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Charming Dordogne cottage with private terrace, valley views & village amenities

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A stone wall with a small table and chairs, a bottle of wine, and potted plants.
A dining table set for four with chairs, a vase of flowers, a candle, and a bottle of wine.
A living room with a fireplace, a sofa, a chair, and a television.
A bedroom with a large window, a chair, a radiator, and a bed.
A two-story building with a stone archway entrance, a central door, and two windows with shutters.

Reviews

9.2 out of 10
Wonderful

Highlights

  • Games
    A rare find - enjoy a variety of games available on-site.
  • Shop till you drop
    Guests love the location, with top-rated shopping just around the corner.
3 bedrooms1+ bathroomSleeps 6

Popular amenities

  • Patio
  • Barbecue
  • Dryer
  • Refrigerator
  • Internet
  • Bathtub

Explore the area

View map
Villefranche-Du-Périgord, Nouvelle-Aquitaine
  • Place, Maison de la Chataigne
    ‪5 min walk‬
  • Place, Château des Milandes
    ‪32 min drive‬
  • Place, Château de Beynac
    ‪36 min drive‬
  • Airport, Bergerac (EGC-Bergerac - Perigord - Dordogne)
    ‪59 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

3 bedrooms (sleeps 6)

Bedroom 1

1 King Bed

Bedroom 2

1 King Bed

Bedroom 3

2 Single Beds

1 bathroom, 1 half bathroom

Main Bathroom

Soap · Towels provided · Bathtub or shower · Toilet

Toilet

Soap · Towels provided · Toilet

Spaces

Deck or patio
Kitchen
Dining area

About this property

Charming Dordogne cottage with private terrace, valley views & village amenities

An ideal retreat for relaxation.

Coustalou is a charming traditional stone cottage in the historic bastide village of Villefranche-du-Périgord, in the south of the Dordogne’s Périgord Noir.

Sleeping up to six guests, the house has three comfortable bedrooms – two with king-size beds and one twin – making it ideal for couples, families or friends. Step outside onto the secluded private terrace, where you can relax, dine outdoors and enjoy views across the valley.

Although peacefully situated, Coustalou is just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of the village, with shops, cafés, restaurants, bars and the local Tourist Office all close by. On Saturday mornings, the village comes alive for its traditional market – a wonderful place to discover local produce and soak up the atmosphere of rural French life.

Founded in 1261, Villefranche-du-Périgord is the oldest bastide in the Dordogne and retains much of its historic character, with beautiful stone buildings and covered market hall. The surrounding countryside is particularly renowned for walnuts, cèpe mushrooms, foie gras and the highly prized Périgord black truffle.

Coustalou makes an excellent base for discovering both the Dordogne and Lot valleys. Medieval villages and towns including Monpazier, Domme, La Roque-Gageac and Sarlat-la-Canéda are within easy reach, while further afield you can explore some of the region’s best-known attractions, including Rocamadour, the Gouffre de Padirac and the famous prehistoric caves around Montignac.

Closer to home, scenic countryside, woodland and walking trails surround Villefranche-du-Périgord, so you don’t need to travel far to enjoy this beautiful corner of southwest France.

Whether you spend your days exploring medieval villages, browsing local markets, enjoying long lunches or simply relaxing on the terrace, Coustalou offers a peaceful and characterful base from which to enjoy the Dordogne.

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Minimum age to rent: 25
Check out before 10:00 AM
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Children

Children allowed: ages 13–17
Not suitable for children under 13 years.
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed, service animals permitted
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted
The property is suitable for guests aged 13 years and over.
The primary renter must be at least 25 years old.
Pets are not permitted at the property.

