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Maison Panoramique - Charming Stone House perched atop the cliff, Stunning Vista

Photo gallery for Maison Panoramique - Charming Stone House perched atop the cliff, Stunning Vista

St Cirq from across Lot River - house is on the cliff, to right of the chuch
the house as you approach through the garden - (terrace grape arbor is unleafed)
the terrace from house entry above with wisteria
the village in panorama - the house is perched over the river
terrace and dining table (built in BBQ off to right)

Reviews

9.6 out of 10
Exceptional
3 bedrooms2+ bathroomsSleeps 688.3 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Dryer
  • Washer
  • Parking available
  • Fireplace
  • Air conditioning
  • Kitchen

Explore the area

Map
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie
  • Maison de la Fourdonne
    ‪1 min walk‬
  • Chemin de Halage
    ‪5 min drive‬
  • Pech Merle Cave
    ‪15 min drive‬
  • Cahors (ZAO-Lalbenque)
    ‪52 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 Queen Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

2 bathrooms, 1 half bathroom

Bathroom 1

Bathtub · Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Shower only

Bathroom 3

Toilet

Spaces

Porch or lanai
Kitchen
Balcony
Garden
Dining area

About this property

Maison Panoramique - Charming Stone House perched atop the cliff, Stunning Vista

Enter a gate and walk down a garden path to this charming stone house on the cliff and adjacent to the historic church. Spectacular views of the Lot river and countryside. The house occupies a tranquil location just away from the center of the village but secluded by its own gate and gardens. 3 double bedrooms, 2 full baths, two terraces. Dine al fresco on the grape vine covered terrace cooled by river breezes while you enjoy amazing vistas of the river. Built in outdoor BBQ. Well-furnished, fully equipped gourmet kitchen. Laundry, free wifi, TV with French channels, CD/DVD player. Free calls almost anywhere in the world from the house phone. Fresh linens supplied weeklyif requested.

The master bedroom is on the lower level of the house and has its own door to a balcony. The second double bedroom is in a separate structure on the opposite side of the terrace. Ideal setting for two couples or a family! Please know that this is an old stone structure and somewhat rustic - no central heat or cooling, though there is AC in the living room on the main floor and in the attic bedroom.

Dinner can be provided on the night of arrival, prepared by a local chef, if prearranged with the owner.

The route along the Lot River is considered the most beautiful 100 km in France and the Medieval village of St Cirq Lapopie is listed as one of the most beautiful in France (actually voted #1 by travelers recently). Though small, it is home to several excellent restaurants, numerous charming shops and galleries, and many artists. It is also a wonderful base from which to explore the region. One of the most exquisite caves containing prehistoric art is just 10 minutes away. The area is ideal for wine tasting, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, visiting chateaus, shopping at local markets and brocantes, or just relaxing.

Property manager

Julia Matthews and David Bellinger; local French contacts: Hélène & Patrick

Languages

English, French

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Kitchen
Washer
Dryer
Free WiFi
Air conditioning
Outdoor space

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Exterior

Little House Near St Cirq Lapopie

  • Kitchen
  • Washer
  • Free WiFi
  • Outdoor space
9.8 out of 10, (29 reviews)
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House Rules

Check in after 4:30 PM
Minimum age to rent: 30
Check out before 10:30 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
Not suitable children under 10
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
Guests must remove all trash to appropriate disposal site regularly and at the end of the stay.
a small dog may be allowed with specific request and approval.
No parking. Guests may drive into the village to unload luggage, supplies, persons but car must move to parking lot (free parking access card).

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher

We should mention

Cash transactions at this property cannot exceed USD 1000, due to national regulations; for further details, please contact the property using the information in the booking confirmation
A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Located in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, this cottage is in a rural area. Maison de la Fourdonne and Chemin de Halage are local landmarks, and the area's natural beauty can be seen at Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park and Phosphatiere du Cloup d'Aural. Kayaking and power boating offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and rock climbing nearby.
Map
Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, Occitanie

What's nearby

  • Rignault Museum - 1 min walk - 0.1 km
  • Maison de la Fourdonne - 1 min walk - 0.2 km
  • Chemin de Halage - 5 min drive - 3.9 km
  • Château de Cabrerets - 10 min drive - 9.3 km
  • Pech Merle Cave - 15 min drive - 12.0 km

Getting around

  • St Gery Pont Station - 32 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪La Roue - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Lou Bolat - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Le Gourmet Quercynois - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Les fadas - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Du Moulin au Fournil - ‬10 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Maison Panoramique - Charming Stone House perched atop the cliff, Stunning Vista pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Maison Panoramique - Charming Stone House perched atop the cliff, Stunning Vista?

