjac-Auvézère-Val d'Ans, this holiday home is in a rural area and near theme parks. Sorges Truffle Museum and Musée du Chai de Lardimalie are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Château de Hautefort and Hotel de Sallegourde. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Cubjac-Auvézère-Val D'ans, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

What's nearby

  • Grotte de Tourtoirac - 15 min drive - 14.0 km
  • Château de Hautefort - 21 min drive - 20.8 km
  • Cathedrale St-Front - 22 min drive - 21.1 km
  • Lascaux IV - The International Centre for Cave Art - 31 min drive - 32.2 km
  • Vezere Valley - 41 min drive - 40.5 km

Getting around

  • Limeyrat Station - 16 min drive
  • Brive-la-Gaillarde (BVE-Brive - Vallee de la Dordogne) - 65 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Truffière des Mérigots - ‬12 min drive
  • ‪La villa des pizzas - ‬11 min drive
  • ‪Le Relais de Lauriere - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Chôvigna - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Au Fer A Cheval - ‬12 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does 'As Happy as God In France' at La Chartreuse du Maine, unique estate in Dordogne have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is 'As Happy as God In France' at La Chartreuse du Maine, unique estate in Dordogne pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at 'As Happy as God In France' at La Chartreuse du Maine, unique estate in Dordogne?

Check-in begins at 5:00 PM.

What time is check-out at 'As Happy as God In France' at La Chartreuse du Maine, unique estate in Dordogne?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is 'As Happy as God In France' at La Chartreuse du Maine, unique estate in Dordogne located?

Located in a rural location, this family-friendly holiday home is within 12 mi (20 km) of Sorges Truffle Museum, Grotte de Tourtoirac and Musée du Chai de Lardimalie. Périgueux Tourist Office is 12.2 mi (19.7 km) away.

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 28 out of 29 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 1 out of 29 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 29 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 29 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

9.4/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

Johan D., Utrecht, Nederland

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Heerlijk vakantieadres in een prachtige omgeving

Bijzonder goed onderhouden en schoon appartement in een prachtige omgeving. Zeer gastvrije eigenaren die zich inspannen om je verblijf zo aangenaam mogelijk te maken (als voorbeeld: Ze benaderden ons een paar dagen voor onze aankomst met de vraag of ze voor de eerste avond een restaurant voor ons konden reserveren). Verder hebben ze allerlei tips voor activiteiten en bezienswaardigheden in de omgeving. Het appartement is stijlvol ingericht en de moderne keuken is van alle gemakken, apparatuur etc. voorzien. Mijn gezin en ik hebben genoten van ons verblijf.
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

Florence F., France

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Excellent séjour au Maine ! Lieux magnifique, accueil au petit soin, calme, charme et volupté !

Nous avons passé un très agreable séjour au Maine Le domaine est magnifique ; tant la location en elle même que la piscine, le parc, et la forêt où il fait bon déambuler ! Maxence et Catherine , les propriétaires, aiment recevoir et ça se voit ! On recommande vivement !
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020

10/10 Excellent

William H.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Le Maine

Fabulous experience from my first communication through to checkout and beyond. Perfect property and perfect hosts. So willing to help inexperienced travelers to France. Fabulous property and a classic French country experience.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2019

10/10 Excellent

Oliver K.

Wundervolles toll eingerichtetes Bauernhaus

Wir haben unsere Woche auf dem Landgut bei Christine und Maxense sehr genossen!! Das Ferienhaus war wundervoll und die Vermieter super nett und freundlich. Sehr empfehlenswert vor allem für Familien mit Kindern.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2019

10/10 Excellent

Kate M.

Bucolic bliss! Truly outstanding.

We had a simply wonderful stay at Chez Colette et Mimi for two weeks in August 2018: top quality accommodation brilliantly planned and superb facilities in a truly beautiful setting. Catherine and Maxence were the most felicitous, discrete hosts and charming company. The gorgeous weather too made for an idyllic holiday, over of course far too quickly but we shall return! Kate B
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Dianne H.

