Rigal Manoir & Farmhouse
Dordogne, France
ABOUT RIGAL
Le Rigal is an impressive eighteenth century farm house situated within 116 acres of organic pasture and woodland on the outskirts of the pretty village Cause-de-Clerans, 6km north of the Dordogne river and 25 minutes due east of Bergerac. It is located within an area of outstanding natural beauty called the 'Golden Triangle' where the density of tourist activities is one of the greatest in the Dordogne.
The Gite at Le Rigal is the former farm manager's cottage and is located within the spacious and private courtyard.
The village comprises two parts, Clerans and Cause. Clerans has a medieval castle, a cluster of beautiful yellow sand stone houses, and a lavoir, where the women used to gather to do their washing.
Just up the hill is Cause with its medieval church and ancient Italian cypress tree, which was planted before the French revolution. The area stands within a landscape rich in chestnut and oak forests, abundant in flora and fauna and criss-crossed with woodland walks, cycle tracks, bridleways, small rural buildings with varied architecture, huts, crosses and dovecotes. Nearby is the bastide town of Lalinde, with all amenities, standing proudly next to the Dordogne river.
The area around Lalinde, called the Lindois, is located to the east of Bergerac and has been inhabited by man since paleolithic times.
Children are very welcome at Le Rigal. Items available upon request include cots and travel cots, an all terrain 3-wheeler buggy, high-chair, steam sterilizer, children’s books, toys etc. Please email us if you have specific requirements and we will try our best to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.
As featured in
COUNTRY HOMES
and INTERIORS
Lifestyle Magazine
February 2011
Click here to read the article
As featured in the
BBC Publication
OLIVE - September 2007
As featured in
LIVING FRANCE
April 2012
LE MANOIR
Fully equipped kitchen with fabulous exposed beams, a magnificent oak table capable of seating 8 antique butchers block and traditional freestanding kitchen cupboards standing side by side with the latest contemporary polished work surfaces, light fittings and a modern dual fuel double range style cooker. There is also a dishwasher. At the back of the house leading off from the kitchen is the pantry with a large fridge freezer dispensing cold filtered water and
The Manor house at Rigal is a beautifully restored historic French ‘ Manoir’ . Dating from the 17th Century and with a wealth of period features it is one of the most imposing houses in Cause-de-Clerans.
It is marked on the map as a property of distinction. The ‘Manoir’ is nestled in a beautiful courtyard amongst 116 acres of organic pasture and woodland.
The house has been extensively restored combining contemporary and luxurious furnishings with ancient exposed beams, fireplaces and ‘lavebos’ ( stone sinks in the walls). There is even an arrow slot in the kitchen with far reaching views to spot enemy attack!
This spacious four bedroom home (sleeping 8 plus cots), with four bathrooms, of which two are en-suites, is an ideal place for your holiday.
Click on the image above to see the ground floor plan
Click on the image above to see the first floor plan
THE GITE
FARMHOUSE
The Gite at Le Rigal is the former farm manager's stone cottage and is located within the spacious and private courtyard of the farm. The cottage has been restored keeping a wealth of period French charm but incorporating all the facilities required for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday.
The Gite can comfortably sleep 6 people plus cots and child bed. There are 3 well appointed en-suite bedrooms including one downstairs with a bath and shower. There is a fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher, microwave and washing machine, a spacious lounge with wood-burning stove, satellite television and DVD player. There is a dining area and outside you will find a walled courtyard to the front and to the rear a terrace and grassed area for barbecues (provided) and watching the sunset.
All bedding, towels and linen are provided for use in the gite - however please bring towels for use at the pool or other leisure activities.
Click on the image above to see the ground floor plan
Click on the image above to see the first floor plan
ACTIVITIES AT RIGAL
SWIMMING POOL
The pool at Le RIGAL is 11m by 5.5m. It is a secure pool with alarm and a child-resistant fence surrounding the paved area, veranda and terrace. The pool conforms to all the latest safety and filtration standards. There is an entrance via roman steps to the shallow end and the deep end is 2m . The pool is solar panel heated, therefore, the water temperature is dependant on the amount of daily sunshine.
There is a terrace around the pool and a veranda with shade if you just want to relax.
For security reasons, the pool is closed overnight.
ANIMALS
Rigal is an animal lovers paradise, including chickens, runner ducks, rabbits, 3 miniature goats, cows, 2 ponies.
