Gîte à la ferme de Mirande proche de Rocamadour, Padirac,Collonges la rouge

The gite is delightful with stunning views over rolling countryside; simply but comfortably furnished and very clean. The owners are friendly and welcoming, Aline and Benoit speak some English and we got on fine with this and my rudimentary French. They are close by in the farmhouse above the gite if assistance is needed but otherwise guests are completely independent to enjoy their holiday. It is a working farm - one of the family's herds of 15 cows, their calves and a magnificent bull strolled into the meadow immediately next to the gite one morning. They were a very calm and content family and we loved watching them, particularly the calves antics.

There's a good Utile for basic groceries, a boulangerie and a bar 3km away in the village of Betaille, plus a larger Spar with more choice about 4km towards Vayrac. There's a restaurant within walking distance of the gite but regrettably we didn't try it - we enjoyed eating at the gite with the sunset and that unforgettable view on most evenings.

Brive airport is an easy (and picturesque) 40 minute drive. The only drawback if you're flying is bringing sheets and towels for the gite which rules out just having cabin baggage. And don't forget the mosquito repellent.

Quessiac les Vignes is an ideal location for exploring this part of the Dordogne Valley and northern Lot. The whole area is very pretty, there are many historic and attractive towns and villages such as Beaulieu sur Dordogne, Collonges la Rouge, Turenne, Rocamadour and many others within an hour's drive. There's a lot to see - if you enjoy historic towns and villages you'll be spoilt for choice. Highlights for us were Rocamadour, the medieval church at Beaulieu sur Dordogne and the river walk, and watching flocks of Swifts tending chicks in the walls of the old barn opposite our little terrace every day. We would love to come back and wish Aline and Benoit all success with their lovely farm and the gite.