Le Refuge France

Located just north of the Vézère river, Le Refuge is a charming and secluded house, offering arresting woodland panoramas. It is the perfect place to unwind, but also an excellent base from which to explore Perigord Noir’s stunning rivers and valley. This is simple rustic living in the heart of nature, yet within close proximity to the picturesque market town of Le Bugue and the fascinating pre-historic sites of the Vézère Valley.
With its own pretty gardens and far-reaching views of the nearby village, Le Refuge is the perfect holiday home for families and groups of friends. Rustic style decor and sloping beams infuse this house with character and charm. Away from the main house, at the bottom of the garden, is a cosy and charming self-contained gîte, the perfect romantic retreat for a couple wanting time away from the main group.
You can spend lazy days relaxing in and around Le Refuge’s ample swimming pool or enjoy a glass of wine and a book on the expansive terrace. The two al fresco dining areas are perfect for serving up local delicious produce as you mingle with friends and loved ones long after the sun has dipped beneath the horizon. If you prefer to be waited on, there is a restaurant in nearby Mauzent-et-Miremont, a wonderful opportunity to soak up the small village’s atmosphere.
The region itself is rich in Medieval history and architecture. You can step back in time to the 100 years war with a tour of the lovingly restored Miremont fortress nearby and for the more energetic, a climb up the steps to the tower will reward with breath-taking views of the valley.
Slightly farther afield is Les-Eyzies, famous for its pre-historic caves and shelters, where you can explore the magical Grotte Du Grand Roc and its intricate and winding caverns, adorned with thousands of tiny stalactites. Unearth fascinating facts on pre-historic living at the shelter of Laugerie-Basse, where archaeologists have excavated a remarkable range of pre-historic artefacts.
You are also within easy driving distance of the charming riverside town of Le Bugue, with its narrow winding streets and beautiful buildings to admire. Visit on a Tuesday to experience the busy market day and hire canoes to voyage on the river Vezere or enjoy lunch in one of the many lovely restaurants. The Dordogne is known as the valley of 1000 chateaux with endless pretty medieval villages, fine wines, truffles, local markets and spectacular valleys and rivers. Both the Vézère and the Dordogne rivers offer great kayaking and unparalleled views of the countryside.
Le Refuge is located in Mauzens-et-Miermont, a pretty sleepy village. The region itself is rich in Medieval history and architecture. You can step back in time to the 100 years war with a tour of the lovingly restored Miremont fortress, and for the more energetic, a climb up the steps to the tower will reward with breathtaking views of the valley.
Slightly farther afield is Les-Eyzies, famous for its pre-historic caves and shelters, where you can explore the magical Grotte Du Grand Roc and its intricate and winding caverns, adorned with thousands of tiny stalactites. Unearth fascinating facts on pre-historic living at the shelter of Laugerie-Basse, where archaeologists have excavated a remarkable range of pre-historic artefacts.
The Grotte de Rouffignac prehistoric caves are only 7 km drive away from the house. Here you can explore the many pre-historic engravings and black line drawings by journeying deep into the heart of this labyrinthine cave system. A small electric train will take you to the breathtaking Grand Plafond or ‘Great Ceiling’, whose walls are covered with some incredible artwork dating back to the Upper Paleolithic period.
You are also within easy driving distance of the charming riverside town of Le Bugue, with its narrow winding streets and beautiful buildings to admire. Visit on a Tuesday to experience the busy market day and hire canoes to voyage on the Vézère river or enjoy lunch in one of the many lovely restaurants.
The Dordogne and Vézère rivers host a wealth of beautiful villages and towns, many of them classed as France’s Plus Beaux Villages such as glorious Monpazier, a bastide town dating back to the 13th century. To the north-east you have the sophisticated small city of Périgueux, famous for its amazing black truffles and to the east should visit Sarlat with its maze of medieval narrow streets, lovely squares and amazing restaurants. Not forgetting beautiful Bergerac to the west with its medieval architecture, narrow streets of boutiques and great restaurants as well as the unmissable Maisons de Vins.
Other magical day trips include the Lascaux caves, just outside Montignac and beautiful Limeuil, where the Vézère meets the Dordogne and you can paddle by the river beach or enjoy some fine views from Parc Limeuil after wandering through the delightful village. In addition, head to La Roque Gageac, Château de Beynac or Castelnaud-la-Chapelle for a remarkable day out in the Dordogne.
The whole region is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike offering a wide array of outdoor activities, from horse-back riding, to tennis, mountain-biking, golf and watersports, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. Kids will love canoeing along the nearby rivers, the region’s waterparks, visiting the Aquarium du Perigord Noir in Le Bugue, exploring prehistoric caves nearby and historic castles or even a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the stunning region. The more adventurous may enjoy go-karting just south of Périgueux or tree-top activities in the forests near Sarlat. At Excellence Luxury Villas we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in theconcierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services- Bike hire
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!