Every morning we come to feed the animals, you are more than welcome to join us, For some, it's a highlight.
Bring you binoculars with you if you want to get closer to the large number of birds in the area.
PLAY AREA & TABLE TENNIS
Fun activities for both children and adults. There is also a trampoline. The play area includes a slide, tree house, climbing areas and swings.
WALKS
Woodland walks straight from the front door with an outstanding variety of wild flowers, grasses and plants throughout the year.
We can arrange botanical walks with a professional guide either at Rigal or in the neighbourhood.
PHOTOS FROM RIGAL
SEE AND DO
EATING OUT
There are many eating establishments close by, restaurants offering traditional Perigordian cuisine. Foie gras, confit de canard, magret de canard, cepes, truffles are all regional specialities. A comprehensive list of restaurants can be found in the Gite and Manoir
CYCLING
There are multiple bike rentals around in this area and lots of cycle routes around the Dordogne and further a field.
MARKETS
CHATEAUX
HORSE RIDING
There are several equestrian and pony club centres in the vicinity catering for all abilities and ages from as little as 2 years old. Parents can hire a pony for half an hour and can lead their child and pony through shady woodland or you can arrange hacks or lessons.
CANOEING & PADDLE BOARDING
Two of the many pleasures of taking a holiday close to the Dordogne and the Verzere rivers. You can hire a canoe for as little as one hour or a complete day trip, stopping off for lunch or an ice-cream at one of the riverside cafes.
VINEYARDS
VILLAGES & TOWNS
A FEW PLACES TO VISIT AROUND RIGAL
The Dordogne is an area of outstanding natural beauty, one of the most beautiful in Europe. It is a green land of farms, lovely wooded hillsides and gentle winding rivers - still unspoilt, it really is rural France at its best.
It is one of the gastronomic centres of France , famous for foie gras, duck, truffles, mushrooms and seafood.
The area is also well known for its wines. The world famous vineyards of Medoc and St Emilion are close by and the local wines of Bergerac, Monbazillac, Monpazier and Cahors are also excellent.
The Dordogne is rich in pageantry. The English ruled Aquitaine for 300 years in the Middle Ages under the Plantaganets and there are many castles, bastide towns and fortified churches to visit.
The Dordogne and Vezere valleys are world famous for the art of prehistoric man at the Lascaux caves, known as the 'birthplace of art'.
Le Rigal is ideally situated for touring the region.
Ideas for driving tours are available in the gite, but the following places are all easily visited on day trips:-
Bergerac, Limeuil, Issigeac, Monpazier, Monbazillac, Sarlat, St. Emilion, Eymet, Belves, Beaumont, Tremolat, Lalinde, Domme, Le Roque Gageac, Rocamadour, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, Cadouin
BERGERAC
Bergerac, the second-largest town in the Dordogne with 30,000 inhabitants, is the capital of south-west Périgord and only a 15 minute drive away from the Le Rigal.The history of Bergerac since the Middle Ages can be summed up in three words: the river, the wine and the bridge. The fireworks on Bastille Day are truly memorable.
In and around Bergerac the 100,000 acres of vineyards produce 75 % of Dordogne's wine production. The cellar of every "wine cooperative" is open for tasting, particularly the Bergerac and Monbazillac cellars which are very popular with visitors.
The wines of AOC Bergerac include, Pécharmant, one of the most highly appreciated by connoisseurs. the fruity Rose, the white and red Côtes-de-Bergerac and the mellow white Montravel. To the south there is the very well known Monbazillac, and, around Sigoulès, Saussignac.
LIMEUIL
This beautiful old town oozes atmosphere and style with a great location on the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers. There is a nice but steep walk to the top of the old town where there are formal gardens (free to children). It is worth a visit to Limeuil for the scenery and setting alone.
MONPAZIER
In 1991, Monpazier was awarded National Heritage Site status which has enabled its architectural heritage and unique town planning to be preserved. It is situated in southern Périgord, bordering on the Agenais region, and 45km from Bergerac.
SARLAT
Sarlat is one of the best preserved medieval towns from the 14th century. It really is the jewel in the crown and is definitely worth a visit especially on market day.
BORDEAUX
Beautiful Bordeaux is the capital city of the Nouvelle Aquitaine. Best known for it's wine and vineyards. The shopping is outstanding with elegant streets and boutique shops.
GUEST REVIEW
