Le Bastion
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Overview
Immerse yourself in French village life at this beautifully restored Maison de Maître close to the Dordogne river, perfectly positioned between Bergerac and Bordeaux in one of the most famous wine regions in the world.
Le Bastion is perched well above the river in the heart of a picturesque Gironde village dating back to medieval times. Surrounded by cobbled lanes and overlooking a 19th century church, historic Le Bastion has undergone a remarkable restoration. Over the last few years its new owners have treated its renovation as a labour of love, exposing hidden stone walls, oak beams and Louis XV fireplaces whilst completely updating the maison. The end result pays huge respect to the property’s heritage as its historic charm is vastly evident, yet so many wonderful 21st century features have been added.
Downstairs, guests will love the delightful lounge with a wood-burning stove, 65” satellite TV and wonderful valley views. The dining room with its oak beams, flagstone flooring and chandeliers leads through a stone arch to the bespoke Neptune-style kitchen with state-of-the-art appliances, USB charging, a Sonos music system and large kitchen island with bar seating.
On the first floor, reached via the striking stone staircase, there are four bedrooms each with their own bathroom. Each room boasts high-end features such as Sonos speakers and USB ports, not to mention elegant décor and fine quality linen and towels. Look out for super king-size doubles in three of the rooms and gorgeous bathrooms featuring rain showers and two with a roll top bath.
A further superb feature is the games room where you can make the most of the table tennis as well as many board games and puzzles. This is a room that will appeal to both families and friends, especially children. For adults, the gym is yet another bonus of this fantastic house equipped with a rowing machine and multi-gym.
Step across the village lane into your own rustic courtyard where you will find the swimming pool – how wonderful to be able to enjoy a morning swim or cool off on long summer days in such authentically French surroundings with the aroma of lavender. A barbecue, drinks fridge and Bluetooth speaker add to the appeal, or you may prefer the serenity of the west-facing terrace where you can sit back with a glass of Saint-Émilion’s finest vintage and watch the sun setting over the Durèze valley. A short walk from the house there is nearly two acres of private woodland to be explored. The owner is keen to establish a wildlife area in this area and has a multi-year project underway to encourage birds, bats and bees!
As well as the vineyards of Saint-Émilion, which have acclaimed UNESCO World Heritage status and can be reached in under half an hour, discover endless wineries closer to home surrounding the village and beyond towards Bergerac or Bordeaux. Atmospheric food markets also await, including the region’s largest market in nearby Sainte-Foy-la-Grande on a Saturday morning. Enjoy a trip to one of the many interesting villages such as Castelmoron-d'Albret, 17km away, claimed to be France’s smallest village with its tea shop, pottery store and artist studio.
There are so many things to do in Bordeaux which is around an hour away including the Cite du Vin, rue Sainte Catherine claims to be the longest shopping street in Europe. The Grand Theatre, the Jardin Public, the Place de la Boursee and the magnificent cathedral. Other noteable shopping towns more locally include Libourne 33km away and Bergerac 40km away, the home of Cyrano de Bergerac.
Or stay at home in your picture-perfect village, home to different local events and festivities throughout the summer, such as classical concerts performed by the Gironde Orchestra in late July, the annual brocante (flea market) in early August, and occasional night markets for the warmer evenings. A walking tour from the tourist office is a lovely way to explore the village and learn about its history and the 19th century church is well worth a visit.
What you should know…
- In a village setting, walk across the little road to reach the private courtyard and swimming pool – the walls have been lowered to make the most of the valley view.
Property Features
Maison Interiors
Ground Floor
- Living room (25m2) with three sofas, wood burning stove, 65" satellite TV, DVD, Sonos and two large windows with valley views
- Dining room (35m2) with decorative fireplace
- Kitchen, fully-equipped including American fridge-freezer with water/ice machine, two NEFF ovens, induction hob, dishwasher, microwave, coffee maker, kitchen island with bar seating, Sonos and satellite English TV
- Utility room with washing machine/dryer
- Guest WC
- Gym (adults only) with rowing machine and Multi-Gym with 90kg weight stack
Please note there are other rooms on the ground floor which are closed off to guests.
