Property
Traveling in the Bordeaux/Dordogne area of France is enchanting for both children and parents. There are wide, gorgeous valleys, deep caves, ancient castles and charming villages to explore. And even better, plenty of wine to take the edge off any tantrum your child could throw your way. La Bastide des Trémières is a 16^th century bed and breakfast with adjoining self-catering cottages. The property’s web site describes it as “romantic” – but don’t let that make you think it’s not family-friendly. Owner Kiek van Kempen Manges goes out of her way to make both adults and children feel right at home.

Location
La Bastide des Trémières is located in the little village of St. Antoine de Breuilh. It is 5 minutes from the bastide village of Sainte Foy La Grande and approximately 20-25 minutes from the towns of Bergerac and Saint Emilion. The city of Bordeaux is about one hour’s drive. Both Bergerac and Bordeaux have airports.

Sleeps
The two cottages are the best bet for families. The Rembrandt gîte sleeps up to 6 while the Vermeer can handle three persons. Both are self-catering with great kitchens.

Highlights
If you asked my son or nephews which part they enjoyed the most, they’d most likely say the pool. And it is gorgeous. But the whole property, with its stunning views of the Dordogne valley and adjoining vineyards, is a wonderland for kids. The boys spent hours exploring, catching snails, playing knights among the grapes and enjoying the outdoors. It was a joy to watch them.

Good to know
Want to add some more adult-friendly activities on your trip? Madame Manges can arrange wine tastings on site. In addition, she also cooks delectable kid-free meals a few times a week of which cottage visitors can partake for €25/person, pending availability. With use of Madame Manges’ baby monitor and her flexibility in pushing dinner back half an hour, you can have your romantic meal on the terrace with your young’uns being none the wiser.

Contact
http://www.francebastide.com/

Written by Kayt Sukel

Property
A 19^th century stone farmhouse and grange set in five fenced acres of gardens and woodland. The grange (historically used for storing grain) has been converted into four charming 3-bedroom holiday gîtes. Each of these spacious 700-square foot homes has a fully equipped kitchen, some period furniture, and a private patio or terrace. Additionally all come with cribs, highchairs, baby baths, potty chairs, stepstools, and fully-stocked toy boxes (among many other family-friendly conveniences). For amusement Pagel boasts two heated pools (one toddler-sized, both 80°F from April until September), a fantastical pirate ship play structure, swings, a trampoline, slides, scooters, bikes, trikes and battery-operated ride on toys. No, we are not making this up. Yes, this place is real.

Location
Pagel is set in the tiny village of Salvezou between the famous river valleys of the Lot and the Dordogne. Just down the road is the town of Catus, which has a 12th century church, post office, newsagent, bakery, and butcher. The Vert river flows through the back of the village to le Lac Vert where guests can swim, fish, sunbathe, and picnic on its grass and sand banks. Other destinations in the immediate area include Cahors (10 minutes; cathedral, market, medieval bridge), picturesque St-Cirq-Lapopie (40 minutes; the mouthwatering setting of the film Chocolat), and the Gouffre de Padirac caves (45 minutes; an otherwordly boat trip on a subterranean river through a series of cave galleries).

Sleeps
2-6 in each gite; up to 24 total for large parties.

Highlights
Personal chef service available by prearrangement (delicious four course evening meals at reasonable cost). Evening babysitting available.

Good to know
The upper gites have exposed beam ceilings and are particularly charming. The eponymous Sunset faces west with spectacular views of the neighboring hillsides, while Wildwood captures the morning sun and has views over the pool and recreation area. Pagel is very popular and does a brisk business in return guests. Plan accordingly!

Contact
www.pagel-france.com

Written by Jamie Pearson

Property
A selection of lovely and spacious one and two-bedroom apartments in 13^th, 17^th, and 19^th century buildings in the heart of medieval Sarlat-la-Canéda (usually known just as Sarlat). All have bathtubs, fully-equipped kitchens, air conditioning, and soundproofed double-paned windows. Many have balconies overlooking Sarlat’s cobbled streets (with 3 ¼-foot safety railings, and locking access doors).

Location
Many people (the author included) think picturesque Sarlat is the crown jewel of the Dordogne. The city is bursting with cafés, restaurants, cobbled lanes, tiny squares, charming shops, and (on market day in high season) tourists. Luckily you’ll be within striking distance of dozens of sleepy villages, castles, lazy rivers, and caves with geological wonders and prehistoric paintings. It is not possible to be bored in Sarlat.

Sleeps
2-6.

Highlights
Self service computer with internet connection and laundry available at reception. No minimum stay means these apartments would make a perfect stop on a longer journey through the southwest of France.

Good to know
If your children are too young for balconies, consider apartment Médicis which has a private fenced ground floor terrace (as well as a side street balcony, which you could easily barricade).

Contact
www.villaconsuls.com

Written by Jamie Pearson