Half a mile away from the historic center of Sarlat (the Pearl of the Perigord), in a private park of 3 wooded hectares, sit 8 timbered guesthouses - Au Pre de L'Arbre. Each well-sited cottage is carefully decorated and immaculately clean, and features wifi internet, modern kitchens and bathrooms, and outdoor porches, from which to enjoy the surrounding forest of tall pines and the gentle southwest-sloping landscape.

Our holiday resort, which enjoys the "Grand Confort ****" label, is just an easy 15-minute walk from downtown Sarlat through the bucolic countryside, and features a large in-ground saltwater swimming pool (8 x 17 m), a petanque field, children's games, friendly and knowledgeable service, and plenty of open space, peace and quiet.
Your hosts, Marc and Nathalie, are friendly and engaging, and very knowledgeable about the culture, history and ecology of the local region and Sarlat itself. They are equally at home recommending the best of the many Sarlat bistros, to discussing walking excursions in the countryside, or driving tours of historical sites.

These are our holidaymakers say it best ...

We have just come back from two wonderful weeks spent « Au Pré de l’arbre » situated within walking distance (about 15 minutes) of the historic and picturesque town of Sarlat. The accommodation was excellent ; the log houses are clean, well equipped with enough space between each house to ensure privacy and enjoy the outdoor seating area provided with each house. The location is ideal in the hot summer months as the 9 houses are situated in a pine woodland and stay cool even when the temperature is 35°. Beautiful clean salt water swimming pool which the children loved. There’s also a play area for children and ping pong tables. So many things to do and see close to SARLAT ; castles, gardens, cycling, walking,boating... two weeks wasn't enough ! A big thank you to Nathalie and Marc for making this a wonderful family holiday location which we thoroughly recommend.

Rebecca FALLAI - séjour du 3 au 17 août 2013
Though we spent an amazing week in Dordogne, it was not long enough! We basedourselves in Sarlat, an exceptional Perigord medieval village, because it is an ideal place in terms of being close to many of the famous surrounding sites. We stayed at Au Pre de L'Arbre in Sarlat, which is a beautiful forest property with 6 different chalets. These chalets are completely self-catering, independent houses, totally equipped with anything you'd ever need. We loved it as our "home away from home." We rented the house called Les Charmes and couldn't be happier there. It is impeccably clean, wired with high-speed internet and well, we appreciated that there was a dishwasher because while we did relax and lounge around there, this was a time-saving element, as we didn't have to hand wash dirty dishes during our vacation. You also have a washing machine to do your own clothes and really, all the stuff you get in a hotel and more. Our house had two bedrooms and although we were just two people, it could have easily accommodated a family of four. (I think there are 2 houses that sleep 8 people.)

There's a huge pool that overlooks a valley and is surrounded by trees, a perfect and calm place to chill in between your travel excursions. The owners, Marc and Nathalie were lovely and hospitable, and are at your disposal offering travel tips and places of great interest in the area.

One of the best points of staying here is that you have so many magnificent points of interest to choose from - near Au Pre de L'Arbre. So much so, that if you are only there for a short while, you must choose carefully! It will be hard to decide. What's near? The fabulous caves including the Lascaux prehistoric cave drawings, many many villages deemed, "The Most Beautiful in France" (La Roque Gageac, Beyrac, Collonges La Rouge, etc.) as well as the incredible collection of historic monuments, castles, fortresses and more. Additionally this region's world renown wine speaks for itself and if you're a wine buff, you can't go wrong here. If historical monuments are not your thing, you can go
the foodie route. The food of the southwest, with its rich duck dishes, sausages and mouthwatering cassoulet, is to die for and of course, this area is quite known for its foie gras. That said, if you're not about that, you do have other choices!

The village of Sarlat itself, where where Au Pre de L'Arbre is situated, is no shabby choice either. It is steeped in historical awe and beauty and is alive with people, street musicians, local fare, artists and amazing views.

If you do decide to explore this wonderful area of southwest France, please do check out Au Pre de L'Arbre. It is a perfect alternative to staying in a boring hotel if you have kids or even if you don't. You can chat with the owners, learn about the region from insiders and practice your French if you so desire. (They speak English here too, so don't worry if you don't speak French.)
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