A wonderful stay

Wonderful property. Wonderful Location. Wonderful Host and Hostess Maxence and Catherine. What more can we say! We stayed in Colette et Mimi and we were very impressed with the property and the tasteful decoration and high quality of the furnishings an appliances. We spent 7 wonderful days in this beautiful region and would highly recommend the property and location to all our friends and family. Maxence helped us with directions and lots of hints and tips which enable us to have stress free visits to Bordeaux, Perigneux just to name a couple of places that we visited. Catherine was extremely helpful and friendly too and both spoke English extremely well. We enjoyed sitting by the log fire in the evenings and relaxing with a nice glass of red wine. We hope to be back to visit you one day
Stayed 7 nights in Nov 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Pere P.

Better really does not happen

Our hopes regarding a stay in the Perigord boiled down to a beautiful (borderline elegant) country estate well situated for exploration of local chateaux / villages / truffles / foie gras / walnuts. Chez Colette et Mimi at the Chartreuse du Maine easily exceeded those hopes. Maxence and Catherine are perfect hosts, providing beautiful accommodations and all the TLC a stranger to the area could need. Their property resembles a monarch's weekend hunting lodge -- expansive, gorgeous, quiet, secluded. The only neighborhood noise comes from Zebulon, the family donkey, who hee-haws at all hours and becomes your bff after the first apple. Wood for the fireplace, flowers on the table, wine and cheese and fresh fruit on arrival --- these folk could give lessons to Dale Carnegie. We will hope for an early return and can't imagine a nicer place to center a sampling of the Dordogne.
Stayed 14 nights in Oct 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Marie B.

Perfect stay

Charming cottage, in a beautiful peacefull domain with lovely pets (Bibi and Zebulon). Catherine and Maxence are very nice, and caring hosts. The houses are fully equiped and the domain is very well located in Dordogne. We loved our stay!
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mark K.

prachtig huis, stijlvol ingericht - heerlijk zwembad

Wij - gezin van 4 - hebben erg genoten van het prachtige huis. Het huis is zeer stijlvol ingericht. De eigenaren zijn zeer vriendelijk en behulpzaam. Heerlijk zwembad. Er zijn 4 'eenvoudige' fietsen beschikbaar om naar het dorp te gaan / brood te halen. We hebben mountain bikes gehuurd, die netjes afgeleverd en weer opgehaald werden bij het huis. Bezoekjes aan Perigueux en Chateau Hautefort zijn zeer te moeite waard.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

CHARLOTTE R.

Perfect Gite

Catherine and Maxence are wonderful hosts at their lovely Gite in Cubjac. The accommodation has two bedrooms and baths, privacy, and beauty. A small country experience close to castles, caves and towns. A very special place!
Stayed 11 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ellen M., Washington

The Perfect Vacation

Do not hesitate to stay at this gorgeous place. The accommodations are superb, elegant, and well planned. The grounds, gardens, pool, woodland walks make it hard to leave the premises even for all the sightseeing in the area. Walk into town in 10 minutes, drive anyplace for 10 minutes and you are immersed in the beauties of rural France and fall under the spell and charms of the French way of life. If you like gardens, ruins, churches and small villages, this is the perfect place. If you want history, chateaux, prehistoric cave paintings, hiking, canoeing, all nearby. But each time you leave for an outing, you get to come back to your own private space. The hosts, Catherine and Maxence will help you plan your days, and make your stay so much more meaningful. They are there for guidance, but leave you in tranquility. My husband and i sketched and painted in the countryside, villages, markets, and on the grounds, and though we have been home only 2 days, we are dreaming of returning. It far surpassed anything we expected.
Stayed 13 nights in Jun 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Penelope N.

Magique, serein, accueillant et ressourçant !

Nous avons adoré notre séjour, indéniablement l'un des meilleurs gîte qu'il nous a été donné de voir. Nous nous sommes sentis "à la maison" pour l'espace, l'agencement, le confort et la quiétude, et en même temps plein de gratitude pour ce si beau lieu et son jardin. L'accueil était tout aussi excellent, un sans faute et un lieu que je recommande avec joie.
Stayed 5 nights in Mar 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Barri K., Minneapolis, MN, USA

Considering the Dordogne? Book Le Maine!