Important information

You need to know

Property Registration Number 14004*01
Property # 8105795
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 and a first aid kit
This property has outdoor spaces, such as balconies, patios and terraces, which may not be suitable for children; if you have any concerns, we recommend contacting the property prior to your arrival to confirm that they can accommodate you in a suitable room

About the area

Villefranche-du-Perigord

Located in Villefranche-du-Perigord, this cottage is in a rural area. Château de Bonaguil and Maison du Chapitre are local landmarks, and some of the area's attractions include Perigord en Caleche and Centre Culturel L'Ostal. Kayaking and canoeing offer great chances to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking and mountain biking nearby.
View more Cottages in Villefranche-du-PerigordOpens in a new window
Map
Villefranche-Du-Périgord, Nouvelle-Aquitaine

What's nearby

  • Maison de la Chataigne - 5 min walk - 0.4 km
  • Château de Castelnaud - 30 min drive - 40.7 km
  • Château des Milandes - 32 min drive - 39.7 km
  • Vezere Valley - 34 min drive - 44.2 km
  • Château de Beynac - 36 min drive - 44.8 km

Getting around

  • Villefranche-Du-Périgord Station - 4 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪LA PETITE AUBERGE - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Restaurant Le Fleurie - ‬7 min walk
  • ‪Auberge Des Moulins - ‬15 min drive
  • ‪Perigord en Caleche - ‬10 min drive
  • ‪Aux 4 Saisons - ‬14 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Is Charming Dordogne cottage with private terrace, valley views & village amenities pet-friendly?

No, only service animals are welcome at the property.

How much does it cost to stay at Charming Dordogne cottage with private terrace, valley views & village amenities?

As of 7 October 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Charming Dordogne cottage with private terrace, valley views & village amenities on 6 February 2027 start from NZ$1,138, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.

How much is parking at Charming Dordogne cottage with private terrace, valley views & village amenities?

This property doesn't offer parking.

What time is check-in at Charming Dordogne cottage with private terrace, valley views & village amenities?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Charming Dordogne cottage with private terrace, valley views & village amenities?

Checkout is at 10:00 AM.

Where is Charming Dordogne cottage with private terrace, valley views & village amenities located?

Situated in a rural location, this cottage is 0.3 mi (0.4 km) from Maison de la Chataigne and within 9 miles (15 km) of SauveTerre Museum of Prehistory and Perigord en Caleche. Domaine de Bonaguil and Domaine de Cause are also within 12 miles (20 km).

Reviews

9.2

Wonderful

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. 11 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 5 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

9.0/10

Cleanliness

9.2/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

9.8/10

Location

9.6/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Très beau gite rural

Nous avons passé une excellente semaine dans le Périgord. La maison de Rachel offre une vue incroyable et a très bien été pensée, il ne manque rien. Le village a tous les commerces nécessaires et les locaux sont charmant. Rachel a été une hôte tres accueillante, disponible et à l'ecoute de nos besoin.noNous recomman
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2024
Response from VrboOwner on 5 November 2024
Séverine, Nous vous remercions pour vos précieux commentaires et sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié votre séjour au Coustalou. Nous serions ravis de vous accueillir à nouveau dans le futur.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacances reposantes

Le 1er jour viste a bugne de l aquarium puis le labyrinthe de verre chercher des egnimes super c2ème jour ,a Belves charmant petit village typique et l aprem visite des maison troglotique la découvert puis le muséum et la grotte au sorcier,3ème j les jardin et le chateau decateln
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 23 January 2024
Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez profité des sites historiques locaux de la Dordogne et vous remercions pour votre aimable avis. Nous espérons vous accueillir à nouveau.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Séjour agréable

La région est magnifique, la location est très calme et très bien située. La literie est bonne, la cuisine est bien équipée mais mériterait d'être revue notamment au niveau des verres. L'état général de propreté est acceptable mais pas fignolé (Salon de jardin très sale, récupération de la carte pour les ordures le dernier jour, le ménage est manifestement vite fait...) Nous garderons toutefois un excellent souvenir de notre séjour.
Stayed 3 nights in Aug 2023
Response from VrboOwner on 12 August 2023
Merci pour vos commentaires, je vais discuter de la question des meubles de jardin avec nos nettoyeurs et assurer un nettoyage plus approfondi à l'avenir. Nous réapprovisionnerons les verres manquants. Nous sommes heureux que vous ayez apprécié votre séjour et nous nous efforçons de maintenir des normes élevées pour nos clients.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, communication, location, listing accuracy
Disliked: Check-in

Everything as expected.

