Les Hirondelles | 7-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool in Gindou Cazals

Fourteen guests arrive at Les Hirondelles in Gindou and the first thing they notice isn’t the architecture or the manicured gardens—it’s the silence. This sprawling seven-bedroom villa in the Lot department sits on 14 acres of rolling countryside where the only sounds are birdsong and the distant murmur of the Dordogne valley. Built to blend stone heritage with contemporary comfort, this is the kind of luxury villa rental in Gindou that transforms a holiday from pleasant into transformative.

Inside Les Hirondelles

Les Hirondelles sleeps 16 guests across 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms, distributed across three distinct living zones that feel less like separate wings and more like three homes within one. The original core of the house—refurbished in 2023—contains four bedrooms and opens into the heart of the property. Here, the living room anchors the space with an 80-inch television, a working fireplace, and tall windows that frame the terrace beyond. The kitchen-diner runs adjacent, fully equipped with a dishwasher and the kind of workspace that makes meal preparation feel like leisure rather than obligation. A mezzanine lounge overlooks this central area, creating natural zones for reading, conversation, or simply watching afternoon light move across the room.

The original master bedroom features a super king-size bed positioned to capture views across the terrace, with an en suite bathroom that includes both a bathtub and walk-in shower. Two further bedrooms in this section have super king-size beds (convertible to twin beds if needed), while a third offers the same flexibility. A family bathroom with a walk-in shower serves guests who prefer shared facilities. A utility room and tower access complete the original layout.

The traditional extension adds character through its own entrance and a spiral staircase that leads to a second floor. Two bedrooms here—each with super king-size beds or twin configuration options—come with private en suite shower rooms. This semi-independent section works perfectly for families wanting some separation or groups who value distinct sleeping quarters.

The new ground floor extension, completed in 2023, houses the property’s leisure hub. Two additional bedrooms occupy this space: a seventh master bedroom with super king-size bed and en suite shower, plus a striking quad room with four small double beds, each one screened into its own alcove for genuine privacy. A dedicated kitchen, separate family bathroom, home cinema lounge with pool table, indoor jacuzzi, and sauna occupy the remaining footprint. This wing can function almost entirely independently—ideal for multi-generational groups or when guests want to split time between activities.

Throughout the entire villa, mobile air-conditioning units serve each bedroom, while smart TVs with Netflix and Amazon Prime keep entertainment on demand. Board games, table tennis, and wireless internet connect the spaces together.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

Step through the terrace doors and the scale of Les Hirondelles’ grounds becomes apparent. The swimming pool measures 10 by 5 metres with depths ranging from 1.2 to 2 metres, fed by a heating system (operational May through October). An electric safety cover provides security when not in use. The pool bar stands adjacent—a shaded retreat with seating, a fridge, and a sink—while loungers and dining furniture cluster around the water’s edge. This is where hours disappear on warm afternoons.

Beyond the pool, two jacuzzis offer different experiences: the outdoor six-person version sits among the garden beds, while the indoor counterpart adjoins the sauna for cooler months. A stone veranda overlooks the grounds, its wooden table and chairs positioned for breakfast with changing light or evening drinks as the sun drops behind distant hills. Stone statues stand in the garden, a fountain provides gentle background sound, and flowering beds create splashes of colour throughout the seasons. A barbecue completes the outdoor kitchen setup, while the 14 acres of grounds—including areas where horses graze—create the sense of countryside genuinely stretching beyond the property boundaries rather than the manicured stops of typical villa gardens.

Parking runs along the driveway, with an electric vehicle charger available (at additional cost). Outbuildings—a barn and stables—provide storage without cluttering sight lines.

Location: Gindou and the Surrounding Area

Gindou itself barely registers as a settlement on most maps, which is exactly the point. This tiny hamlet in the Lot department places you on the border of Dordogne’s most visually dramatic region while keeping you 2.5 kilometres from the nearest village services: a performing arts theatre, an outdoor cinema (which hosts a celebrated film festival in August), and essential supplies. The real activity hub is Cazals, 5 kilometres south, where a Sunday morning market supplies fresh produce, regional cheeses, and Lot wines. Supermarkets, bakeries, and several restaurants cluster here—this is where you arrange any last-minute supplies or explore local gastronomy. The town doubles as a base for hiking trails and mountain biking routes that crisscross the limestone plateaus.