Upstairs (via main staircase)
- Master bedroom with super king-size double bed, decorative fireplace, valley views and en suite bathroom with roll-top bath, walk-in shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with super king-size double bed, decorative fireplace, valley/village views and en suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with super king-size double bed, decorative stone fireplace, courtyard/village views and en suite bathroom with shower, sink and WC
- Bedroom with twin beds and en suite bathroom with roll-top bath, sink and WC
Upstairs (via second staircase)
- Large games room with sofa, wood burning stove, fridge, table tennis, board games/puzzles
Outside Grounds
- Swimming pool (8x4m, depth: max 1.5m) open 9.00 a.m. to 9.00 p.m approximately April to September. Access via safety gate (pool situated in courtyard across the road from the villa)
- Outdoor shower
- Changing room with WC
- Small room with drinks fridge, freezer compartment (for ice-cubes)
- Covered poolside patio with al-fresco dining table and barbecue
- West-facing terrace with table, chairs and valley views
- Free parking for several cars adjacent to the property
Facilities
- Wi-Fi
- Underfloor heating (downstairs)
- Central heating (upstairs)
- Wood-burning stove (downstairs)
- Satellite TV
- Smart TV with Netflix
- DVD/Blu-ray player
- Film library
- Sonos speakers (bedrooms, gym, dining room, kitchen, lounge)
- Bluetooth speaker (poolside)
- USB plugs (bedrooms and kitchen)
- Table tennis
- Table Football
- Board games
- Safe
- Stair gate
- Washing machine and dryer
- Ample free car parking
Location
About the surrounding area of Le BastionLe Bastion is set in the heart of the a beautiful Gironde village, 2km south of the Dordogne river and around 16km from the much-loved market town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande. Perfectly located between Bordeaux and Bergerac, it’s ideal for guests wishing to immerse themselves in French village life whilst also exploring the wonderful regions of Dordogne, Gironde and Lot-et-Garonne.
If arriving by air, both Bordeaux (76km) and Bergerac Airports (42km) are within easy reach whilst TGV train services take approximately 3 hours from Paris Montparnasse to Libourne (32km).
A five minute leisurely stroll takes you to the pretty village centre where you will find all the amenities for your stay including a supermarket with in-house bakery, newsagent, bank, pharmacy, medical centre with English-speaking doctor, bar and restaurant. Next to Le Bastion there is a public play area for children, including a slide, outdoor table tennis table and pétanque court, and on the other side of the village you will find two tennis courts managed by the Town Hall.
Drive to the next village just 2km away and hire canoes or kayaks to paddle along the Dordogne river for a wonderful experience. Cycling is another great way to admire the scenery of this region and visit historic châteaux, charming brocantes, pretty villages and undulating landscapes of woodland and vineyards. Le Bastion has a couple of bikes that may be borrowed but they may also be hired locally for your stay.
Discover the Grands Chateaux such as the Chateau de Montaigne, 14km away, where a great French philosopher spent his days. Or, the Chateau de Duras, 19km, in the town of Duras where you can also find Guinguet, a chocolate factory open to visit. Heading east along the Dordogne, drive to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (15km) on a Saturday morning for its bustling market, one of the region’s biggest and best, or spend time discovering the town with its historic architecture and picturesque riverside setting. Almost all towns and villages have their own morning markets and look out for Marchés Nocturnes taking place on warm summer evenings.
A little closer to home, 13km by car, Castillon-la-Bataille’s market is on a Monday but the town can be visited any day for its shops, restaurants and riverside setting. In late July and August a superb sound and light show takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings depicting the battle of Castillon, ending the Hundred Years’ war in 1453 between the English and the French!
Wine-tasting opportunities can be found at wine-châteaux close to the village or you may choose to explore further afield towards Bergerac (40km) and Bordeaux (62km). Not forgetting the enchanting hilltop town of Saint-Émilion, around half an hour away, and its glorious surrounding landscapes of historic vineyards, now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For a fantastic day out for all ages, drive west towards the shores of the Atlantic coast and spend the day in or around Arcachon or Cap Ferret, under two hours away, whether sampling oysters and white wine overlooking the bay or running down huge sand dunes, such as the Dune du Pilat, and admiring the vast beaches of this magnificent coastline. The peaceful and gently-shelving shores of Étang de Lacanau, France’s largest lake, are also waiting to be explored, just 110km by car.