We’ve fallen in love with the Dordogne. We love the prehistoric caves, the vibrant village markets, and the magnificent river valley. We just returned from our third stay at Le Maine. We find Le Maine is a destination itself – each of the cottages is spectacular; the glowing reviews are all true. What do we love about Le Maine and the cottages named Chez Collette et Mimi, Cuisine D’Alice, and Maison de Marc? We love that each cottage is your own; the spaces are so private, you will feel like you are in your own pied- a-terre in the country. The grounds are expansive – there is room to stretch . We love that the interiors are as stunning as the countryside because Catherine and Maxence’s haute- concept is designed to surprise and delight… after all, this part of the country is called, “La France Profonde”! We love that Le Maine creates a “diamond-standard” for quality and the cottages are immaculate. You will find modern appliances, luxurious linens, great furniture and cookware. Everything sparkles with cleanliness at Le Maine. Le Maine is a short walk from the center of Cubjac, a village named for the goat cheese of the region. Cubjac is home to the second best boulangerie in the Périgord and the market foie gras paté is extraordinary. Did we mention the wine selections at LeClerc in nearby Trellisac or Auchan in Perigueux? You will have no trouble finding wine, local produce, cheeses, or handmade confit du canard here. After a full day and evening, you’ll slip into a soul- satisfying sleep. Sightseeing: At Le Maine, you are short drives from adventures in every direction. To the southeast to Montignac and the newly opened Lascaux IV, Font de Gaume, Les Combarelles, Tourtoirac, the Dordogne River towns of Les Eyzies, Sarlat-la-Canéda… to the southwest, the roman town of Perigueux, the port cities of Bergerac and Bordeaux. Wine tastings in Pécharmant, St Emilion, and Bordeaux are a day excursion. This trip we explored the Corrèze to the northeast, and made a grand ronde of medieval mills and forges in the L’Auvérzère river gorge. From the Heart: Your hosts, Catherine and Maxence are the vacation curators every traveler hopes for. They will help chart your adventures, offer off the beaten path experiences, or simply allow you the pleasure of a very private holiday. You will not want to leave. Getting There: Fly to Bordeaux, Bergerac, or Toulouse. Or take the TGV from Paris to Bordeaux or Angoulême. B & Steve, Minneapolis, MN
Stayed 9 nights in Dec 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Anne Sophie B.

Une parenthèse ressourçante

Domaine splendide, gite soigné, et décoré avec goût, accueil chaleureux. Tout est bien pensé et fait de façon a mettre les hôtes a l aise. Des noix et des petits fromages frais nous attendaient a notre arrivée , un panier pour faire le marché , bois pour la cheminée, vélos mis à notre disposition. Des petits détails mais qui font la différence. Une petite photo a la fin du séjour est prise pour immortaliser chaque venue. Les propriétaires prennent vraiment cela a cœur!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ingrid K., Polling

Wunderschönes altes Landgut

Die Bilder spiegeln die Realität authentisch wider. Schon die weitläufige, herrschaftliche Anlage mit den diversen Gebäuden ist beeindruckend. Die Wohnung "Chez Mimi et Colette" ist sehr geschmackvoll und mit viel Liebe zum Detail eingerichtet. Selbst frische Blumen haben nicht gefehlt. Ein Highlight war die Fußbodenheizung im ganzen unteren Geschoss, über die wir bei den schon ziemlich kalten Temperaturen mehr als froh waren. Zwei schöne, sehr großzügige Bäder und eine ebensolche, voll ausgestattete Küche (sogar mit Waschmaschine) sowie gute Betten sind mehr als angenehm. Selbst wenn die beiden anderen Wohnungen besetzt sind, ist man auf der eigenen Terrasse völlig ungestört mit freiem Blick in die Natur. Ab dem frühen Abend ist es völlig still, man hört nur die einen oder anderen Tiergeräusche. Im Sommer bei Kerzenschein muss das ein Traum sein. Bei der Ankunft fanden wir ein paar wunderbare ess- und trinkbare "Welcome"-Geschenke in der Küche vor. Ein erster Vorrat an Zucker, Tee, Kaffee, Öl, Gewürzen etc. ist bereits vorhanden. Zudem erhielten wir eine Landkarte mit den angemarkerten Highlights der Gegend, die wirklich sehr hilfreich war. Will man jedoch die Gegend wirklich erkunden, muss man sich schon auf längere Fahrten auf überwiegend kleinen Straßen einstellen. Man ist überrascht über die Vielzahl an ausgestorben wirkenden, kleinen Dörfern, die aber ungemein pittoresk sind und die Fantasie anregen, wie man diese wieder beleben könnte. Sehr beeindruckend fanden wir Sarlat und die kleinen Dörfchen St. Jean de Cote und St. Leon sur Vézère, aber natürlich auch Perigeux mit einer Vielzahl an Restaurants und Geschäften. Wenn man noch 1 - 2 Stunden Zeit hat, lohnt sich auf dem Rückweg zum Flughafen ein Abstecher nach St. Emilion. Für Weinliebhaber sowieso ein Muss. Die Vermieter, ein sehr sympathisches, freundliches und sehr gut Englisch sprechendes Paar waren jederzeit erreichbar, die Abwicklung völlig unkompliziert. Generell haben wir nur freundliche Menschen in der Dordogne angetroffen. Die weite, ruhige Landschaft hat sicherlich ihren Einfluss darauf.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Eva B.

