Estanels is a tiny rural hamlet about l km from the picturesque village of Lherm. The surrounding countryside is a haven for wildlife, birds and butterflies, wild flowers and orchids. The starry night skies are truly amazing. There is little traffic, even in the height of the summer. The quiet country lanes are ideal for walking or cycling with many marked circular walks in the area. The nearest town, Prayssac, is about 10 minutes by car and has 2 supermarkets, many small shops, restaurants, bars, cinema and colourful market each Friday morning. The cottage is ideally situated between the valleys of the Lot and Dordogne Rivers to enable you to discover the many delights of this fascinating area.
Estanels is in the area known as “La Bouriane” – an undulating land of pine, oak and chestnut forests. The area is rich in history with lots to see and do. There are many picturesque villages in the vicinity. Goujounac (five minutes away) has a swimming pool and tennis. There are lakes at Catus, Cazals and Frayssinet le Gelat offering swimming, canoes, pedalos, bicycle hire etc. The historic city of Cahors, with the narrow streets of its medieval quarter, built within a loop of the River Lot, is 25 kms to the southeast. Spanning the river is the famous 14th century fortified Pont Valentre. The cathedral was built in the 11th century and has magnificent Gothic cloisters. The popular tourist sights of St. Cirq Lapopie, Rocamadour and the prehistoric caves of Pech Merle are an easy drive away. There are many excellent restaurants. Regional specialities include duck, foie gras, cepes and truffles. The Cahors wine is excellent and there are numerous vineyards offering tastings.
Le Fournil is available throughout the year. Spring with its profusion of wild flowers, autumn with its array of golden browns and reds both on the hillsides and in the vineyards, and even winter with its bright blue clear skies can all be wonderful. In summer almost every village has at least one fête or festival - outside meals with dancing, candlelit processions and firework displays on the banks of the River Lot. Outside the high summer season it is possible to better enjoy more active pastimes such as walking, cycling or horse riding. Golf is becoming much more popular in France. A brand new 9 hole course - Le Neuf du Bouysset - has just opened in Saint Martin le Redon which is about 20 minutes drive. There are 3 more golf courses within about an hours drive - Golf des Roucous (9 holes), Golf de Montal (9 holes), Saint-Cere and Souillac Country Club (18 holes).