Water activities anchor the seasonal calendar. Lac Vert near Catus, 10 kilometres away, opens canoeing, kayaking, and an inflatable waterpark during summer months. The Dordogne River itself—perhaps the most famous waterway in southwest France—provides paddling opportunities near Domme (28 kilometres), one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ with medieval walls, market squares, and restaurants overlooking the river valley. La Roque-Gageac (31 kilometres), another iconic cliff-hugging village, operates summer boat trips and canoe hire. Both Domme and La Roque-Gageac rank among the essential day trips from Les Hirondelles.

For castle enthusiasts, the Dordogne riverbanks host architectural treasures. Château des Milandes (38 kilometres) and Château de Beynac (38 kilometres) represent different eras and styles, though both reward exploration. The Jardins de Marqueyssac (40 kilometres), a 150-hectare manor garden designed in the Italian style, opens evening visits during summer—the landscape looks entirely different under moonlight than in afternoon sun.

Sarlat-la-Canéda (40 kilometres) stands as the gastronomic and architectural heart of the Périgord Noir region. Its golden-stone buildings and pedestrian squares host outdoor markets three times weekly, while restaurants throughout the town feature foie gras, duck confit, truffles, and walnuts—ingredients that define regional cooking. Browse our Dordogne travel guide for detailed restaurant recommendations and market timings.

Back in the Lot, Cahors (28 kilometres) deserves a full day. The medieval town wraps around two sides of the Dordogne River, and its centrepiece—Pont Valentré, a UNESCO World Heritage bridge with three towers—has guarded the crossing since 1308. Hidden gardens, atmospheric passages, and sophisticated restaurants fill the old town. More importantly, Cahors represents the heart of Malbec wine country. The surrounding vineyards produce some of the world’s finest Malbec wines; several estates offer tastings and cellar tours. The town hosts markets, cafés, and the kind of unhurried French atmosphere that disappears near larger tourist centres.

Two additional day-trip destinations merit the drive. Rocamadour (52 kilometres), a pilgrimage town built vertically into a limestone cliff face, combines dramatic scenery with spiritual history and excellent restaurants. Nearby Gouffre de Padirac (65 kilometres) descends 100 metres underground to an underground lake and river system—an unexpected adventure in the middle of agricultural landscapes. Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (55 kilometres), another ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ designation, clings to a clifftop and attracts artists year-round, visible from its galleries, studios, and craft workshops scattered through medieval streets. Explore more options with our villas in Lot for similar region-focused luxury properties.

Air access comes through Bergerac Airport (80 kilometres, approximately 90 minutes’ drive), Brive-la-Gaillarde (100 kilometres, approximately two hours), or Toulouse (170 kilometres, approximately 2.5 hours). Cahors train station (28 kilometres) receives daily services from Paris—a viable option for guests wanting to avoid car rental. The region experiences its finest weather May through September, with July and August bringing peak temperatures (often 28-32°C) and larger crowds. May, June, and September offer better balance: warm enough for swimming and outdoor dining, yet uncrowded. Winter months suit those seeking solitude and lower rates, though the pool closes and temperatures hover around 8-10°C.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Multi-generational families represent the most natural fit. Les Hirondelles’ size and bedroom variety mean grandparents, parents, and children can each find appropriate spaces—the quad room with four screened alcoves works brilliantly for siblings or cousins, while separate wings give couples privacy from extended family. The cinema room entertains teenagers on rainy days; the pool and outdoor spaces keep younger children content for hours.

Groups of friends celebrating milestones—weddings, milestone birthdays, reunions—find the space liberating. Seven bedrooms mean nobody feels cramped, while the entertainment facilities (pool table, board games, cinema) create natural gathering points without forcing constant togetherness. The chef service option (available on request) transforms meal preparation from burden to asset.

Couples seeking active holidays appreciate immediate proximity to water sports, cycling, and hiking, combined with cultural attractions in historic towns. The quietness of the location suits those prioritising rest; the accessibility to activities suits those wanting structured days.