...als god in Frankrijk...

We (familie van 4, met 2 zonen van 12 en 15) hebben absoluut genoten van ons verblijf van 2 weken in het huisje 'Chez Colette et Mimi ', gelegen op dit unieke domein in de Dordogne. Het vakantiehuis was perfect in orde, zeer gezellig ingericht, aangename bedden, mooi uitgeruste keuken, twee volledig uitgeruste badkamers, een mooi aangenaam terras, wifi in orde, een aangenaam zwembad met een fantastisch zicht op de manoir en de omgeving... Het grote domein straalt een rust en kalmte uit, men waant zich eventjes in een andere wereld. De eigenaars Catherine en Maxence zijn een zeer aangename gastvrouw en gastheer, geven je een warm welkom, respecteren je privacy, maar helpen je direct bij elke vraag, en zorgen dat alles steeds in orde is. Je bevindt je hier in een eerder rustig gedeelte van de Dordogne, wat wij zeer aangenaam en mooi vonden, verschillende bezienswaardigheden en steden zijn allemaal vlot te bereiken met de auto. Kortom absoluut een aanrader !
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

linda t., Minneapolis, Minnesota USA

Wonderful in Every Way!

This was our third visit to stay at Chartreuse Le Maine, and our first stay in the home called Chez Colette et Mimi. As in our two previous visits, we loved every moment of our stay. The beauty of the property and our home for the week are a sensual delight. Catherine and Maxence are extraordinary hosts. Their attention to detail in planning and preparing for your arrival is a balm to weary travelers. Throughout our week we enjoyed their companionship and advice on treasures to discover on the backroads of the Dordogne. When we stay at the Chartreuse, our only problem is leaving. To walk the land, to sit on the beautiful private patio, stroll the garden, make a dinner in the charming kitchen, read by the fireplace.....all these things make our stay so perfectly suited to us that though there are dozens of places we have yet to visit in the area, we are equally content to stay "home." We will return and soon. When we leave, a piece of our heart is left behind. Merci, Catherine et Maxence!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

David A.

Wunderbare Ferien!

Wir (Zwei Erwachsene, zwei Kinder, 6 und 8) verbrachten zwei traumhafte Wochen in "Chez Colette et Mimi" und waren durchgehend begeistert. Liebevoll und geschmackvoll eingerichtete Wohnung, die nichts vermissen ließ. Es gibt zwei Schlafzimmer mit großen Betten jeweils mit angrenzendem Bad, die keine Wünsche offen ließen. Ein Highlight war sicherlich die Terrasse mit großem Esstisch und verschiedenen Liegestühlen , auf der wir viele tolle Abende verbracht haben. Wohnzimmer mit weiterem, großen Tisch und gemütlicher Sofaecke und großem Kamin, das wir wegen des guten Wetters aber nur wenig genutzt haben. Wunderschöner, sehr guter Pool in malerischer Umgebung. Die Wohnung ist nur ein Teil des ebenfalls traumhaft und harmonisch hergerichteten Landguts mit parkähnlichem Garten, ein herrlicher Ort zum Erholen und Entspannen. Unsere Kinder haben besonders den Esel und die beiden Katzen geliebt. Unserer ganz besonderer Dank gebührt unseren beiden Vermietern, die perfekte Gastgeber waren und uns mit vielen nützlichen Tipps für die Umgebung versorgt haben. Zusammenfassend war es einer unserer schönsten Urlaube. Liebe Catherine, lieber Maxence, wir wünschen Euch alles Liebe und kommen bestimmt wieder! Vera und David Reisezeitraum Juli 2016
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Paul N., Portland, Oregon

