Villa des Arbres | 5-Bedroom Villa in Tremolat Paunat

Fourteen guests across five bedrooms converge at Villa des Arbres, a stone-built retreat commanding the quiet valleys above Trémolat in France’s Dordogne region. This is no modest cottage—it’s a full-scale entertaining venue where families and friend groups gather to cook, swim, and drink wine without leaving the property. The heated pool runs from May through October; the covered terrace hosts dinner parties under clear skies; the wine region begins 2.5km downhill.

Inside Villa des Arbres

Villa des Arbres sleeps 10 guests across 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, spread across three distinct wings and floors that give the property an interlocking, organic character.

Ground Floor opens into a working kitchen—the kind with a breakfast table built for lingering, with proper daylight and function rather than minimalist aesthetics. The living and dining room anchors this level, centred around a working fireplace that burns real wood. From here, glass doors lead directly onto the covered terrace and into the garden. One bedroom sits on this floor too, furnished with a king-size bed and individual air-conditioning, plus its own shower room—ideal for guests who struggle with stairs or want bathroom privacy without climbing. A separate WC serves the main living areas. French doors open to the front garden from the main entrance.

First Upper Floor (New Wing) houses the master suite: a king-size bedroom with en-suite bathroom featuring a Jacuzzi-style soaking tub positioned under the eaves. Air-conditioning cools the space. A separate shower and WC provide flexibility for couples. A twin bedroom with its own sink and individual air-conditioning completes this floor, accessed via private outdoor stairs to the garden—useful for guests who want semi-independent access without crossing through shared living areas.

Second Upper Floor (Original Wing) contains two further twin bedrooms, each with a sink, plus a shared bathroom with shower and sink, and a separate WC. Ceiling fans rather than air-conditioning characterise these rooms, which connect via their own staircase from the living area below. This configuration suits families or groups willing to share facilities, or functions as a semi-private suite for multiple couples.

Throughout: Wi-Fi reaches all rooms. Reversible air-conditioning (heating and cooling) manages climate. Satellite TV, DVD player, and hi-fi system occupy the living room. Dishwasher and washing machine handle the domestic work. A microwave supplements the main kitchen. Electric car charging sits outside for guests arriving in modern vehicles.

Outdoor Spaces and Living

The heated pool measures 12 metres by 6 metres, reaching a maximum depth of 1.6 metres—safe for children and non-swimmers, monitored by an alarm system. Pool season typically spans 1st May through 1st October. An outdoor shower stands poolside for rinsing before and after swimming. Sunbeds, umbrellas, and fixed benches surround the water.

Two distinct terrace areas frame outdoor dining. The covered terrace features a built-in barbecue and seating for groups, offering shade and shelter when weather turns unpredictable—essential for the Dordogne’s spring and autumn months. A second poolside terrace (unshaded) captures full sun for afternoon lounging. Atmospheric garden lighting activates at dusk, illuminating pathways and creating ambiance for evening gatherings.

The gardens themselves occupy a clearing—the source description notes “quiet clearing” but what matters is what you actually experience: mature trees provide natural screening from neighbours, flower beds offer colour through summer, and the overall effect is privacy without isolation. You remain 2.5km from Trémolat’s restaurants and shops, yet feel completely removed from neighbour noise or traffic.

Location: Trémolat and the Surrounding Area

Trémolat itself sits 2.5km downhill from Villa des Arbres, a medieval village of 600 residents organised around the 12th-century Church of Saint Nicholas, which originally served defensive functions alongside religious ones. The village contains a disproportionate number of restaurants for its size—easily eight to ten establishments ranging from casual bistros to serious dining. Markets operate multiple times weekly. Local shops stock basics, though for serious grocery shopping, larger supermarkets exist in Lalinde (14km away) and Bergerac (36km southeast).

The Cingle de Trémolat—a dramatic oxbow bend in the river itself—sits 3km away and offers the most photographed panorama in the department: forested valleys, river loops, and agricultural land stretching to distant hills. Walk here at sunset; bring a picnic from the villa’s kitchen.