Check-in begins at 4:30 PM.

What time is check-out at Maison Panoramique - Charming Stone House perched atop the cliff, Stunning Vista?

Checkout is at 10:30 AM.

Where is Maison Panoramique - Charming Stone House perched atop the cliff, Stunning Vista located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is steps away from Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park, Rignault Museum and Maison de la Fourdonne. Chemin de Halage is 1.6 mi (2.6 km) away.

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 16 out of 21 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 21 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 21 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 21 reviews

Reviews

8/10 Good

Ernst Jan v.

Prachtige locatie met adembenemend uitzicht. Zeer goede voorbereiding door de gastheer/vrouw

We hebben een heerlijke week gehad. Ondanks de zeer toeristische locatie merk je daar bij het huis zelf niets van. Alle rust en privacy. Ook is er, ondanks de auto loosheid van St Cirq, geen enkel probleem qua bereikbaarheid van de woning. Opgewacht door de huisbewaarder konden we makkelijk uitladen en werden we naar de handigste parkeerplaats geleid. Kano varen, grotbezoek en zwemmen in de Lot waren prima tijdverdrijven om de zeer hete dagen door te komen. De uitgebreide informatie map had antwoord op al onze vragen.

10/10 Excellent

Greg P.

Lovely rustic getaway in a picturesque region

My wife and I came to France on our honeymoon, and we spent the bulk of our trip at in Saint-Cirq Lapopie. The property was beautiful, quaint, and true to the photographs we saw of the location. Maison Panoramique proved to be a welcome and cozy retreat, as well as a good home base for our leisurely explorations of the Lot valley and environs. We had a truly lovely time! David and Julia communicated with us well in advance of the trip, providing very useful information and directions. When we arrived, we were met by the local caretaker, Patrick, who was kind and got us oriented right away. Saint-Cirq Lapopie is almost absurdly quaint; it looks like it's out of the opening to Beauty and the Beast! We visited in early June, and although a number of tour groups came and went through town, we didn't find the tourists overwhelming at all. However, I might be more wary of visiting during the peak high season, as I could see how too many tourists might detract from the experience. It's important to note, too, that this is a relatively rustic getaway. Although many modern luxuries are available to visitors (cell reception and wifi connection were surprisingly good!), it's still the countryside, and you can expect to find yourself sweeping away cobwebs, stepping past snails after the rains, and so on. The nearby restaurants were all magnificent, and the proprietors were all friendly and recognized us upon our second visits. If you're hoping to greet the day with a coffee and croissant in the morning, however, do plan to bring your own groceries. Note: pretty much every town in the area shuts down on Sunday, so make sure you do all your shopping before the weekend. We could have easily anticipated this, but I'm mentioning it here on the off-chance that it saves some other travelers a little trouble :-) Thanks for helping make our honeymoon a memory we'll cherish for years to come!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2018

10/10 Excellent

Toby E.

Lovely quiet house with breathtaking views.

Six of us stayed in this lovely house for a week. We arrived on the Bastille day and we’re greeted with a fireworks display over the church that first night. The village is very popular with tourists but within moments of going through the gate into the property you feel very cut off from the rest of the world. It feels a real privilege to step into the quiet lavender path from the shops and restaurants (all excellent incidentally). It’s very convenient for all of the castles and caves you could ever want to visit and the Lot valley itself is beautiful and much less touristy than the Dordogne.
Stayed 7 nights in Jul 2018

10/10 Excellent

Mark C.

