Domaine De La Louyre | 6-Bedroom Villa in Val de Louyre et Caudeau Sal

Fourteen guests across two historic houses, 150 hectares of Périgord woodland at your feet, and a swimming pool that opens each May like a promise of summer. A luxury villa rental in Val de Louyre et Caudeau places you at the heart of France’s most enchanting wine and heritage region, where Renaissance villages cling to limestone cliffs and every meal tastes of terroir.

Inside Domaine De La Louyre

Domaine De La Louyre sleeps 12 guests across 6 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, distributed between a principal manor house and a separate cottage facing the courtyard. The accommodation is built for both intimacy and scale—perfect for multi-generational families or groups of friends who want shared spaces without feeling cramped.

The main residence commands attention from the moment you cross its threshold. The ground floor centres on a living room where a working fireplace anchors the space beneath heavy timber beams, paired with a television for quieter evenings. Adjacent, an open-plan kitchen and dining area flows seamlessly outward to the courtyard terrace. This is where the household gathers: a kitchen fully equipped with dishwasher, electric oven, gas stove, microwave, fridge-freezer, toaster, electric teapot and coffee machine—the sort of space where someone always volunteers to cook breakfast. The dining table seats 12 comfortably, oriented toward courtyard views.

Climb the wooden staircase to the first floor. Four generous bedrooms occupy this level. Three feature king-size beds that split into twin singles (critical for families), each with en suite bathrooms offering shower, sink and WC. A fourth bedroom holds another king bed. An additional bathroom with bathtub and sink serves the second bedroom without ensuite access, while a separate WC provides convenient facilities. Every bedroom combines period character—original fireplaces, antique furnishings, artwork collected across continents—with modern comfort: quality bedding, adequate storage, good natural light.

The courtyard cottage accommodates four more guests. Its ground floor holds a living area and bathroom with shower and WC—compact but complete. Upstairs, beneath sloping ceilings that feel authentically period, two further bedrooms each contain king beds that convert to twins. This annexe functions as a semi-independent retreat; families with teenagers or friends who prize autonomy particularly favour it.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The 150 hectares surrounding Domaine De La Louyre are mostly yours to explore. Vines, woodland, and open fields create a private landscape that feels both cultivated and wild. The immediate garden rewards contemplation: wisteria cascades over the main terrace—the ideal spot for morning coffee before the day grows warm—while a shaded courtyard with dining tables for 12 becomes the hub of long lunches and evening aperitifs.

The swimming pool measures 10 metres by 5 metres with a depth of 1.8 metres, open seasonally from May through October. A safety gate and fencing provide essential security for families with young children. Surrounding the pool, deck chairs and shade sails create zones for reading, sunbathing, or simply watching guests below. This is not an infinity pool overlooking distant vistas; it is an intimate recreational space, practical and well-considered.

The grounds offer genuine entertainment without requiring constant input. A boules pitch invites friendly competition. A badminton set and table tennis equipment occupy the courtyard. A barbecue serves evening cookouts overlooking the garden. Walking trails meander through the estate—you could easily spend a morning exploring your own property, discovering unexpected viewpoints, perhaps spotting wildlife in the wooded sections.

Location: Val de Louyre et Caudeau and the Surrounding Area

Domaine De La Louyre sits within Périgord Noir, the darker, more forested heart of the Dordogne region, approximately 1 kilometre from the remarkable Napoleon Museum. This private collection—housed in a manor owned by Napoleon’s descendants—displays paintings, sculptures, and personal artefacts, many classified as Historical Monuments. Guided tours run on selected weekday afternoons April through September, offering surprising insight into 19th-century Europe without leaving the estate.

A village 5 kilometres away provides daily essentials: two bakeries, a grocery stocking local produce, a pharmacy, and several casual restaurants and cafés. Larger shopping and dining options cluster in Vergt (14km) and the market town of Le Bugue (16km), where river canoeing and kayaking also launch from the Dordogne itself.