Special Place and Hosts

I won't repeat all of the glowing statements and the other reviews. They are all true. I would just emphasize the statements about hosts, Catherine and Maxence. Many vacation house owners promise advice on where to go and what to see. Maxence and Catherine truly deliver on that promise.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

Perigord Paradise

We have stayed in several rental homes in France and I have to say that this was the most comfortable, relaxing one we have found. Catherine and Maxence have created a wonderful place for anyone looking to discover this part of France in a very peaceful manner. The home itself is the old barn which has been converted into a two bedroom, two bath unit. It retains all the old charm one could hope for (limestone walls, large fireplace, exposed wood beams) with all the modern conveniences (air conditioning, dishwasher, washer, dryer, etc.) The kitchen is very well equipped. The property has to be seen to be appreciated. Over 60 acres, much of it forested, is really beautiful. The rose gardens, the lavender garden, and the herb gardens are outstanding. Our outdoor eating area was really nice with table and chairs as well as two chaise lounges. The pool area is very comfortable and private with lots of chaise lounges. It was a welcome diversion after a day of touring around this beautiful part of France. Probably the best part of staying here were our hosts, Catherine and Maxence. When you arrive they greet you with walnut bread (delicious), strawberries and wine. Throughout our stay they were always available to give good advise regarding the property or traveling around the area. Maxine has very good knowledge of the roads and what is interesting in all the towns nearby. If you have any problems or questions about features in the apartment Maxine will take care of it quickly. All in all it is an excellent place to stay if you are looking for a peaceful stay on the edge of a sleepy little village.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ilse H.

Fantastische plek, voor herhaling vatbaar!

Wij (twee volwassenen, twee kinderen) hebben in de meivakantie enorm genoten van Chez Colette et Mimi. Een tot in de puntjes afgewerkt huis met alle gemakken van thuis. De ontvangst was fijn met verse aardbeien, wijn, brood en kaas uit het gebied. De eigenaars staan voor je klaar als je ze nodig hebt maar verder is het vooral heel rustig en heb je enorm veel privacy. Voor de jongens was de aanwezigheid van een ezel op het terrein hoogtepunt van de vakantie en, hoewel vroeg in het seizoen, wilden ze graag gebruik maken van het zwembad. Geen probleem voor Maxence, binnen een uur was het zwembad beschikbaar en trotseerde de jongens water van 13 graden. Wat een service. Wij komen zeker een keer terug, ook vanwege Perigueux en Bergerac, twee prachtige steden op minder dan een uur rijden.
Stayed 7 nights in Apr 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Gill S.

wonderful

Catherine and Maxence were wonderful hosts. They couldn't have done more for us and we felt like we were their friends! The property was comfortable, immaculately clean and well equipped and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Thank you so much Catherine and Max!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jason C.

Beautiful and very peaceful

The pictures really do live up to what you expect to see when you visit this location. We were warmly greeted by owners Maxence and Catherine who respected our privacy but were openly available on the grounds to help and answer any questions we had. The area of the location was very peaceful and during April we had refreshingly crisp mornings and warm afternoons. Within an hours drive 30mins-60mins for lovely day trip opportunities to scenic beauty spots such as Sarlat, Brantome and La Roque de Gageac. The property itself was a charming rustic cottage with all the mod cons and decorated to a high standard. Will definitely come again! P.s. The resident donkey and owner's cats made for good entertainment for our one year old! Jason C and family
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Jan B.