Uniquely Spectacular Place to Stay

We had a wonderful time at Maison Pano. It is sited on the edge of a cliff with spectacular views of the beautiful Lot River valley. The terrace is an amazing place to sit for any meal, but especially in the evening. The house has all of the necessary amenities -- full kitchen, TV with French cable, and Julia and David seemingly have thought of everything. I can highly recommend it.
Stayed 6 nights in May 2018
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Philippe C.

un endroit de rêve

Superbe emplacement pour une maison pleine de charme et de générosité
Stayed 4 nights in Oct 2016
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Seth L., Tiburon, CA

A Gem Perched Over the Lot Valley

Our family of 4 adults stayed in this gem for most of a week. The setting is exquisite, the home is comfy and clean with everything you need, and the terraces are spectacular for eating, lounging, and watching the sunrise and sunset. The views from each room are magical. We can't say enough about the beauty, charm, and adventure of this part of the Lot Valley and the nearby Cele Valley. Maison Panoramique is a perfect spot to get to know the area and enjoy the charm of the home and village.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Diane M.

NOT TO BE MISSED

Five friends shared this very unique property for a week in what is truly a beautiful village. I can only reiterate everything that has been already said. The views are breathtaking, to sit on the terrace at dusk and watch the swallows play right at your eye level is astounding, this is because you are truly up so high. Beds are comfortable, Linens are good quality, kitchen is well stocked with everything you need. Patrick was very helpful with any questions we had, and is easy to get hold of if needed. It was wonderful to eat on the terrace and watch the view, you are right in town but so private, it is like your own little secret. We used the outdoor grill and enjoyed cooking one night. There are so many wonderful restaurants in town our favorite was La Cantou. No grocery store so stock up on your way to town and sit back and relax. Lots of lovely little shops. Bring flat shoes the hills in town are steep. Highlight of one of our day trips was a visit to the caves at Pech Merle, very impressive. If you have time on a Sunday have lunch at Restaurant La Terrasse in Grezels. menu of the day and very reasonable but make a reservation. The entire visit was a treat and to stay in such a lovely unique house as Maison Panoramique made it that much more special. I would recommend this to others.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Once in a lifetime experience!

We (2 couples) traveled to St. Cirq during the 3rd week in September, and can't say enough great things about the Maison Panoramique. Its views are unparalleled, and it was wonderful to have our own kitchen (and outdoor grill) to eat some meals in. We loved St. Cirq, and had a great time exploring the surrounding area by car, bike, and even canoe. Great place for folks who are active, or who want a relaxing getaway. This is not an area of France we would have chosen--we won this stay at an auction--but it was wonderful. Great wine, unbelievable food. LOVED IT. I will be recommending to others.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Amy W.

Loved it!

We loved this place! It was an incredible location with an amazing view. It felt private even though it was located right in town. We brought our niece, who is 23, and she enjoyed staying in the private room off of the terrace. There's a great place to do yoga! I loved that you could hear nature sounds and see the stars. It was fun to watch boats on the river below. We cooked some meals in, and the kitchen was well stocked. There are good restaurants in town too (but no groceries). Once we got pizza in town and brought it to the house to enjoy on the terrace. You couldn't ask for a better location to enjoy pizza and wine! It wasn't convenient, in that we had to park outside of the village and walk to the house, but we didn't mind at all. The town is charming. The owners were helpful. We would definitely stay again.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Elizabeth T.

Lovely situation

We had a great two weeks here--plenty to see and do in the area. The house was comfortable but 'rustic' as others have noted, so not too much time spent lounging about inside. The situation of the house makes being inside a great waste anyway! The village is full of good restaurants but be warned: there are no grocery shops within walking distance, so make sure you buy your provisions before arriving at the house for the first time.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nicolas R.

Maison merveilleuse

Cette maison est assez unique : située dans un village magnifique, tout en étant a l'écart de ses visiteurs, elle offre une vue spectaculaire sur la vallée du Lot. Les espaces extérieurs et les plantations sont très agréables. Les aménagements intérieurs et l'équipement de la maison sont très satisfaisants. Nous y avons passé une semaine merveilleuse. Nous la recommandons chaleureusement.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Lea P.