The region’s gastronomic reputation extends far beyond reputation into lived experience. Trémolat, 15 kilometres south, hosts Le Vieux Logis, a Michelin-starred restaurant set near the riverbanks—the kind of destination worth planning an evening around. Nearby Limeuil (17km), classified as one of France’s “Plus Beaux Villages,” occupies a dramatic peninsula where the Dordogne and Vézère rivers converge. Wander its steep streets and discover galleries, craft studios, and small terraced restaurants.

Prehistoric heritage forms another dimension of this landscape. Les Eyzies (22km), gateway to the Vézère valley, showcases numerous rock shelters and cave sites alongside the National Prehistory Museum. The Lascaux IV Centre International de l’Art Pariétal (40km) brings Ice Age artistry to life with its digital recreation of the original painted caves—an hour’s drive through quieter Dordogne countryside. En route, consider detours to Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère (33km), a golden-stone village where the river bends lazily, or Coly-Saint-Amand (53km), which feels genuinely removed from tourist circuits.

Heading north, the city of Périgueux (34km) rewards a day visit: Renaissance architecture, imposing cathedral, and markets that overflow with regional specialities. South and east, Bergerac (35km) combines handsome riverside architecture with extensive vineyards; numerous producers offer tastings and lunch. Wine touring—visiting small châteaux, sampling young reds and crisp whites—becomes a natural rhythm of holiday here.

Sarlat-la-Canéda (45km) represents the region’s most photogenic medieval town: narrow lanes of honey-coloured stone, lively Saturday market, excellent restaurants serving local duck and truffles. From Sarlat, iconic castle villages lie within 30 minutes: Domme perches on a clifftop with sweeping views; La Roque-Gageac nestles impossibly tight against limestone; Château de Beynac, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, and Château des Milandes stand as tangible reminders of medieval power. The adjacent Les Jardins de Marqueyssac offer manicured Renaissance gardens with vistas across the Dordogne valley.

Explore our luxury villas throughout France, or narrow your focus to villas in Cendrieux for properties within the immediate locality. For broader context and inspiration, our Dordogne travel guide covers seasons, driving routes, and cultural highlights across the entire département. For additional options in the region, browse our full collection of luxury properties.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Domaine De La Louyre accommodates extended families across multiple generations without forcing everyone into close quarters. The two-house layout allows parents and teenagers to maintain some autonomy; grandparents can rest while younger guests explore. Groups of six to eight friends renting the entire estate find themselves with enough space to pursue separate activities—some reading by the pool while others venture to markets or hiking trails—yet easy enough to converge for group meals and evening gatherings.

Couples seeking a luxurious rural retreat will find the property somewhat large, though the intimate courtyard and private grounds offer genuine tranquillity. Families with children under 10 benefit significantly from the pool safety fencing, boules pitch, badminton, and table tennis—genuine entertainment without screen dependency. Multi-generational groups—parents, adult children, grandchildren spanning age ranges—find the split accommodation ideal: different privacy needs met simultaneously.

Wine enthusiasts planning Bergerac vineyard tours or cultural tourists intent on visiting Les Eyzies and Sarlat gain a properly appointed base camp with kitchen facilities sufficient for serious cooking if desired. Groups prioritising food culture—cooking classes, market-based meals, winery visits—appreciate the well-stocked kitchen and proximity to excellent local produce and restaurants.

Practical Information

Domaine De La Louyre sleeps 12 guests: 6 bedrooms across two buildings, 4 bathrooms. The nearest major airport is Bordeaux-Mérignac (approximately 100 kilometres southwest), roughly 90 minutes by car. Smaller airports at Bergerac (60km, 50 minutes) and Périgueux (50km, 45 minutes) offer alternatives, particularly for European flights.

The closest supermarket lies in Le Bugue (16km), accessible in 20 minutes by car. The village 5 kilometres away stocks essential provisions and fresh produce daily. Wi-Fi internet connectivity is available throughout the property. Standard inclusions typically cover linens, towels, Wi-Fi, pool access (seasonal May-October), and basic utilities; confirm specific inclusions and heating arrangements when booking, particularly for shoulder seasons.

