Gite Cap de Boueou

We loved having dinner outside in the open barn across the courtyard, and the little charcoal kettle barbecue was more fun than the gas one we have at home. We also had lunch in Marciac, where the duck salad was excellent. We left at sunrise for our flight from Marseille and got a beautiful view of mist hanging in the valleys. The ten days brought fantastic weather, even though it sounded like Crete had been cool and rainy at times. The house is spacious, clean, and well cared for, with good-sized rooms and an interesting, eclectic mix of decor that never felt cluttered. The kitchen had everything we needed, and it all worked, even the gas hob igniters. We had useful information about the layout and contents before arriving. Marie-Helene was easy to reach if we needed anything, in a very understated way. Although the house is at the end of a lane beside a working farm, it feels completely private once you enter the courtyard, and the house faces away from the lane. Apart from an occasional chicken or friendly little dog, you would hardly know the farm was there. We'd recommend Cap de Boueou to anyone wanting a quiet rural stay without nuisances.

The scenery is so peaceful, and we wanted for nothing at the house. It had all the cooking, dining, and drinking supplies we needed, plus laundry facilities, and there was plenty of hot water for showers and baths. We cooked often and made good use of the outdoor grill. The daily markets were great for shopping, with larger stores for anything extra, including a big SuperU very close by. We spent about two weeks at Cap de Boueou in early May. The chilly nights made the fireplace a welcome feature, while the bedrooms were spacious, the kitchen well equipped, and the grounds lovely. Restaurants, wineries, cheesemongers, and fois gras sellers were only a short drive away. There were several very good places to eat within 10-15 minutes, including in Tillac and Marciac. I recommend dinner at Chez Gorka in Tillac, then walking back past the lake. It took about an hour, and we stopped to see animals along the way, including the magical horses just down the road. We took lots of day trips around the countryside and nearby towns and villages, and drove out to the Pyrennes, visible from Troncens. We hiked and ate ourselves silly. A little French helps, but our broken, barely remembered French was enough, and the townspeople, neighbors, and daily market sellers were incredibly kind and patient. The sellers were also happy to help with purchases and ideas for dinner and wine. This is a remarkable home and setting, and I can't wait to return.

A charming place.

The house is set in a secluded spot, which made it easy to enjoy the countryside, the farmers, and walks through the rolling hills. It was a wonderful stay in a large house with a real soul, full of life. When we arrived, it felt as if someone had only just left. It had everything we needed and was very well suited to a family reunion.