Property Houses
Sleeps 6
Single/Double 3 / 2
Bathrooms 1
Pets Not Allowed
Pool Yes
3 Bedroom, spacious holiday farmhouse to rent in the Cantal department, Southern Auvergne. The property boasts a large garden, private pool and offers wonderful views of the countryside.
This charming French house has been constructed of a pinky grey stone called schist. The house is typical of the local architecture.
The large garden provides plenty of room for guests to relax and enjoy the peace and calm, perhaps choosing to sunbathe by the swimming pool (which is only shared with us).
We live in a restored barn on the other side of the garden.
There are loungers outside to relax and admire the fantastic views and the sunsets. There is a barbeque area, plus table and seating ideal for alfresco dining. In addition, there are swings to entertain children.
We are lucky to have a Michelin-starred restaurant only 15 minutes away and there are lots of other lovely places to eat and drink in the nearby villages.
ACCOMMODATION:
The well equipped kitchen consists of a modern oven, induction hob, toaster, and kettle. It has everything one needs for some serious cooking.
This room has a lovely traditional farmhouse table and gets the morning sun. It is perfect for breakfast and for sitting round planning the day's activities.
The spacious sitting room comprises two sofas and other armchairs. A large fireplace ("cantou") has a wood burning stove, and we supply a basket of logs should you need it.
Free Wi-Fi, and a wide selection of books and games for your use.
The large family bedroom has both a double bed and also a single bed. We can add a cot or child's bed if you wish.
There is another double bedroom, and a smaller room with bunk beds which is perfect for children over 6 years old.
Younger children are not allowed to sleep in bunk beds in France.
There is a large shower room with a walkin-shower, washbasin and wc, also a scullery with a dishwasher and a washing machine, fridge and microwave.
PHOTOS
Kitchenware Appliances
Fixtures & Equipment
External Features
Other Interior Facilities
Wi-Fi.
A wide selection of books and games for your use.
Local Attractions
Situated as we are in the southern part of the Cantal close to the Lot and the northernmost part of the Aveyron we have a wide choice of activities and places to visit both historically and geologically. Between the volcanic peaks of Puy Mary , the prehistoric cave dwellings of Peche Merle and the mediaeval grandeur of the Abbey and village of Conques it may seem hard to choose but the following list are all within an easy drive of Mourjou.
Mourjou is the nearest village to Lessal. It is about 4 km either by a quiet country road or by footpath through farmland. You will find an attractive bar /restaurant where you could have a refreshing drink before your return journey. The chestnut museum or Maison de la Chataigne is at Mourjou: Visit Colette the virtual owner who chats away to you as you explore her authentic shop and house. Meet the chickens, rabbits, goats and Charlotte the donkey. Follow the circular walk down into the valley and through the woods. Explore the Chestnut museum and on Wednesday mornings through the summer you can learn to cook like a local at the cookery demonstrations by local housewives. An easy bike ride away or 5 minutes by car
Maurs 10 mins by car, is the largest nearby town with a station and all types of shops, hair dressers, beauty parlours, a gym and several banks. It has a very good market on Thursday mornings.
On your way to Maurs you will pass a ruined castle and on your right Camping la Chaule which is a very attractive campsite where in the evenings you can get an ice cream, beer or a pizza if that is what you are missing. They have an attractive terrace next to a childrens climbing frame. It is a pleasant walk down from Chez Caro but a bit of a climb back up.
Marcolès 15 minutes by car, is an ancient village fortified in the 13th Century. It has picturesque narrow streets and the 15th Century gateway bearing the Coat of Arms. In August of each year famous names from the Tour de France attend a cyclists 'Criterium' with tests and time trials. There are lots of artists working and living in Marcoles and the event Lez'Arts de la Rue around the 2nd weekend in August is a great opportunity to visit various artists studios as well as to enjoy the music, performances and street food. The Auberge de la Tour is a michelin starred restaurant.