The property functions as a traditional vacation rental without hotel-style services. Check-in and check-out times follow standard practices; discuss flexibility directly with management if you have specific arrival or departure constraints. A working fireplace and wood-burner provide heating during cooler months, supplementing any other heating systems. The pool operates seasonally and is not heated; May and September typically offer comfortable swimming temperatures, with June through August being warmest.

Frequently Asked Questions about Domaine De La Louyre

How many guests does Domaine De La Louyre sleep?

The property accommodates 12 guests total. The main manor house contains 4 double bedrooms on the first floor (three of which can be split into singles), served by 3 bathrooms (2 en suite). The separate courtyard cottage provides 2 further double bedrooms (also convertible to singles) and 1 bathroom. No sofa beds or rollaway options supplement this arrangement, so 12 represents true maximum occupancy. Families prefer this configuration because it provides physical space and genuine privacy rather than attempting to squeeze more bodies into a smaller footprint.

What is the nearest airport to Domaine De La Louyre in Val de Louyre et Caudeau?

Bordeaux-Mérignac International Airport lies approximately 100 kilometres southwest, requiring roughly 90 minutes’ driving. Bergerac-Dordogne Airport (60km, approximately 50 minutes) serves European connections and often offers lower fares and smaller queues. Périgueux-Bassillac Airport (50km, approximately 45 minutes) provides another regional option. From any of these, a rental car becomes essential for exploring the Dordogne—public transport to the property itself is extremely limited.

What is the best time of year to rent Domaine De La Louyre?

June through September offers warm, stable weather ideal for pool use, outdoor dining, and garden exploration. July and August attract the largest tourist crowds to nearby villages and attractions; May and early September deliver nearly equivalent weather with noticeably fewer visitors at sites like Lascaux and Sarlat. April and October remain pleasant if you accept occasional rain and don’t require pool swimming. The property’s working fireplace makes winter and early spring functional but less comfortable for families prioritising outdoor time. Markets and seasonal festivals peak May through September; major cultural sites operate year-round but with reduced hours November through March.

Is Domaine De La Louyre suitable for families with children?

Yes, with important caveats. The 10x5m swimming pool includes safety fencing and a gate—essential features for young children, though adult supervision remains mandatory. Boules, badminton, and table tennis provide screen-free entertainment appropriate for ages 5 and up. The 150-hectare grounds encourage exploration and outdoor play. However, the property lacks dedicated “kids’ clubs” or supervised activities; parents must actively engage. The nearest river beach suitable for younger swimmers lies at Limeuil (17km), requiring a car journey. For very young children (under 4), confirm that the pool safety fencing meets your specific requirements before booking.

What is included in the rental price at Domaine De La Louyre?

Standard inclusions typically encompass Wi-Fi internet throughout both buildings, electricity and heating (including wood for the working fireplace and wood-burner), linens and towels for all beds and bathrooms, and access to all outdoor facilities (pool seasonally May-October, boules pitch, badminton, table tennis, barbecue). Pool heating and any premium services (housekeeping, chef hire, groundskeeping) typically carry additional fees. Confirm whether utilities are truly unlimited or subject to reasonable-use caps, particularly for winter visits when heating demand rises. Some owners include welcome provisions (wine, local produce, or grocery staples); clarify this when reserving.

What restaurants and shops are near Domaine De La Louyre?

A small village 5 kilometres away offers basic services: two bakeries (for fresh bread and pastries), a grocery store stocking local produce and staples, a pharmacy, and several casual restaurants and cafés. Le Bugue (16km, 20 minutes by car) provides a proper supermarket, multiple restaurants, and the launch point for river canoeing and kayaking on the Dordogne. Vergt (14km) offers additional shops and dining. For fine dining, travel to Trémolat (15km) for Le Vieux Logis, Michelin-starred and set near the river. Sarlat-la-Canéda (45km) hosts numerous restaurants specialising in duck confit, truffles, and regional cuisine, alongside an excellent Saturday market. Bergerac (35km) combines shopping, riverside restaurants, and winery visits within the same half-day outing. Every local village hosts weekly or twice-weekly markets selling produce, cheese, and prepared foods; timing your visit to coincide with market days significantly enhances the cooking experience.