m a i s o n r o u x
Maison Roux is our fabulous home in the bucolic southwestern French countryside. There is a long and very good story associated with our love affair with this region of France, but we will save that for another time and place. What we do want you to know is that some of our more persistent clients have finally twisted our arms to make Maison Roux available for year-round rental by the week.
In brief, Maison Roux is a 13th C limestone house located in the
ramparts of one of the most charming fortified hilltop
villages in France. With killer views of the Boudyssou Valley, it
is approximately 2500 SF on three full floors and features 5 bedrooms
and 3.5 baths (sleeps 10 in beds). With 11' ceilings on the first 2
floors, huge windows with amazing light, and soothing neutral colors to
complement the limestone walls, Maison Roux has been totally redone
inside and out. We have furnished it with an elegant mixture of
antiques, vintage and contemporary pieces, kitted out with all the
wonderful "necessities" of life...fabulous beds, luxurious linens, large
fluffy towels, good wine glasses...you get the picture. In other
words, we have done it up for ourselves, but you, too, can share the
experience.
You literally will gasp aloud when you first glimpse the medieval limestone ramparts of the 13th century Royale Bastide that is home to
Maison Roux. Spiraling up from the lush countryside, the road twists and
turns its way to the lovely central square anchored by 2 restaurants. Literally around the corner from the square, the ancient stone facade of Maison Roux welcomes you to medieval times. With its freshly-painted blue
shutters, flowering window boxes and olive trees flanking the front
door, it will make you think you have traveled back in time and in a very real
sense, you have!
Open the door to the breathtaking effect of 800 year old limestone walls, 11'
hi beamed ceilings and contemporary design. Here, multi-textural
surfaces combine with striking antiques to present a luxurious and
quietly-elegant refuge. Stride across the terracotta-tiled floors and
open the 6' hi windows to discover the incredible view to the valley
below. Sink deeply into the butter-soft handmade leather sofa. Open the
bottle of wine that awaits you and celebrate your arrival. For this is
only the beginning.
Experience the vacation of a lifetime in the "Quercy Blanc," the
undiscovered part of Southwest France. Two short hours east of Bordeaux and
90 minutes NW of Toulouse, Maison Roux provides a sumptuous base of
operations from which to explore and savor the many pleasures that
comprise "la vie campagne" (the country life). Designed and decorated to
the highest of standards, Maison Roux will delight your every sense.
6 hours south of Paris, Maison Roux
sits at the crossroads of the most
gorgeous river valleys in France.
This is, in our humble opinion, France's most beautiful corner and one that remains undiscovered by Americans. Rolling green hills, steep white cliffs, cream-colored limestone farmhouses, medieval hilltop villages, bustling open air markets, lush vineyards, sunflowers as far as the eye can see, and generally impeccable weather make this area a treat in all seasons. It's a place where you can do, do, do or do nothing at all. Superb food and wine, including black truffles, foie gras, duck and the ancient black wine of Cahors make this a destination for discerning country gourmets.
At 3 hours from the Atlantic, 3 hours from the Mediterranean, and 3 hours from the Pyrenees,
you are never far from your
heart's desire.
But perhaps the best part of all is that you don't need to be competent in French to have a rollicking good time at Maison Roux. People in the SW are the gentle French...kind, considerate, welcoming of Americans, and always ready with a smile and a helping hand. Those of you who have experienced only arrogant Parisians have much to look forward to. And because we know that many Americans are a tiny bit timid to venture so far afield into the French countryside, we have taken all of the guesswork out of it.
Working with friends and colleagues in and around our area, we have developed a fabulous cadre of custom side trips and immersion experiences that we have dubbed "Elemental France"©. Available exclusively to our guests and led by our trusted multilingual friends and local residents, Elemental France© outings provide you with a personal and unique insight into French countryside life, the likes of which you would never be able to experience on your own. We've taken years of seeking out the best of local life, condensed it down, and refined it so that you can experience in one or two weeks what it has taken us years of work to discover.
For more details on staying at Maison Roux, including information on our 2013 Elemental France© offerings, please call or email us at 203-263-6500 or tracey@theelementalgarden.com. Here's a sample just to whet your appetite.
Beautiful Bastides...take a private tour of two of the most sensational fortified 13th C hilltop towns in the area, personally chosen for their storybook houses, ancient churches, dramatic views, charming shops and fabulous photo ops. Steep in the historical and architectural marvels that make these the most special bastides in the area.
The Artisanal Quercy
...wander the fields of a private lavender farm, discover the centuries' old magic of this special herb, pick the fragrant blooms, and transform dried lavender into fragrant sachets to bring home for gifts. Then, meet the girls...200 snowy white goats at Bérnard's local chevre farm as you learn the secrets of artisanal cheese-making. Top off the day with a personal petting session at the very special donkey rescue haven, supported in part by Brigitte Bardot.
The Secret Vineyards of Cahors
...experience an insider's view of winemaking in the ancient Cahors' vineyards as you visit and taste your way around some very special and private Chateaux of "Black Wine" country. Lunch among the vines with a sumptuous gourmet Quercynoise picnic and dream of owning your own vineyard some day.
Medieval Castles and Ruins
...marvel at the work of medieval stone masons as you wander some of the most beautiful chateaux in the world. Learn the history, view the grandeur, and experience the amazing towns that lie at the feet of these great castles. Or pair one chateau with a fabulous listed garden.
The Ancient City of Cahors...embark on an action-packed visit to the Capital City of the Lot, home to the most visited venue in France outside of Paris. Begin your day shopping for take-home treasures at the large and diverse market. Sip a café creme at the Place Gambetta while watching rainbows dance in the fountains. Marvel at the ancient cathedral and cloisters, view the Roman Bath ruins, get lost in the narrow back alleyways of the ancient quarter. Savor foie gras overlooking the magnificent Pont Valentré, discover the secret city gardens, experience a special wine-tasting venue, and learn from a master sommelier about the ancient black wine of Cahors.
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Le Grand Séjour at Maison Roux
50 Mile View from Maison Roux
Sensational Limestone Villages
Sunflower Fields of the Quercy
Medieval Castles and Ruins
The Ancient City of Cahors
Bérnard`s Beautiful Bébés
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