| Local Amenities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Nearest Airport |
Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport
(42km) |
||
| Nearest Airport 2 |
Bordeaux
(76km) |
||
| Nearest Train Station |
Sainte-Foy-la-Grande/Libourne TGV
(16km/32km) |
||
| Nearest Restaurant |
In the village
(Within a 5-minute walk) |
||
| Nearest Shop |
Grocery store
(Within a 5-minute walk ) |
||
| Nearest Town |
Sainte-Foy-la-Grande
(16km) |
||
| Nearest Golf |
Golf Vigiers
(25km) |
||
| Nearest Tennis |
In the village
(Short walk) |
||
| Nearest City |
Bergerac/Bordeaux
(40km/62km) |
||
Region
One of France’s most iconic hilltop towns, Saint-Émilion is waiting to enchant wine enthusiasts, gastronomes, keen historians and Francophiles in so many different ways. With its UNESCO World Heritage vineyards, visitors will have the opportunity to sample AOC wines from one of the most famous and historic wine-growing regions in the world.
Start off by exploring the cobbled lanes of Saint-Émilion as you admire its beautiful architecture and churches – its origins date back to the 8th century. One of the most impressive sites is the 12th century stone-carved Monolithic church, the largest of its kind in Europe, a truly astonishing masterpiece – a guided tour of the church and catacombs is a must.
As well as the town’s famous Merlot, try Crémant de Bordeaux at Les Cordeliers, once a monastery that was brought by a winemaker in the 19th century – enjoy a glass of sparkling wine overlooking the cloister garden. Food lovers note there are several excellent restaurants including Michelin star establishments (Logis de la Cadène and La Table de Pavie are two famous names). Look out for French macarons as well - Saint-Émilion claims to be the birthplace of this delicious sweet treat.
Of course, wine tours and tastings can be arranged across the Saint-Émilion wine-growing region. There are so many to choose from, from small family-run vineyards to prestigious wine châteaux, and it’s fantastic to be able to buy such excellent wines directly from local producers. Wine connoisseurs note that the neighbouring Pomerol wine appellation should also be included on your itinerary for longer stays.
Meanwhile, explore the idyllic landscapes by bike, a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of Saint-Émilion’s vineyards, or enjoy a hot-air balloon ride to capture the scenery below. A little further afield, canoe or kayak along the Dordogne near Castillon-la-Bataille, experience the vibrant markets of Libourne and travel to the great wine city of Bordeaux for another amazing day out in this captivating part of southwestern France.
Kids
Best Suited For: All AgesIn a safe village setting, this is a lovely spot for families with a large private courtyard where outdoor games may be played, for example, outdoor chess and there is also a public play area just in front of Le Bastion.
It is a short walk to the bakery and grocery store and the village tennis court is also within walking distance. In the height of the summer look out for the fair that comes to the village as well as the usual fireworks. Exploring the winding narrow village lanes on foot is a fun activity for children whilst hiring bikes is another way to explore further afield - there are mountain biking trails nearby or simply have fun enjoying the landscapes, perhaps with a picnic on hand.
A 2km drive away is the Dordogne where you can sail canoes or kayaks for leisurely trips along the river. There is also an inland lake for swimming and water sports 10km away.
If staying in July and August, on a Friday and Saturday evening there are usually stunning re-enactments of the Battle of Castillon in Castillon-la-Bataille, about a 15-minute drive away.
Then there’s many fairy-tale châteaux to explore across the region, fascinating caves, family walks and even the vast sandy shores of the Atlantic coast – Arcachon Bay and the surfing beaches around Lacanau are under two hours by car, not to mention the gently shelving waters of Étang de Lacanau, one of France’s largest lakes.
Baby and Toddler Equipment
- Stair gates
- Cot(s)
- High Chair(s)
Kids Activities Close-by
- Walk to Village
- Walk to Restaurant
- <1hr to Airport
- Canoeing/Kayaking
- Tennis Nearby
- Cycling
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Outdoor Pursuit & Activities
- Tourist Towns & Villages
- Historical Sites
Onsite Facilities
- Board games
- Child-Safe Pool
- Games Room
- Indoor Games
- Table Tennis
- Table Football
- DVD
Extras
At Oliver’s Travels we pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the concierge request form or contact the Oliver’s Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
- Maid service/extra cleaning
- Private chef/cook/catering
- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge
- Local day-trips or tours
- Airport pick-up/drop-off
Please note that the use of any external caterers and/or contractors is not permitted.