Magical | Romantic | Haven in the south

In the heart of the Dordogne river | Castles | Chateaux| Beautiful villages Flew directly to Bordeaux from London - British airways or Air France - hired and car with GPS - headed for Peregruiex about an hour and half from Bordeaux. Was worried about getting in and around the airport but with the GPS it was easy and literally 2-3 round about's and you were on a fantastic motorway/ highway for 132 km. Toll fee is €9.90. You get a ticket at the beginning of the motorway and pay at the end through automated machines. In Peregruiex - went to the local shops then topped up at the supermarket - Hyper-U Had a delicious lunch in the town - which has Roman architecture, cobbled streets and narrow laneways. Easy parking and easy to get around. Put Cubjac in the GPS and headed off to this charming village. The river flows through it and the old bridge connects both sides of the town. Le Maine is right at the end of Cubjac Village and the cottage we stayed in at the end of the lane way. The cottage was two bedrooms, one upstairs with ensuite, and well selected furniture. The bed upstairs could be made into two singles. Downstairs off the living room was another large bedroom, cobbled floors, ensuite and gorgeous carefully selected art prices that gave the room a sense of home and charm. Lounge dining area had bench seat and two chairs - couches for four seated and a snugly rug to curl up in front of the fire - coffee table and fire place that we had going on some nights more for the ambience, as the cottage is beautifully warm with an understated subtle warmth from under floor heating. This really made the stay comfortable and was a welcome after some cold brisk walks. The kitchen is well appointed with almost any thing required for good meals, coffee Nespresso machine, coffee percolator, microwave, full oven and stove top, along with a dishwasher and washer dryer which made staying easy and really convenient. Outdoor seating area along with chairs table and umbrella with a private courtyard would be really wonderful in summer but was almost too cold to sit outside unless it was sunny and midday. The cottage outdoor areas are beautiful with flowers and lovely hidden seating areas, walks through the 60 hectare property as also is very relaxing. Cubjac is literally two minutes walk past French style houses, narrow laneways, and has markets on Friday which has meats, fruits and vegetables, crafts, leather goods, local honey, flowers and off course the bakery
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Floyd l., Birmingham

Exactly as Described

Catherine and Maxence are gracious and congenial host. Chez Colette et Mimi was clean, comfortable and properly equipped for our week stay. The setting is quite and peaceful. The villa grounds include a pasture where the resident donkey and sheep announce your arrival and the cat walks you to your door. Late afternoon walks thru the garden of vegetables, flowers, fruit trees was a nice way to end the day of touring the many attractions in the region. We found the accommodations exactly as pictured and described. Cubjac is small, has an excellent bakery but a grocery that is very limited in supplies. Plan on shopping for your weeks basic supplies at a grocery in a larger town such as Perigueux. They typically close at 7PM. A market day visit is fun and best for fresh vegetables, fruits and meats. Maxence suggested restaurants within a short 5-10 mile drive and the two we visited we very good. Our stay at Chez Colette et Mimi was well worth these slight inconveniences.

About the host

Hosted by Catherine Lambert

Host profile image
Your French English-speaking hosts, Catherine and Maxence:
We live permanently on site and are delighted to welcome you to our “Maison de famille” and share with you our passion of this Perigord region which has inspired so many writers, philosophers and artists. We are happy to share our extensive knowledge of the Dordogne region, and love to help with suggestions of best places to visit, scenic roads and itineraries, activities, history of the region, little-known fine restaurants where you can enjoy regional specialities such as magret de canard and foie gras; wineries, farmers' organic markets… to make your stay with us a wonderful Perigourdine experience. However, we are very discreet and respectful to our visitors’ privacy.

Why they chose this property

La Chartreuse du Maine has been our family home for four generations. Catherine's great-grandfather bought it in 1925, even then, to escape the ‘busy town of Limoges’! All our lives, whilst living and working in Paris, we spent most of our holidays in this Perigord we love. Catherine was a photographer and art director in advertising agencies, and Maxence is an artist, painter and illustrator. 20 years ago we decided to leave Paris, restore our great-grandfather’s château and settle in the Dordogne. We wanted to pass a certain 'Art de vivre' on to friends and guests who would appreciate the harmony of an authentic place in this peaceful region of Dordogne.

What makes this property unique

Because of the unique location of La Chartreuse du Maine, in the centre of the Dordogne near Sarlat, Lascaux 4 (Centre International de l'Art pariétal), Périgueux and Brantôme, you will have so much to visit you might feel ‘overloaded’! Maxence is happy to help you with his Magic Map where our best spots and itineraries are highlighted. Anyway, accept the idea that you will never have enough time to see every place of interest, unless you come back every year for decades (that we would love). So, please take it easy, select the sites you’re interested in: visit less, but in more depth. Or take the other option, don’t plan anything, wander aimlessly in this away-from-it-all countryside and let yourself be filled with wonder at every bend in the road. Whatever you choose, make the most of this quiet timeless life: at every moment experience the peace, harmony and beauty which are definitely the real magic of Perigord.

Languages:

English, French