Lovely place to stay and enjoy visiting the area. Clean, comfortable and well equipped. The terrace is a plus to relax and enjoy. Despite the heat wave, we had a great time there!
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2022
Response from VrboOwner on 8 January 2023
Thank you for your review and we hope to accommodate you again in the future.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Séjour à Villefranche

Très bonnes vacances dans un village rural calme mais avec toutes commodités. La location est typique et très agréable avec tout le confort nécessaire.
Stayed 21 nights in Jul 2021
Response from VrboOwner on 23 January 2024
Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié votre emplacement à Villefranche-du-Périgord et vous remercions pour votre aimable avis. Nous accueillons votre famille à l'avenir.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Très bonne.

La maison est agréable et confortable. La possibilité d'accéder à la piscine du petit camping qui se trouve non loin de la maison est un plus. La ville est charmante et bien située pour découvrir cette belle région.
Stayed 14 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 January 2024
Merci pour votre aimable avis sur notre emplacement et nous souhaitons la bienvenue à votre famille à Coustalou à l'avenir.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Vacances très sympathiques en Perigord

Charmante maison dans le Perigord dans un joli et typique village. Maison bien équipée , literie excellente, très proche du centre ville, tres calme avec une jolie vue sur un paysage bien vert. Seul dommage le mur en pierre de la terrasse s’était écroulé avant notre arrivée a cause de la sécheresse. Les propriétaires avaient sécurisé mais la terrasse avait perdu un peu de son charme. Neanmoins les vacances ont été très sympa, le region y est pour beaucoup , avec des paysages magnifiques et plein de sites a decouvrir. L’accueil a lui aussi été excellent ; merci a Estelle et Rachel
Stayed 11 nights in Jul 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 January 2024
Nous sommes ravis que vous ayez apprécié votre séjour dans la belle région du Périgord et nous vous accueillerons à nouveau à Coustalou dans le futur.
Verified review

10/10 Excellent

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Séjour très agréable

Découverte des fermes auberges, du Périgord.... région exceptionnelle
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2020
Response from VrboOwner on 23 January 2024
Merci pour votre aimable avis sur notre emplacement et nous souhaitons la bienvenue à votre famille à Coustalou à l'avenir.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Magnifique !

Bravo pour cette location irréprochable : tout était parfait. Mention spéciale à la literie hors pair, nous avons tous dormi comme des loirs 🙂 Maison impeccable : les équipements (pas de télé mais un très bon lecteur de DVD), la batterie de cuisine, le linge, le barbecue ...), la terrasse avec une vue splendide sur une forêt d'arbres, la machine à laver, les canapés ultra confortables ...Toutes les consignes sont minutieusement indiquées, impossible de s'y perdre. Le gros plus : les échanges avec David et Rachel, les propriétaires, très réactifs et attentionnés. Merci pour la très bonne bouteille de vin à l'arrivée 😘 Ne pas hésiter à louer en t. . Vous pouvez louer en toute confiance. Il y a plein de choses à voir autour. Commerces et services tout à côté. Parfait pour nos ados et notre mamie. Merci beaucoup +++
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 23 January 2024
Merci Laurence et Frédéric d'avoir fourni un avis aussi instructif à nos clients, nous espérons vous accueillir à nouveau à Coustalou.
Archival

8/10 Good

Magnifique endroit

Une très belle maison au sein d'un village calme et reposant. Proche des commerces et bénéficiant d'un calme absolu, cette maison possède toutes les qualités. Meublée avec beaucoup de goût , elle comporte tout ce que l'on attend d'une location : confort et commodités. En bref nous reviendrons ! (même si Villefranche est peut être un peu trop calme au goût de nos 2 adolescents...)
Stayed 7 nights in Aug 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
Teenagers can access the local café de la poste for playing pool, pétanque in village swimming at local campsite walking distance, water sports on Dordogne or quad biking a local drive in the car.
Archival

4/10 Poor

Lovely terrace with great view but all in all ...