Practical Information

Les Hirondelles accommodates 16 guests: 7 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. The property includes Wi-Fi throughout, utilities (water, electricity, gas), bed linen, and towels. The swimming pool features heating and an electric cover (operational May-October). Staff services available on request include housekeeping, chef services, and airport transfers. Pre-stocking of the fridge can be arranged prior to arrival. Pets are welcomed by request. Mobile air-conditioning units provide flexible climate control in each bedroom. Parking is available on the driveway. An electric vehicle charging station operates at additional cost.

Check-in timing varies seasonally; discuss flexibility directly with the booking team. The property suits year-round stays, though swimming season runs May through October.

Frequently Asked Questions about Les Hirondelles

How many guests does Les Hirondelles sleep?

Les Hirondelles accommodates 16 guests across 7 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. The bedroom configuration includes four super king-size beds (convertible to twin beds), two additional super king-size beds with en suite bathrooms in the traditional extension, one master bedroom with super king-size bed in the new wing, and one quad room featuring four small double beds in screened alcoves. Sofa beds may be available on request—confirm with the property team.

What is the nearest airport to Les Hirondelles in Gindou?

Bergerac Airport lies approximately 80 kilometres away (roughly 90 minutes’ drive). Brive-la-Gaillarde Airport, 100 kilometres distant, requires around two hours’ drive time. Toulouse-Blagnac Airport, approximately 170 kilometres away, takes approximately 2.5 hours by car. Transfers from any airport can be arranged. Alternatively, Cahors railway station (28 kilometres, 35-minute drive) provides daily connections to Paris and other major cities.

What is the best time of year to rent Les Hirondelles?

May through September offers warm, dry weather suitable for pool swimming and outdoor dining. July and August bring peak temperatures (often 28-32°C) but also peak tourist numbers in nearby towns. May, June, and September provide optimal conditions: water warm enough for comfortable swimming, outdoor activities enjoyable, yet visitor numbers substantially lower than summer months. The outdoor cinema festival in August attracts film enthusiasts to the nearby village. Winter months (November-March) suit those prioritising solitude and cost savings, though temperatures average 8-10°C and the pool closes. Spring and autumn transitions (April and October) work for active guests comfortable with variable weather.

Is Les Hirondelles suitable for families with children?

Yes, substantially. The swimming pool features electric safety covers and depths from 1.2 to 2 metres, accommodating different ages. The 14 acres of grounds provide safe outdoor play space away from roads. Indoor entertainment (cinema room, pool table, board games, table tennis) occupies rainy days. Nearby Lac Vert, 10 kilometres away, operates a children’s inflatable waterpark during summer months. Rocamadour (52 kilometres) and Gouffre de Padirac (65 kilometres) offer kid-appropriate adventure activities. The property permits pets, if that’s relevant for your family. Chef services can eliminate dinner preparation stress. However, very young children under supervision require careful management around the outdoor jacuzzis and large pool area.

What is included in the rental price at Les Hirondelles?

The base rental includes accommodation for 16 guests, Wi-Fi internet access, utilities (electricity, water, gas), bed linen and towels, pool heating and safety cover (seasonal), and access to all furniture and entertainment equipment. Board games, table tennis, pool table, cinema equipment, and streaming services (Netflix, Amazon Prime) are included. The sauna and both jacuzzis (indoor and outdoor) are available at no additional charge. Cleaning is included at the end of your stay. Optional extras available at additional cost include chef services, housekeeping during the stay, airport transfers, pre-stocking of the fridge, and use of the electric vehicle charger. Confirm exact inclusions and pricing with the booking team.

What restaurants and shops are near Les Hirondelles?

Cazals, 5 kilometres away, hosts a Sunday morning market (the region’s primary shopping opportunity), multiple supermarkets, bakeries, and several restaurants featuring regional specialities. Cahors (28 kilometres) concentrates the finest dining and shopping: restaurants range from casual to Michelin-listed, while markets operate three times weekly. Sarlat-la-Canéda (40 kilometres) adds another tier of restaurant density and outdoor markets. Smaller villages like Domme (28 kilometres) and La Roque-Gageac (31 kilometres) offer café meals and artisan shops without the formality of larger towns. For food-focused stays, arrange chef services through the property to eliminate restaurant dependencies entirely. Wine enthusiasts should plan visits to Cahors’ surrounding vineyards (28 kilometres) where estate restaurants often feature tasting menus paired with estate wines.