INTRODUCTION
Located in Théminettes (department of Lot, southwest France), a small village on the edge of the nature reserve 'Les Causses du Quercy', lies the charming holiday home La Marut.
Théminettes is the smaller sister of the nearby Thémines. This name means end (terminus). This is the end, the upper limit of the 'Causses du Quercy'. To the East and North of Théminettes the small streams run above ground. From Théminettes onwards these disappear underground into the limestone grounds of the Causses. This is at the origin of the many caves in the area.
The stay was named after the 'Grotte de la Marut'. The entrance to the accessible cave is located 850 m from the cottage and extends to 40 m deep beneath Théminettes.
In the middle of the large garden stands a strikingly well-maintained house that has been divided into two holiday homes. Both accommodations have a separate entrance and terrace, thus offering plenty of privacy.
One holiday home is reserved for the Flemish owners who occasionally stay on the property themselves. The other cottage, La Marut, is available for rent and offers a unique view of the garden with swimming pool.
It is a place where everyone is welcome: in summer ideal for families with children because of the spacious lawn for playing and the swimming pool, in other seasons also a great place to relax or to venture out on foot, by mountain bike or to cruise around in the car in the beautiful surroundings.
In La Marut you stay in the middle of an oasis of peace and unspoilt nature and can enjoy a relaxing or active holiday.
DESCRIPTION OF THE HOLIDAY HOME
The practical interior of La Marut has recently been updated in a contemporary style and looks charming and tasteful.
The natural stone cottage consists of 2 levels and accommodates 6 people: ideal for a family or group of friends.
Upon entering you arrive in the open living and dining area with wooden beams on the ceiling. There is a cosy sitting and dining corner with a table for 6 people. The adjoining kitchen is open and equipped with all modern amenities (vitro-ceramic hob, combination oven, large fridge with freezer compartment, dishwasher). Colourful tableware, cutlery, kitchen linen and cooking utensils are provided.
Opposite a first children's bedroom with bunk bed on the ground floor is the bathroom with toilet and spacious walk-in rain shower and sink. There is also a washing machine and bath linen here.
The two other bedrooms are located on the upper floor, accessible via an authentic wooden spiral staircase. The largest bedroom has a double bed, the other room has two separate single beds. All new box spring beds are provided with bedding.
La Marut also has WIFI, a cot and high chair and has electric heating on both the lower and upper floors.
OUTDOOR LIFE ON THE PROPERTY
The very spacious, green garden is ideal for relaxing, eating outside on the covered terrace or under the canopy, or cooling off in the swimming pool. The large lawn also invites you to play badminton, football or romp with the children.
The swimming pool, to be shared only with the owners and their friends/family when they are also staying, has an area of 10m x 5m and is equipped with a roller shutter in accordance with French safety standards. It is centrally located in the garden. It is lovely to spend time at the edge of the swimming pool on the spacious summer terrace in one of the comfortable sun loungers.
Every day at around the same time a bleating herd of goats passes by on their way to the grazing meadow. You have to see this! The neighbours make delicious organic goat cheeses and every Friday afternoon they invite you to a pleasant organic market with local regional products.
At every hour of the day there is a spot to be found in the sun or in the shade and on a clear evening you can enjoy an unparalleled starry sky with the typical sounds of crickets in the background. Here you admire the 'purest' air in France, with the least light pollution in the whole country.
THE AREA
La Marut is located in the department of Lot, 800 km from the Franco-Belgian border.
The accommodation is situated just within the border of the regional nature park Causses du Quercy, the kingdom of dry stone. The countless typical stone walls and gnarled oaks on the Causses, ravines, valleys and limestone plateaus make this protected area magnificent. Here the landscape is hilly, intersected by the deep river valleys of the Lot and the Célé.
From the cottage you venture straight into the beautiful nature park to walk or mountain bike. There are countless paths through the forests and the Causses, GPX files of several beautiful walks or rides are available.
For your daily shopping you can go to Lacapelle Marival (6 km), for major shopping to Gramat (15 km).
To soak up the atmosphere:
• Instagram: destinationvalleeslotdordogne
• https://www.tourisme-lot.com
• https://www.vallee-dordogne.com
• YouTube: programme 'La carte aux trésors': https://youtu.be/yOFBiHnqQb4
THINGS TO DO: SOME TIPS
• A city visit to the bustling, old town of Cahors with its famous medieval three-tower bridge 'Pont Valentré', the symbol of the city and UNESCO World Heritage Site;
• An excursion to Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, a photogenic village perched on top of a high rock overlooking the Lot valley. The car-free, flower-filled alleyways are home to numerous craft shops and art galleries;
• Strolling through the streets of Figeac, the medieval art and history town with its 'Musée Champoléon';
• A visit to the famous caves Grotte du Peche Merle or Gouffre de Padirac. Impressive underground spaces with prehistoric murals, striking stalactites, stalagmites and columns can be admired from a boat;
• Climbing the 216 steps to the church square of the pilgrimage site Rocamadour, a busy town built against a limestone cliff;
• Soaking up the atmosphere of a typical French market in Figeac or Cahors, an explosion of flavours and aromas every Saturday morning;
• Walking, mountain biking or horse riding on the countless paths of the Causses;
• Kayaking or canoeing and cooling off in the valley of the Dordogne or Célé, a sporty way to discover this valley and its beauty from a different angle;
• A round trip to 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France': Autoire, Carennac, Loubressac,…;
• Buying local regional products in the many gourmet shops or at the neighbouring organic goat farm, every Friday evening;
• Enjoying typical regional dishes with your feet under the table in one of the nearby restaurants,…