St Parthem 15 minutes by car, invites you to discover La Maison de la riviere Olt, an amazing river museum with interactive terminals and scaled models. St Parthem is a pretty village on the Lot and a nice place to visit anyway.
Conques, only 40 minutes away by car, is one of the premier Plus Beaux Villages de France. Conques is a must see for any visitor. It was an important stopping place for pilgrims en route to St. Jacques de Compostella and today it is a European Centre for Art and Medieval Civilisation. The abbey has a superb example of a Tympanum of this period; study this carved and sculpted panel over the Abbey door to see a graphic representation of the Last Judgement. This is a photographers’ paradise. Explore the narrow streets, the backs of houses, the ancient doors and the arrangement of stone walls and wooden beams. If you climb the steep alleyways your eyes will be drawn down to the fascinating juxtaposition of the stone roofs.?
Figeac, 30 minutes away by car, is a most beautiful medieval trading town. Here you will find a jumble of narrow streets and alleys with ancient timber-framed houses fronting on to them. Figeac is also the birthplace of Champollion who first deciphered the Rosetta Stone.There is a wonderful courtyard laid out with a reresentation of the Rosetta stone where you can walk or skip between hyroglyphic, ancient greek and demotic scripts A museum celebrates his life and work. A market on Saturday morning is one of the largest in the area.
Aurillac 40 minutes by car is the largest nearby town with a large swimming pool complex and skate boarding park. There are some beautiful shops and excellent restaurants
Le Fel, 40 mins minute drive away, is a small winemaking community. This village not only offers unparalleled views but also visits to a number of small-scale bio wine producers. Nearby is the Poterie du Don, a working pottery with an international ceramics gallery and boutique presenting the works of renowned artists and potters from around the world.
Further afield, a number of other towns and Plus Beaux Villages de France will be found; including Belcastel, Salers, Espalion, Estaing, Rocamadour, Cordes-sur-Ciel, St Cirq-Lapopie, Albi and Cahors because the roads are so much quieter here the slightly longer drive of an hour and a half, is easy.
If historical sites and natural scenic beauty get too much then a visit to the Viaduc du Millau, less than two hours drive away, is a must. Millau viaduct holds the world record for the tallest bridge, culminating at 343 metres (higher than the Eiffel tower), 2,460 metres long and touching the bottom of the Tarn valley in only 9 places. A truly ouststanding feat of design and engineering.
Serious walkers will want to head for the volcanic mountains of the Monts de Cantal, just over an hour away by car. The highest point is almost 6,000 feet and the views over much of the Auvergne are superb. This landscape offers high level ridge walking at it’s finest. The sign-posted trails can be easily followed at a leisurely pace. Take a baguette, a lot of water (and a little wine!) and some Cantal cheese for a wonderful day out. For the less determined there is a beautiful trail along the valley du Jordan or take some donkeys for a walk they will carry your picnic. There are lots of easy walks even from right outside the door of Chez Caro there are marked walks and foot paths to explore.
Golf
An 18 hole (6,208 metres), par 72 course near Aurillac is in a beautiful setting. It has open air and covered driving ranges, with introduction and improvement training available. Equipment can be hired.
Adventure Parks and Other activities
At Super Lioran, about one hour away by car, there is an adventure circuit with a number of guaranteed ‘sensations’ for all the family. Out of the winter season a challenging Go-Ape style tree adventure can be found in this beautiful mountain resort.
Other activities in the immediate area include Cayaking and Canoeing on the Lot or the Cele. It can be an exhilarating adventure or a peaceful paddle there are stretches of river to suit all ages and abilities.
Canoes are available to hire.
Riding is available at Maurs from the Centre Equestre Poney Club
Tennis courts at Maurs and Calvinet and St Constant
Fishing permits can be purchased for a day or longer
Go Karting at Pers
Soft play, Laser drome and Bowling at St Mamet
Cinemas at Decazeville and Aurillac
Winter Sports
At an altitude of 470 metres, winter usually arrives at Lessal in the middle of December with falls of snow occurring up to the end of March. Temperatures can drop to as low as -14ºC. In the mountains the snow can be metres deep and stay until May. Head for Super Lioran, a major centre in the Monts de Cantal for winter sports about an hour away. Here you have a choice of alpine skiing with over 40 kms of pistes, 140 kms of cross country routes and an ice skating rink. You can also continue your trekking across the mountains on snow shoes.