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!
| Security deposit | €2000 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00pm - 10.00pm |
| Departure time | 10.00am |
Terms & Conditions
These terms and conditions may be amended from time to time.
| Security deposit | €2000 charged to client's credit card as a pre-authorisation at least 2 weeks prior to arrival and refunded two weeks after departure, subject to full inspection. |
| Arrival time | 4.00pm - 10.00pm |
| Departure time | 10.00am |
| Energy costs included? | Yes. |
| Heating costs included? | Yes. |
| Linen & towels included? | Yes, changed once for stays of 7+ nights. |
| End of stay cleaning included? | Yes and mid-stay cleaning for stays of 7+ nights also included. However, guests are required to leave the accommodation clean, tidy and in the same condition as on their arrival. Any extra cleaning, laundry, maintenance and/or rubbish disposal required will be charged against the security deposit. |
| Pool towels included? | Yes. |
| Pool opening dates? | The pool is open approximately May to September. Please note that pool opening dates are subject to local weather conditions and pool maintenance requirements and that cooler months may not be suitable for swimming. |
| Tax | French Visitors Tax payable locally (typically costs €1-€5 per adult per night- please enquire if exact amount is required). |
| Changeover day | Saturday during July & August, otherwise flexible. |
| Minimum stay | 7 nights. All other durations on request. |
| Pets welcome? | Not allowed. |
| Smoking Allowed? | No. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Weddings, stag/hen parties and any special events are not allowed. |
| Other Ts and Cs | Please note that the use of any external caterers and/or contractors is not permitted. |
Please click here to view the full property Terms and Conditions.
Rental Rates
Prices based on an occupancy of 8 people:
| Rental period | Weekly |
|---|---|
| Nov 30th 2024 - Jan 1st 2025 | £4,528 |
| Jan 1st 2025 - Jul 12th 2025 | £4,755 |
| Jul 12th 2025 - Aug 30th 2025 | £5,415 |
| Aug 30th 2025 - Jun 3rd 2026 | £4,755 |
Please note that these prices/rates are a guide only and may not be correct at the current date. For an accurate quote, please enquire.
How long have you owned the property?
I have owned the property for more than five years and during this time it has been fully renovated. 2023 will be the fir...
Read moreOwner Profile
How long have you owned the property?
I have owned the property for more than five years and during this time it has been fully renovated. 2023 will be the first season.
What was it about the property that you first fell in love with?
A few things stand out, the views across the Dureze valley are magnificent and the sunsets are amazing making it easy to relax; the proximity to the village centre makes everything a stroll which is massively convenient; there are few nasty flies as we are well above river level; and the village is active and provides lots of different events and activities.
Are there any interesting stories in its history?
It was a restaurant/hotel since 1960’s until I bought it and has appeared in many travel guides where customers most frequently mentioned the views across the valley and the swimming pool.
Must do?
Enjoy exploring the language, locality and local culture!
Must eat?
I never tire of fresh baguette or oysters caught in the Bay of Arcachon!
Must see?
The sunsets from the terrace!
What insider tip would you pass on about the property or the area?
There is so much to do in this part of France and it is well worth planning some activities in advance as some things get booked up. To help with this our website may be useful.
Reviews
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What a wonderful restoration of the house!
What a wonderful restoration of the house! Much bigger than we had imagined and makes for a great base to visit the area though Gensac is a gem in itself! We all certainly had a great time. We've done a few of these and the consensus seems to be this was the favourite and a complete contrast to the previous Spain/Portugal villa holidays! The house is a remarkable restoration and Gensac is as we imagined a french village to be and provides a great base from which we were able to see some of the surrounding area but still leaving time to relax in the sun by the pool.
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Wonderful place
We are having to tear ourselves away from this wonderful place and head back to reality. The peace and tranquility have done us all a world of good so we are refreshed and reinvigorated.
Highlights, (apart from the house which is a highlight of its own) the live music events in the Village, Kayating from Ste-Foy La Grande back to Pessac and the miles and miles of wonderful cycling routes. The pool was a blessing as we were here over the hottest days. Thank you! -
Excellent property
Excellent property, well looked after, games room, large bedrooms, great location just for us no aircon (we were there in a heatwave), pool is on the small side but easily a good compromise for the property.
