La Chêneraie

A wonderful place with happy people.

Really great.

The location in Payrac is so peaceful, surrounded by magnificent oak trees and wonderfully clean air. From the terrace, garden, or pool, the valley views are breathtaking. We even felt like kids again on the swing hanging from one of the big oaks. The property is quiet enough for real rest, and the terrace is lovely for a coffee. There’s also a big window onto it, with an armchair for looking at the starry sky. Evelyn and Sabina told us we were in the "Black Triangle," a special spot for exceptionally clear skies. Our room was "La Forêt," and every detail felt carefully considered. The nature-inspired decor creates a calm, restful mood. They even had delicious local duck rillettes waiting for us. The bed was incredibly comfortable, the sheets lightly scented, and there were two armchairs, storage, a place to work on a computer, and all the other amenities we needed. The brand-new bathroom was spotless and supplied with a hairdryer, soft towels, and toiletries. Two windows look out toward the forest. Breakfast was sumptuous, with fresh cut fruit, pastries straight from the oven, baguettes, eggs, bacon, and cold cuts, all served generously and with care. Dinner can be booked with 24 hours' notice, and we highly recommend it. Evelyn is a very talented chef, with experience at well-known places in Belgium, including the wedding of the Prince of Belgium. Sabina handles the presentation beautifully, setting each table with precision and elegance. From our first phone call, Evelyn sounded so welcoming and excited to have us. When we arrived, both owners, Evelyn and Sabina, greeted us warmly and were kind and attentive throughout. They also gave us lots of useful recommendations for restaurants and things to do, which helped make our time in the Lot even more enjoyable and well organized. There's easy, secure parking with several spaces on the property. Under the oak trees, the pétanque court is a lovely place to spend time together over an aperitif. But the thing that made the stay most special was meeting Evelyn and Sabina. We felt as though we'd found family in Payrac, and can't wait to return and enjoy more time in this idyllic place. Congratulations to you both for creating it and for such an unforgettable welcome.

We came to La Chêneraie for a few days as part of Walk a Lot, the walking route that takes you from one bed and breakfast to another through the Dordogne and Lot. After long days on foot, we loved relaxing in the pleasant large garden and swimming pool. The house is beautiful and the rooms lovely. The owners are nice. Sabrina makes delicious food, and Gert tells enthusiastic stories about the area and the quirks of the French people. We really enjoyed both La Chêneraie and the Walk a Lot concept. It's a beautiful region for walking, and we'd recommend it to everyone. Ellen and Marion.