Our cottages are in the tiny hamlet – a ‘lieu-dit’ in French – of Pessel, close to Urval in the Perigord Noir
We have two Cottages available for holiday rentals –
Grand Pessel and Petit Pessel.
These are traditional ‘Perigourdine’ buildings, idyllically nestling amongst trees and plants alongside the walnut grove. They are tastefully and carefully restored, with modern kitchens and bathrooms, and the thick walls and good insulation mean they remain cool in hot summer weather, and cosy in cooler seasons.
Grand Pessel accommodates 4 to 5 in two Bedrooms (click the link for further photos)
Petit Pessel accommodates up to 3 in one Bedroom (click the link for further photos)
The Locality
Urval is an unspoilt ancient village with a lovely 12th century Romanesque church, Notre Dame de la Nativité, complete with black marble pillars, said to be re-claimed from Caesar’s villa at nearby Camp de César.
The village also has a rare ‘Four Banal’ or communal bread oven – a reminder of the feudal past, and still used for cooking during village celebrations and the annual Festival in August – plus an excellent bar-restaurant, Le Veilleur, and many beautifully preserved buildings, including Le Château de La Bourlie, a historic monument, with remarkable gardens which are listed as one of the Notable Gardens of France.
You can walk to Urval from the cottages along one of our woodland tracks, or it is just a few minutes by car or bicycle. (We have bicycles available for your use.) Please note, though, that a car is essential.
Siorac, which is on the Dordogne River, is about 10 minutes by car and offers all shopping needs; a boulangerie, a Carrefour supermarket, tabac, bar, restaurants, cafés and a pizzeria. There is a market every Wednesday morning, and also a ‘Comptoir des Producteurs’ – a specialist shop which offers a wide range of local produce and goods from wine and cheese to foie gras and patisserie.
There are also doctors, a pharmacy, a bank/cashpoint, hairdressers, beauty therapy and massage, and a variety of artisans’ creations, including sculpture, painting, ceramics and stained glass art. The chateau in Siorac is home to the Museum of Culinary Art and Table Decorations.
You can hire canoes in Siorac, and river swimming is also available; supervised bathing is on offer close by at Le Buisson de Cadouin, where a safe, clean and refreshing ‘plage verte’ offers another opportunity to experience a dip in the Dordogne’s waters. Local markets abound, with a profusion of fresh produce and colourful wares on display.
Find more places to visit on our ‘See and Do’ page.
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