Lalinde, 14km east, functions as a proper market town with a Thursday farmers’ market and a small lake suitable for picnics and cool-water swimming. Sarlat (41km further east), one of France’s most preserved medieval towns, contains narrow cobbled streets, Renaissance facades, and sufficient museums and restaurants to occupy a day trip. Bergerac (36km south via the D660), home to the regional airport and the wine appellation, presents riverside gardens, a historic quarter, and multiple wine shops.

The Bergerac wine region encompasses 12,700 hectares and has produced wines continuously for over 400 years. Many estates welcome visitors for tastings: seek out Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Malbec reds; Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadet whites; and dessert wines. The official Route des Vins maps vineyards for self-guided touring. Wine tasting can be arranged through the villa’s booking process.

The Dordogne supplies nearly half of France’s fine culinary ingredients: truffles (black diamonds, in season November through March), cepes (porcini mushrooms, autumn), and foie gras (duck and goose, December-January). The Métairie adjoining Villa des Arbres stocks these items fresh. Regional markets in Sarlat, Bergerac, and Lalinde sell them seasonally. Cooking classes in local farmhouses can be arranged—imagine learning confit preparation from a grandmother who has made it for sixty years.

For adventure-seekers: the Dordogne river permits canoe trips (day or multi-day) between Trémolat and Bergerac (32km), passing limestone cliffs and villages. The Lascaux caves (70km north-east, near Montignac) preserve 17,000-year-old prehistoric hand stencils and animal paintings—UNESCO World Heritage and genuinely humbling. Neighbouring Rouffignac Cave contains 14km of passages decorated with mammoth and rhinoceros engravings. Cycling routes thread through agricultural landscape; local bike hire and guided tours operate in Bergerac.

Explore our luxury villas throughout Europe or focus on our full collection of properties in France. For destination context and activity planning, read our comprehensive Dordogne travel guide.

Who This Villa Suits Best

Extended families (3-4 generations): Ten-person capacity with mixed bedroom configurations (kings, twins, ground-floor accessibility) accommodates grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren. The pool entertains children; the wine and restaurants entertain adults; the quiet location suits both.

Friend groups planning reunion weeks: Five separate bedrooms with private bathrooms (on ground and first floors) or shared facilities (second floor) allow different friendship dynamics. The full kitchen, dining areas, and covered terrace support communal cooking and eating. Wine tasting nearby becomes a group outing.

Multi-generational groups with mobility considerations: One ground-floor bedroom with shower room and level access suits guests with mobility challenges. First-floor master suite offers a luxurious retreat for those who prefer fewer stairs.

Couples seeking rural Dordogne immersion without isolation: The proximity to Trémolat (2.5km) and wine country means you can walk to restaurants or drive to Bergerac in 40 minutes. The pool and terraces suit intimate entertaining. The Cingle and Lascaux make day-trip culture accessible.

Not ideal: Solo travellers (overpowered by space and cost); guests requiring constant nightlife (nearest town has restaurants but no clubs); travellers arriving November-April when the pool remains unheated and weather unpredictable.

Practical Information

Capacity: 10 guests maximum. 5 bedrooms: 1 king-size (ground floor), 1 king-size (first floor), 3 twin rooms (first and second floors). 3 bathrooms: 1 en-suite with Jacuzzi tub (first floor), 1 shower room (ground floor), 1 shared (second floor). Plus separate WCs on each level.

Nearest Airport: Bergerac Dordogne Périgord (36km south-east). Transfer time by car: approximately 45 minutes to the villa. Car rental essential for exploring the region; public transport is limited. Alternative airports include Toulouse (Blagnac, 165km, 2.5 hours) and Bordeaux Mérignac (160km, 2.5 hours).

Nearest Supermarket: Lalinde (14km, approximately 20 minutes by car) contains a full supermarket. Trémolat (2.5km) has smaller shops suitable for top-up shopping and local products.

