Cassagnal

The Pigeonnier is a pretty two bedroom house, converted from a pigeon house, where pigeons used to be encouraged to come and nest. They were then used as a source of eggs, food and fertiliser. It is across the courtyard from our house, where we live with our 3 boys and 2 small, friendly dogs. Outside live chickens, pigs, and maybe other animals, depending on the time of year.

We are close enough to help you with any local knowledge, book restaurants or other activities for you, or make any 'phone calls for you in French, but far enough away not to intrude on your holiday. We run a business from home, so are usually around if needed, but working so we're out of the way!

The road ends just after our house so the only passing traffic is the postman and children can roam freely.

Our grounds include fields rolling down to a pond with a small island and rowing boat: perfect for playing pirates or paddling. There are fish to be fed (or fished, though they are too small and trusting for proficient fishermen). The pond is deep and not fenced, so children must be supervised if they are playing there.

There is a flat area, ideal for playing football (we have balls and goal posts), or badminton, and a boules pitch for more gentle exercise.

The large saltwater swimming pool is shared with the owners. It may not be open during the low season: please check if this is important for your enjoyment.(It is usually open all the time it is warm enough for our boys to swim: it's unlikely you'll be hardier than them).While the pool conforms to new French safety standards, as with all swimming pools it can pose a risk to young children. We know that shared pools can put some people off: we can either arrange specific times when we'll use the pool or, which we usually do, just avoid going in the pool when you're in it or resting around it: we love going to the nearby bathing lakes.

At the moment we have pigs and chickens and you are welcome to hunt for eggs (and then eat them), and help feed the greedy pigs.(We may have different animals by next summer: please ask for our plans if it's important to you).

We have a selection of bicycles to borrow (adult and child), and the woods around are full of paths ideal to explore either on foot or by bicycle. We can provide directions and local maps.

The dogs are border terriers, our childrens' pets and completely trustworthy. Although they are friendly and, if you like dogs, will respond to interest shown in them; if you ignore them they'll leave you alone.

In the barn there is a ping pong table, table football and a selection of children's toys: for those days when it rains or is too hot to play outside.(Either of which are possible!)

We have the keys to the local tennis courts and can lend you rackets and balls.