Chez Papi

Sleeping up to 4 people in 2 bedrooms plus a mezzanine area bed, other units at Vieux Mirou can also be booked for parties up to 25 people.

Situated on a south-west facing slope, Vieux Mirou looks out over the unspoiled countryside, and in the distance, the silver dome of the basilica at Penne d'Agenais can be seen twinkling in the sunshine.

With a large 12 x 8m pool, shared with the neighbouring gite, and about 1 ha of landscaped garden, Vieux Mirou is an ideal place for families to enjoy the countryside with all amenities of modern living within easy distance.

Immediately outside the door is a sun terrace, with wisteria and roses around the edge. Tables, chairs and sunshades are provided.

A few steps away is the pool and terrace with sun loungers, sunshades, tables and chairs. The 12m x 8m pool is saltwater, and there is a hardcover for security.  This pool is used only by guests staying in the gites: Occupants of the large farmhouse have their own private pool.

The terrace faces south and west, and with a built-in charcoal barbecue available there, poolside evenings can only be very relaxed.

The gardens which the Owners have landscaped have a number of mature shrubs and offer plenty of chance to find quiet spots in sunlight or shade.

The communal washing machine and laundry facilities are in the barn behind the gites.

Vieux Mirou is just off a road that runs between Penne d'Agenais and Montaigu de Quercy: Heading for Penne d'Agenais takes you to the banks of the River Lot and all the activities on the river such as fishing, canoeing and boat hire: Heading towards Montaigu de Quercy takes you into the heart of the rolling countryside of the Quercy with a very large range of crops and vegetables growing, alongside sunflowers, cereals and vines.

Much of the local produce can be bought at markets, and there are lists of the local markets on the Area information at the top of this page, along with other restaurant recommendations and wineries. The area to the east of Penne d'Agenais and along the River Lot is the heartland of the Cahors AOC with a large number of wineries offering tastings and direct sales of the delicious red and white wines.

For something curious, head across the river at Penne d'Agenais to find La Stelsia, a colourful park where you can freely wander around the manicured parkland, and enjoy excellent food and drink in the restaurants if you wish: If you fancy a testing crazy golf course, this is the place to go!

Heading to the north on the other side of the river you will find a number of castles: Biron and Bonaguil are the most complete, and both open to visitors, and you will find other ruins as you travel.

This is the country of bastide villages - fortified hilltop villages, and within easy reach of Vieux Mirou, you can wander the streets of Pujols. Lauzerte, Montaigu de Quercy, Tournon d'Agenais, Monflanquin and Villereal and marvel at the medieval timbered buildings that still survive today.

Historic Cahors is the gateway to cave country, and guests can visit a number of caves in the limestone area including Pech Merle, and a little further away the world-famous Lascaux cave paintings.