Included in Rental: Heating and air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, pool heating (seasonal), dishwasher and washing machine use, DVD and entertainment systems, standard crockery and cookware, bed linen and towels (confirm final linen policy at booking). Utilities typically included. Not included: pre-arrival grocery stocking, pre-arrival cleaning beyond standard turnover.

Check-in & Flexibility: Standard check-in after 4pm; check-out before 11am. Flexible arrival times available on request depending on previous guests. Confirm directly with Excellence Luxury Villas.

Frequently Asked Questions about Villa des Arbres

How many guests does Villa des Arbres sleep?

Villa des Arbres accommodates 10 guests maximum across 5 bedrooms: one king-size bed on the ground floor, one king-size bed in the master suite (first floor), and three twin beds across the upper floor. The configuration works for families with children (who often share twin rooms), couples, and mixed-age groups. Cots for infants can be added in some bedrooms; confirm availability when booking.

What is the nearest airport to Villa des Arbres in Trémolat?

Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport lies 36 kilometres south-east. The drive takes approximately 45 minutes by car. International flights to Bergerac come primarily from UK airports (London, Bristol, Birmingham) during summer months. Alternatively, Toulouse Blagnac (165km, 2.5 hours) and Bordeaux Mérignac (160km, 2.5 hours) serve more international routes. Car rental is essential—taxis from airports cost €80-120 one-way.

What is the best time of year to rent Villa des Arbres?

May through September offers warm weather (20-28°C), fully operational pool heating, and maximum activity availability. July-August brings peak crowds and highest prices; June and September provide better value and fewer tourists. April and October remain pleasant (15-20°C) but the pool may be borderline for swimming comfort. November through March brings lower temperatures (5-12°C), occasional rain, and closed pool facilities—suitable only for those seeking solitude and wine-country exploration. The truffle season (November-March) attracts food-focused visitors willing to accept cooler weather.

Is Villa des Arbres suitable for families with children?

Yes. The heated pool (1.6m maximum depth, monitored by alarm system) is safe for non-swimmers and young children. Ground-floor bedroom means parents can maintain proximity. The surrounding countryside poses no traffic hazards—children can safely explore gardens and adjacent land. Nearby Lalinde lake offers family-friendly swimming. Regional caves (Lascaux, Rouffignac) engage children aged 6+ through prehistoric art. Canoe trips on the Dordogne suit ages 8+. The villa’s kitchen permits cooking with children. Cots and high chairs can be arranged. Nearest hospital: Bergerac (36km, approximately 45 minutes). The village of Trémolat itself is quiet and walkable for older children.

What is included in the rental price at Villa des Arbres?

Included: heating and reversible air-conditioning, Wi-Fi throughout the property, pool heating (May-October season), dishwasher and washing machine utilities, bed linen and towels, DVD and entertainment system access, basic kitchen equipment (pots, pans, crockery, glassware), and standard cleaning upon arrival. Excluded: personal groceries (though the Métairie adjoining the villa stocks regional specialities), alcohol and wine (though wine tastings at nearby vineyards can be arranged), activities or excursions, and additional services like private chefs or housekeeping beyond standard turnover. Confirm details at booking confirmation.

What restaurants and shops are near Villa des Arbres?

Trémolat (2.5km) contains approximately 10 restaurants ranging from casual bistros to fine dining—Le Vieux Logis (Michelin-recommended, 3km) and Le Relais de Trémolat exemplify the standard. The village also has a boulangerie, charcuterie, and general grocery. Lalinde (14km) offers a Thursday farmers’ market (07:00-13:00, year-round) with fresh produce, cheese, charcuterie, and seasonal items. A full supermarket (Intermarché) operates daily in Lalinde. Bergerac (36km) contains multiple supermarkets, wine merchants, and restaurants. The Métairie adjoining Villa des Arbres stocks local delicacies: truffles (November-March), cepes (September-November), foie gras (December-January), and farmhouse cheeses. Pre-order luxury items for arrival if time permits.