A Luxury Holiday Home in the Heart of the Perigord-Limousin Country Park

The Perigord Vert is in the Northern region of the beautiful Dordogne, so named for the greenery of its forests and meadows, rivers and rolling hills. Miallet is one of its prettiest traditional villages and our nineteenth century stone built coach house is just a few minutes walk from the quaint village square.
Mialet is located at the heart of the Perigord-Limousin Country Park in South West France. 

Adjoining the house, our Beaux Souvenirs luxury holiday home has its own entrance. It opens onto a private terrace and a beautiful relaxing garden that surrounds the magnificent swimming pool. The countryside air is crystal clear so that the sky at night twinkles with literally thousands of stars.    

The interior decor is an eclectic blend of old and new, vintage and modern, offering an interesting twist to the building's traditional features. The large, open plan lounge/kitchen/diner has plenty of room to chill out after a long day, and the smart TV is perfect for catching up on all your favourite programmes. 

Upstairs there are two lovely double bedrooms with very comfortable king-size beds and on the ground level, a gorgeous bathroom with twin vanity units, toilet and a spacious walk-in shower. 
 
The French doors lead to a shaded patio with an outside table, lounging chairs, and barbeque. This self-catering holiday accommodation includes a 12m x 6m in-ground private pool with roman steps, exclusively for the use of Beaux Souvenirs guests. 
Leave your vehicle within our secure grounds and the village centre is a three-minute walk, offering a butcher with deli counter, baker, newsagent (inc. British newspapers), doctor, physio, post office, pharmacy, hairdresser, and bistro with outdoor seating and drinks only licence.
Next door to the gite is our vintage fashion museum, which is new for 2019. The museum houses part of a collection that has been 30 years in the making. Every decade of the 20th century is on display, including a few gems that will both fascinate and entertain our guests. Hats designed by Phillip Somerville who designed all the hats for the early James Bond movies. Shoes by the creator of the Ruby Red shoes in The Wizard of Oz who also invented the Beatles Boot when asked by John Lennon to create something unique for the band.  Dresses by Jean Varon who created the costumes for Diana Rigg in the original 60's Avenger series. There are also some very rare items on display including silk stockings once adorned by Queen Victoria......if only they could speak......... 
The gite is perfect for...
  • Either one or two couples, or two people who prefer their own room. To maintain a relaxed and private atmosphere for our guests our policy is adults only.
  • Those looking forward to sampling traditional French village life for the best French experience. 
  • A mix of days by the pool and also plenty of things to see and do nearby.
  • House hunters in need of a base. We are happy to share our own stories over a glass of wine and can put you in touch with a local English speaking, independent estate agent. 
  • Lovers of vintage fashion.
  • Your own special celebration - we will gladly help you with arrangements.

About your stay

Our luxury gite has been carefully designed to ensure that you relax the moment you arrive by providing everything you need to make your holiday that perfect getaway. To get around a car is a must, but you may like to know that the roads around us are quiet. However, if you fancy days without driving far then a 9-minute drive brings you to La Coquille where you can park free and take selected trains in one direction to Perigueux or in the other to Limoges.

We do not have any pets and for the comfort of our guests, we do not accept any pets staying with us either.

When to come

The Dordogne enjoys mild winters warming up from late March onwards when it can be a pleasant 18-20 degrees. At the height of the summer, temperatures can easily reach the late 20's, although it is not unknown for this to extend to 35 degrees plus. Warm weather lasts right through to late Autumn. Each season has its own delights, spring is particularly beautiful for the flowers and blossom and because our location, the Autumn leaves of the country park can be equally stunning too.

Some attractions may close outside the main summer season but these tend to be those aimed at children and families. There are many places to visit that stay open all year round, and with the seasonal food markets towards Xmas, any time of the year is well worth a visit. 

Sightseeing

Our location in the North of the Dordogne couldn't be better as we border another two departments, the Haute Vienne and the Correze thus offering even more attractions and activities.

Here, you are certainly spoilt for choice in terms of what to do and see from incredible gardens and chateaux to Roman sites, breathtaking underground caverns and UNESCO world-famous pre-historic cave art. Medieval cities, flower-filled towns, and the most beautiful villages in France, full of glorious sites just waiting to be discovered.

Our top places to visit

Brantome, the Venice of the Perigord • St Jean de Cole, one of France's most beautiful villages • Grottes de Villars, for caverns and cave art • Chateau de Hautefort, with magnificent gardens • Jumilac le Grand, a stunning chateau that easily competes in grandeur with those on the Loire valley • St Yrieix la Perche, a lovely Medieval town • Limoges, a city famed for its porcelain • Oradour sur Glane, a haunting village left as a memorial to World War 11 • Perigueux, a city renowned for its superb cathedral and Roman remains • Arnac Pompadour, France's national stud with a lovely racecourse named after Madame Pompadour, mistress to Louis XV • Terrasson Lavilledieu, a delightful riverside town featuring the amazing Jardins de la Imaginaire, a one of a kind attraction not only in France but Europe too • and the Perigord Vert Velorail, for an unforgettable trip through the countryside, on a bike contraption using an old railway track.  

Activities

As Miallet lies in the Perigord-Limousin Regional Natural Park,  there are plenty of outdoor pursuits nearby to suit all tastes from fishing, canoeing, and horse riding to cycling, hiking or just simply walking through the rich green countryside. Golfers will appreciate the courses nearby, adventurers may enjoy a bird’s eye view of the region by hot air balloon, and those looking for something different might enjoy the Velorail as an unusual way to see the countryside.

Bargain hunters will enjoy the many antique fairs, brocantes and car boot sales (vide greniers) as well as the factory outlets for designer leatherwear and porcelain. Festivals and events feature throughout the year as the French celebrate everything from music and vintage to flowers, snails, and locally produced food! 

Explore the local French cuisine

This area is perfect for food lovers, savour the renowned black truffles, fois gras, confit duck, cepe mushrooms, walnut oil and Limousin beef. Try one of the many nut and fruit-based liqueurs, or enjoy the local beer and Bergerac wine. Dine out at Michelin starred restaurants, historic chateaux, family bistros or just simply nibble local delicacies at the glorious summer night markets. See our suggestions for eating out.

What to wear 

Comfortable layered clothing is perfect for both activities and sightseeing in the Dordogne. In villages, the ground can often be cobbled or you could find yourself walking up a steep incline to visit a hilltop chateau and therefore footwear with a good grip can be very useful. Eating out at night is quite casual too and it is not critical to have a shirt and tie even in the more upmarket establishments. 

Here is more information on your accommodation