Lets begin with the good things: a lovely terrace with a great view and enough space inside for a small family. A few minor points however: the house was not clean when we arrived, there was no television (and I love the Tour the France so i had appreciated it if the landlords had told us), there was no wifi (we knew that beforehand) and the matrasses in the two-beds bedroom were below minimum level. So, all in all, we were a bit disappointed.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2017
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
Truly our first negative review in 9 years please read other reviews for accuracy. Wi-Fi and cable tv now installed in 2018. Cleanliness has not been raised previously but will reiterate the importance with our cleaners. The property was inspected by the French Tourisme Board in Perigueux and tourist office in Villefranche-du-Perigord and verified as high standard and comfort and classified accordingly. The property will accommodate 6 people as advertised, two ample sized double bedrooms and one twin-bed room with ample seating interior and exterior for 6-8 people. We strive to provide a comfortable home always and welcome feedback.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

A very peaceful , fantastic place tostay in the Dordogne.

The property is lovely. It had everything you could possibly want including games , books, bbq along with, every conceivable kitchen utensil. The owners provided very detailed instructions as to how to get there,how to get in, how to operate the appliances. It was brilliant. The property is in a gorgeous little village just a few metres along the road. We were also able to use the local campsite facilities too which was lovely.
Stayed 14 nights in Jul 2016
Response from VrboOwner on 18 March 2020
We aim to provide a memorable holiday for all our guests; the campsite provides a large swimming pool and sunloungers only 3-4 minutes walk from the house as described.
Archival

8/10 Good

A Quiet Retreat

I was slightly anxious on arriving in Villefranche after a long car journey across France from Caen but I need not have worried - everything was exactly as we'd been promised in the brochure. Trouble-free access to the key soon gave us entry to the property that was absolutely spotless and clearly well-maintained. We soon discovered that Le Coustalou was indeed a 'home from home'. The next morning on our initial sortie into the village for fresh-baked bread, it became clear that Villefranche was simply perfect for our needs : an ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of working life and offering a splendid centre from which to discover some of the hidden corners of the Dordogne. Shopping was no problem, though it must be acknowledged that large supermarkets were at a fair distance - but the journey was a small price to pay for the benefits of being in such a charming village - besides, the local shops offered most of what we wanted. For one of our party, the highlight was the relative proximity to Perigueux and the closing stage of the Tour de France but for most of us, the best times came from the chance to explore the wonderful hill-top castles and 'bastides' and enjoy the excellent local food and wine. There are superb opportunities for walking and exploring the local area, and for those wanting more energetic activity, much is available within a short radius of the village. A word must be given to the local restaurants which were so welcoming and thoroughly merit the stars they have earned! In fact the warmth of the locals is something that will stay in our memories - the friendly toleration of neighbours and shopkeepers who struggled to understand the manic efforts of our Australian brother-in-law as he manfully tried to resurrect his schoolboy French of 50 years ago was a sheer delight to behold! That warmth and friendliness was felt from the very outset with our contact with owners, Rachel and David: their service was simply the best - prompt accurate information came our way and the financial arrangements were just as well organised (including the meticulous deposit refund). I could not fault it in any way. I sit now on a damp grey October evening thinking back over a wonderfully relaxing holiday, and in my imagination can still feel the warmth of the evening sun as I sit on the terrace of le Coustalou nursing a chilled glass of rose - Villefranche has worked its charm on me and I shall look back to returning at some point in the future
Archival

8/10 Good

The Quiet Life

This was the perfect location for a relaxing holiday in rural France. The village is well placed for lots of sightseeing in the Dordogne area. The terrace is excellent for wining and dining and the views are superb. The village is exceptionally quiet and traditional, as is the property. An excellent and relaxing stay. Many Thanks.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