Wonderful getaway

Time spent at Maison Panoramique was the best vacation I've had in years. The house and its site are magnificent, and the Lot and nearby Célé river valleys provide lots of opportunities for exploration and exercise. Though over 70, I was able to negotiate the steep climbs both within and around the village, and after 10 days feel much the better for it. Meanwhile there were plenty of opportunities for my daughter and son-in-law to go off and cycle, rock climb, run rivers, and hike. The Matthews were always responsive, promptly answering any questions we had. In fact, everyone we encountered in the area were, without exception, cheerful and helpful. A wonderful experience in a wonderful community.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

John B.

Spectacular cliffside Medieval stone cottage

After walking through the medieval stone village of St. Cirq Lapopie, we arrived at the base of the magnificent church and walked down the stone path that led us to the gate at Maison Panoramique. As we opened the gate, our senses were overwhelmed by the magnificent vista that greeted us. There is simply no other view in this charming village that can compare with what we enjoyed for our entire stay. The ancient stone house sits perched high on the very edge of a cliff that provides panoramic views of the Lot River far below and the French countryside spread out in postcard fashion. The house is charming and well-equipped. The kitchen has all the tools necessary for preparing gourmet meals to be enjoyed "al fresco" on the beautiful terrace. Although the house has a rustic feel (as you would expect from a stone house 300+ years old) the bedrooms have luxurious antique French linens and the owners provided every comfort to make our stay truly memorable. The village is magical and there was no end to the amazing day trips that took us to prehistoric caves, ancient chateaux, and vineyards. We can't wait to return.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Kathy C., Fullerton, CA USA

Maison Panoramique

This stone cottage property is a bit rustic and quaint. There three terraces are perfect for seeing the most incredible and breathtking views ever! We made several day trips and found coming back to relax with such incredible views and a glass of wine to be just perfect. Visiting in warmer weather is ideal and it's best to be able to walk challenging areas as the city is either straight up or straight down. Dining in St. Cirq is delightful, you can't go wrong.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

8/10 Good

Bev B.

Panoramique Magnifique

The view from this house exceeded our expectations. There was just so much to take in. The house is situated on a bend in the river with cliffs to one side and a lock and weir to the other side. Across the river the farmers are working in the fields and there are glimpses of other villages in the distance. The kitchen was great and was equipped with all essentials. The adjustable inclining beds in the main bedroom were a real surprise. The owner responded to all emails without delay. Saint Cirque Lapopie is a beautiful village and is a great place to spend a week exploring the village and the region. It was so relaxing to come back and spend the last hour or two if daylight just taking in the scenery and activity below us.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Pauline W.

Charming house, majestic village

The Stone house was magnificent, very well equipped with kitchen, dining and lounge room at ground level; attick 3 single beds; basement double bedroom and cottage double bedroom all with views of the majestic Valley and Lot river below. Each bedroom had its own ensuite. The village was beautiful as well as the lovely shops and food. A must see in France.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Benoit C.

Lovely place

Perfect for 2 adults and 3 teenagers. Terrific view in a lovely area. St Cirq is known as "le village preferé des Français" and is a major touristic place. Still, the house and the garden are very quite and we never had the feeling of crowdy village.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Belle M.

Family Trip 2014

We just had a wonderful four days at La Maison Panoramique at St. Cirq de Lapopie. Our experience was exactly what I had hoped for and expected based on the information, photos and previous reviews for this VRBO property. Our impressions were very positive and because we speak French (from Montreal) and previous trips to France we really enjoyed the village locals and shop keepers. They could not have been more open and friendly towards us...they were surprised we were American! We saw very few Americans while we were in Lot and Tarn. Highlights include: we commissioned a painting from a local artist we loved name Danielle Mary and she is sending the painting back to us when she finishes it!; we spent after hours conversing with the lovely dame de crepes after the quaint village was empty of tourists; learned about wine at the Musee de Vins with Emilie and bought some wine and gifts; found Isabelle at the beautiful poterie around the corner; walked all over the riverside, swam in the Lot at a nearby dock, climbed up the limestone cliffs and marveled at the views from our terrace; ate well at several quaint Quercy restaurants with fine food and drinks!! Within 15 km we had several special half-day trips that were enjoyable as well. The home is comfortable and lovely... very special spot. Great for family or two couples--but tough on anyone with osteoarthritis--knee issues or hip pain because the streets and stairs are challenging for the faint of heart. That said... my 87 year old mom loved our trip!
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Laurie S., Brisbane