Sports & Adventure Activities:
• cycling
• freshwater fishing
• golf
• hiking
• mountain biking
• mountain climbing
• mountaineering
• paragliding
• swimming
• tennis
Special Rental Conditions
The property should be vacated on your leaving date by 10 am and arrival should be after 4 pm. Bed linen is provided and includes bath towels. Swimming towels are not provided.
Terms and Conditions:
The owners will personally supervise the cleaning and preparation of the gîte for your arrival and you can expect to be greeted on arrival with some local produce and wine. We can make a reservation for you at the local auberge (4km) for your first evening if you wish. A property deposit of 200 euros on arrival is requested; this will be returned on departure minus any charges that may be payable, e.g. for breakages, excess cleaning, etc. The rates include the local tax de sejour, electricity, bed-linen, hand and bath towels. Pets are welcome by arrangement but must be kept under control if there are animals in neighbouring fields.
Availability Calendar
Property Exterior
Local Attractions
Mourjou is the nearest village to Lessal. It is about 4 km either by a quiet country road or by footpath through farmland. You will find an attractive bar /restaurant where you could have a refreshing drink before your return journey. The chestnut museum or Maison de la Chataigne is at Mourjou: Visit Colette the virtual owner who chats away to you as you explore her authentic shop and house. Meet the chickens, rabbits, goats and Charlotte the donkey. Follow the circular walk down into the valley and through the woods. Explore the Chestnut museum and on Wednesday mornings through the summer you can learn to cook like a local at the cookery demonstrations by local housewives. An easy bike ride away or 5 minutes by car
Maurs 10 mins by car, is the largest nearby town with a station and all types of shops, hair dressers, beauty parlours, a gym and several banks. It has a very good market on Thursday mornings.
On your way to Maurs you will pass a ruined castle and on your right Camping la Chaule which is a very attractive campsite where in the evenings you can get an ice cream, beer or a pizza if that is what you are missing. They have an attractive terrace next to a childrens climbing frame. It is a pleasant walk down from Chez Caro but a bit of a climb back up.
Marcolès 15 minutes by car, is an ancient village fortified in the 13th Century. It has picturesque narrow streets and the 15th Century gateway bearing the Coat of Arms. In August of each year famous names from the Tour de France attend a cyclists 'Criterium' with tests and time trials. There are lots of artists working and living in Marcoles and the event Lez'Arts de la Rue around the 2nd weekend in August is a great opportunity to visit various artists studios as well as to enjoy the music, performances and street food. The Auberge de la Tour is a michelin starred restaurant.
St Parthem 15 minutes by car, invites you to discover La Maison de la riviere Olt, an amazing river museum with interactive terminals and scaled models. St Parthem is a pretty village on the Lot and a nice place to visit anyway.
Conques, only 40 minutes away by car, is one of the premier Plus Beaux Villages de France. Conques is a must see for any visitor. It was an important stopping place for pilgrims en route to St. Jacques de Compostella and today it is a European Centre for Art and Medieval Civilisation. The abbey has a superb example of a Tympanum of this period; study this carved and sculpted panel over the Abbey door to see a graphic representation of the Last Judgement. This is a photographers’ paradise. Explore the narrow streets, the backs of houses, the ancient doors and the arrangement of stone walls and wooden beams. If you climb the steep alleyways your eyes will be drawn down to the fascinating juxtaposition of the stone roofs.?