Cozy, family friendly home

Everything was "just right" about this old-style house on the edge of the village. We could sit on our balcony and stare out over the hills in the twilight pretending we were alone or in minutes walk to the center of a thriving small town. Our young teenagers loved the proximity of the campground, where we were able to arrange use of the pool in exchange for buying a few drinks. The auberge at the top of the hill affords a delicious meal - though you should get there by 8:30 if you don't want to incur a grump from Madame. All the beauties of the region are within an easy drive.
Archival

10/10 Excellent

FABULOUS HOLIDAY AT THIS GITE

We have had a fantastic holiday at this lovely gite. We loved being so close to the village with all the amenities on our doorstep and took full advantage of all the community activities that were taking place during our stay in the market place. We enjoyed using the local campsite pool which was very good value for the price of an ice-cream or 2. The owners of the campsite were very friendly and welcoming. There were so many lovely places to visit and we enjoyed doing some of the local circular walks. We also enjoyed meals and sitting reading on the sunny terrace, with beautiful views over the countryside and even watching shooting stars late at night. Having been to many gites in France, this was by far the best- clean, well equipped and ideally located. Although there was no dishwasher, we did not find this a problem and even found we enjoyed sharing the washing up! The owners have been very helpful at every stage in the process of booking, providing detailed information and prompt responses to queries. We would definitely recommend this gite and hope to return again soon.
Verified review

8/10 Good

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy
Stayed 21 nights in Aug 2025

About the host

Hosted by Rachel Watts

Host profile image
After many holidays exploring different parts of France, we discovered the Dordogne in 2007 and were completely charmed by it — the beautiful countryside, fascinating history, wonderful food and wine, and, above all, the relaxed pace of life.

We eventually decided we'd love to have a place of our own here and were lucky enough to find Coustalou. Over the years we've gradually made it our home from home, while keeping the character and charm that made us fall in love with it in the first place.

We still live and work in England, but spend our holidays here whenever we can. We love sharing Coustalou with guests and hope they enjoy not just the house, but the slower, more relaxed way of life that first drew us to this part of France.

We're also slowly improving our French — although our school French has required rather more rescuing than we'd care to admit!

Why they chose this property

Villefranche-du-Périgord sits at the southern tip of the Dordogne, close to the borders of both the Lot and Lot-et-Garonne, which makes it a wonderful base for exploring three beautiful and very different parts of southwest France.

We love being able to step outside the door and walk to the village shops, cafés, restaurants and Saturday market, while having beautiful countryside, rivers, walking trails and historic villages all around us.

There's an incredible amount to discover nearby — from castles, bastide towns and prehistoric sites to canoeing, swimming, markets and some fantastic places to eat. Sarlat, Domme, Monpazier and the impressive Château de Biron are all within easy reach, as are the beautiful Lot Valley, Puy-l'Évêque and Cahors. Head into Lot-et-Garonne and you'll find picturesque hilltop villages and bastide towns such as Monflanquin and Penne-d'Agenais. Whichever direction you choose, there are countless villages and places to discover along the way.

What really made Villefranche special for us, though, was its sense of community. It's a living, welcoming village rather than simply a holiday destination, and after all these years we still love coming back. We feel incredibly fortunate to have found Coustalou here.

What makes this property unique

What we love most about Coustalou is its location on the edge of Villefranche-du-Périgord — peaceful and private, with beautiful countryside views, yet only a few minutes' walk from the heart of the village.

The house has a secluded private terrace overlooking the valley and surrounding countryside, making it a wonderful place for breakfast, an evening meal or simply relaxing with a glass of wine and enjoying the view.

Coustalou is a characterful traditional stone house that we've gradually made into a comfortable home from home, with spacious bedrooms and king-size beds. The village shops, cafés, restaurants and Saturday market are all within easy walking distance, so it's perfectly possible to enjoy village life without having to use the car.

There's also a large outdoor swimming pool just a few minutes' walk away. Outside the summer months, the area has a completely different charm, with peaceful walks, cosy evenings around the log fire and seasonal events such as Villefranche's chestnut festival.

For us, what makes Coustalou special is that combination: peace, privacy and countryside views, with everything the village has to offer just a short walk away.

Languages:

English, French
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