RANCHO ESCARGOT welcomes you to a very special area of southwestern France. Just two hours from either Bordeaux or Toulouse and only about a four hour train ride south of Paris brings you to an area only known by the most ardent Francophiles. We are in the north of Department (46) LOT, at the heart of the Haut-Quercy.
Our Suite d’Hôte (B&B) is located just above the magnificent, 11th century village of Carennac, in the tranquil hamlet of Magnagues. For your personal comfort we provide a private, well appointed, one bedroom suite which is the perfect home-base for your exploration & discovery of our region. Centrally located, we are within a 30 minute drive radius of many pre-historical sites and some of the most beautiful medieval villages in all of France.
Mankind has inhabited this region know as the ‘Haut-Quercy’ for over 450,000 years. The area was home to both Cro-Magnon & Neanderthal man and the finest prehistoric cave paintings ever created are located here. The region’s pristine medieval villages will magically transport you back to the time of the Knights Templar and the Crusades. Recreational activities abound; take a kayak trip or fly-fish on the Dordogne River, explore the villages and countryside by foot, bike or horseback. Discover true French country cuisine that will delight even the most discriminating palate.
Rancho Escargot - we're located in the heart of Aquitaine's 'plus beaux' Haut-Quercy region
The French government has generated an official list of 148 'plus beaux' villages within the 65 French Departments. They protect & consider these villages' France's most beautiful and they certainly are all true national treasures.
Within a comfortable 10 to 45 minute drive radius of Rancho Escargot there are eighteen of these ‘plus beaux villages' ... that's better than 10% of the entire List!
Your Hosts: Martine & Jack Tobin
Martine is originally from France & the Haut-Quercy and Jack from the Hawaiian Islands. Married in France 26 years ago, both have enjoyed successful international careers in the hotel & tourism industries. Just 3 years ago, they left Southern California to return to both family and friends in the Haut-Quercy and made Rancho Escargot their primary residence.
"Martine & I welcome your visit. Only 30 minutes from the Brive la Gaillarde train station, our location is in the commune of Carennac. Here, it is not the length but the quality of your stay that is most important to us. Whether you simply require overnight accommodation or would like us to arrange your complete holiday itinerary we are pleased to be of service. Custom holidays can be arranged to include: Train station or airport arrival transfers, suite accommodation, daily breakfasts & dinners, sightseeing and activities tailored to your specific interests -- all with local knowledge and English speaking guide services. We know and love exploring the Haut-Quercy and are pleased to share this experience with new friends." à bientôt, Jack
For further information on Rancho Escargot and our region please visit our BLOG at: http://www.ranchoescargot.com/