Figeac, 30 minutes away by car, is a most beautiful medieval trading town. Here you will find a jumble of narrow streets and alleys with ancient timber-framed houses fronting on to them. Figeac is also the birthplace of Champollion who first deciphered the Rosetta Stone.There is a wonderful courtyard laid out with a reresentation of the Rosetta stone where you can walk or skip between hyroglyphic, ancient greek and demotic scripts A museum celebrates his life and work. A market on Saturday morning is one of the largest in the area.
Aurillac 40 minutes by car is the largest nearby town with a large swimming pool complex and skate boarding park. There are some beautiful shops and excellent restaurants
Le Fel, 40 mins minute drive away, is a small winemaking community. This village not only offers unparalleled views but also visits to a number of small-scale bio wine producers. Nearby is the Poterie du Don, a working pottery with an international ceramics gallery and boutique presenting the works of renowned artists and potters from around the world.
Further afield, a number of other towns and Plus Beaux Villages de France will be found; including Belcastel, Salers, Espalion, Estaing, Rocamadour, Cordes-sur-Ciel, St Cirq-Lapopie, Albi and Cahors because the roads are so much quieter here the slightly longer drive of an hour and a half, is easy.
If historical sites and natural scenic beauty get too much then a visit to the Viaduc du Millau, less than two hours drive away, is a must. Millau viaduct holds the world record for the tallest bridge, culminating at 343 metres (higher than the Eiffel tower), 2,460 metres long and touching the bottom of the Tarn valley in only 9 places. A truly ouststanding feat of design and engineering.
Serious walkers will want to head for the volcanic mountains of the Monts de Cantal, just over an hour away by car. The highest point is almost 6,000 feet and the views over much of the Auvergne are superb. This landscape offers high level ridge walking at it’s finest. The sign-posted trails can be easily followed at a leisurely pace. Take a baguette, a lot of water (and a little wine!) and some Cantal cheese for a wonderful day out. For the less determined there is a beautiful trail along the valley du Jordan or take some donkeys for a walk they will carry your picnic. There are lots of easy walks even from right outside the door of Chez Caro there are marked walks and foot paths to explore.
Golf
An 18 hole (6,208 metres), par 72 course near Aurillac is in a beautiful setting. It has open air and covered driving ranges, with introduction and improvement training available. Equipment can be hired.
Adventure Parks and Other activities
At Super Lioran, about one hour away by car, there is an adventure circuit with a number of guaranteed ‘sensations’ for all the family. Out of the winter season a challenging Go-Ape style tree adventure can be found in this beautiful mountain resort.
Other activities in the immediate area include Cayaking and Canoeing on the Lot or the Cele. It can be an exhilarating adventure or a peaceful paddle there are stretches of river to suit all ages and abilities.
Canoes are available to hire.
Riding is available at Maurs from the Centre Equestre Poney Club
Tennis courts at Maurs and Calvinet and St Constant
Fishing permits can be purchased for a day or longer
Go Karting at Pers
Soft play, Laser drome and Bowling at St Mamet
Cinemas at Decazeville and Aurillac
Winter Sports
At an altitude of 470 metres, winter usually arrives at Lessal in the middle of December with falls of snow occurring up to the end of March. Temperatures can drop to as low as -14ºC. In the mountains the snow can be metres deep and stay until May. Head for Super Lioran, a major centre in the Monts de Cantal for winter sports about an hour away. Here you have a choice of alpine skiing with over 40 kms of pistes, 140 kms of cross country routes and an ice skating rink. You can also continue your trekking across the mountains on snow shoes.
Sports & Adventure Activities:
• cycling
• freshwater fishing
• golf
• hiking
• mountain biking
• mountain climbing
• mountaineering
• paragliding
• swimming
• tennis
In the area
This Property is situated in Cantal, Auvergne
Nearest Airport: Rodez at 60 Kilometres
Nearest Station: Maurs at 10 Kilometres
Nearest Ferry: Calais at 880 Kilometres
Nearest Beach: Valras-Plage at 250 Kilometres
Nearest Ski Resort: Le Lioran at 70 Kilometres
Please note that the location on this map is an approximate guide, normally to the closest town or village.