Paradise

All of our expectations were met and exceeded by this wonderful house and village. The people of the village were very friendly, helpful and accommodating of our fractured attempts at French. The suggested activities (walk along the river, up the hill, visits to Cahors and Chateaux, etc) were all worth doing. Or you could just sit and take in the magnificent views, read a book and then amble up to the village and sample the wonderful French food and wine.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Nancy L., Seattle

The Jewel of the Village

We spent a week in this house, and wanted to stay forever. The view is unbeatable and the village is very charming. When you see the house from below, you cannot believe your good luck - nearly every postcard of the village includes this charming place.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

A Week of Enchantment

My friends and I recently spent a week at Maison Panoramique. From the moment we opened the wooden gate and stared transfixed at the view, we were captivated by this little slice of heaven. And I have to say that the three of us continued to feel that way about the view, every time we saw it. I'm a photographer, and I can't even begin to count how many photographs I took on the beautiful terrace...it would be too embarrassing! The house is nicely set up, with kitchen, eating and living areas on the main floor, and a bedroom and bath downstairs. There is also a loft (steep ladder/stairs not for the faint of heart, but they are very sturdy) with three twin beds and a half bath (toilet and sink). The views from all windows are incredible. This property includes a separate studio, which I claimed as mine. It consists of a bedroom and bathroom (toilet and shower), and washer/dryer. With my friends ensconced in the main house and me in the studio, we all had our separate spaces, and shared the kitchen/living area. It worked out well! The village of Saint Cirq-Lapopie is magical. My camera worked overtime, and I loved every minute of it. There are good shops and restaurants, and we met wonderful new friends while there. Additionally, there are many little villages nearby, and the "big city" of Cahors is also in close proximity. We did a day-long private wine tour around Cahors, which was fabulous! I'd highly recommend this property...we were originally confused because the many reviews for it had disappeared. We found out that the property had been sold a few months after we originally booked it, and the reviews apparently are not transferable. I'm very happy to be the first "new" reviewer of a property that has many fans. In fact, it is known as the crown jewel of the village because of its precarious perch near the church. We took great pride in pointing it out from the other side of the river, every time we drove past! The new owners were very responsive to our questions, and they were a pleasure to work with (as was the prior owner whom we originally contacted). I must mention that the parking lot is uphill and a bit of a trek to those of us who are not used to it. This property (indeed, the entire village) would not be suitable for anyone who has trouble getting around, due to the steep incline up and into it. Otherwise, I'm so pleased to have visited, and cannot wait to return!

About the host

Hosted by Julia Matthews and David Bellinger; local French contacts: Hélène & Patrick

Host profile image

Why they chose this property

We stayed in Maison Panoramique for two weeks and fell in love with the house and the village. We had the uncanny feeling of having come "home." By good fortune, the owners were willing to sell the home and we had no hesitation.

What makes this property unique

Among all the properties for rental in the village, this one alone sits above the river. The house has a large private terrace for outdoor dining, having coffee or wine with family and friends, or simply taking in the spectacular views. The large stone terrace covered by grape vines and overlooking the river with table for dining that seats up to 8 is a wonderful place to sit, socialize, read, and simply enjoy the tranquility and fabulous views. The house offers full amenities including unlimited phone international calls, internet, DVD/CD player, French TV, built in barbecue on terrace, full kitchen.
St Cirq Lapopie is a true Medieval village that has survived into the present and offers a taste of the past. It is a great pleasure to stroll through the charming streets, explore small shops, have a meal in one of several good restaurants, shop at the weekly market, picnic at the nearby beach, or canoe or kayak on the river.
St Cirq Lapopie is considered one of the most beautiful villages in France and the road along the Lot River is said to be the most beautiful 100 km in France. Tour a nearby chateau, go wine tasting at a local vineyard (appellation Cahors), drive through the countryside or visit markets in nearby villages - the possibilities for fun and exploration are seemingly endless.

Languages:

English, French
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