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Wonderful!
Wonderful holiday properly perfect for our family - the pool being the favourite followed by the games room. Something for everyone - Grandad being an artist was very taken with the views. The house is very well equipped and thoughtfully restored to keep the rustic French home feel to it while offering all the modern additions. We are familiar with the area having owned a family holiday home outside Eymet and travelling to the area since 1972, much has changed over that time, some villages have almost disappeared and others have survived. Eymet being one. A fantastic Bastide town with the best pizzeria - well worth a visit.
Bergerac is another great town to spend an afternoon. The 'petit train' leaves from the quays and provides a guided tour in English. If you have enough time there are also boat trips. We would advise booking for dinner as it is a busy spot. The kayak rental in Pessac is another must, a great way to see the Dordogne River. And Saint Emilion was our highlight of the trip.
Thank you to the host for your welcome on arrival and all the helpful updates and texts. -
Wonderful stay
Wonderful stay at Le Bastion. A beautiful house with stunning views. Peaceful and calm - a great distresser. We loved the musee des beau arts, les Jardins de Sardy, Chateau Font Vidal, and wonderful soiree diners. Thank you to the host for your support during our stay. We will return to the mothership re-energised and fortified for the final part of 2023.
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Absolutely beautiful
We have had a lovely stay at Le Bastion. The home is absolutely beautiful and it is a pleasure to stay in such a picturesque surroundings. Highlights of our trip included a visit to vineyard at Font Vidal, informative tour, delicious wine tasting and
lovely Mexican soiree evening. Kayaking along the Dordogne, available for groups of 2/3, and nice lunch spot next to kayak shop. Jardins de Sardy stunning botanical gardens, live music evenings and concerts. Thank you so much to the host for being so attentive and for all your recommendations. -
Lovely
I recommend visiting Bordeaux it's lovely and the little seating area is lovely to view the beautiful valley. PS the pool is lovely.
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A great trip!
The house is fantastic and we have had a wonderful stay. The village of Gensac is a lovely warm village. Look out for various activities in the square, concerts at the church and moules frites nights on Thursdays at the café. We arrived on Saturday evening to a food festival in the square which was fantastic.
There is lots to do in the area. Bordeaux is a wonderful city and worth the trip. St. Emilion and Bergerac are also both great for a day out. It is worth the small trip by bicycle to the Pessac-sur-Dordogne on the bank of the river.
There are a couple of good restaurants and the kayak restaurant does great food.
St. Foy la Grande is little gem and worth a trip for lunch or a picnic on the beach by the river. All together a great trip. -
Beautiful
Beautifully appointed and equipped house with the lovely housekeeper equipped to help if we have questions.
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Amazing house
Thank you very much for our stay in this amazing house- everything has been provided that we could have possibly wanted. We particularly enjoyed playing ping-pong and enjoying the warm evenings on the terrace. St. Emilion was a highlight and we also enjoyed trips to Bordeaux (which I will definitely revisit for a longer break in future). We enjoyed meals in the village.
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Beautiful
We've really enjoyed staying at Le Bastion, it's beautiful and well- equipped. The games room, selection of DVDs and obviously the pool have been well-used during our stay. We definitely recommend a trip to St.Emilion and a ride on the Petit Train - although go early as the car park was rammed when we left in the early afternoon.
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Wonderful Holiday
Excellent villa, it was well equipped and had everything we could have wanted, the villa itself was so beautiful with wonderful views, all the rooms were very comfy, the villa was also in a wonderful location with everything we could need/want close by.
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The most fabulous holiday
We've had the most fabulous holiday in this beautiful house. The owner made us feel very welcome
and even brought down some of her toys for our kids to play with (very kind - thank you). The weather has been great and every day has been spent eating outside and playing around the pool. Visited markets in Castillon-la-Bataille which was very good. Also went for a day out to Saint-Emilion, which was lovely. The owner has done a super job restoring this house and seems to have thought of everything one could want for an enjoying and relaxing holiday. The website for things to do was very useful. Thank you so much.
Don't miss out! Reserve now and get a full refund if you change your mind within 48hrs.
