Contensou

• Two adjacent gîtes set in 30 ha of secluded land
• Sleeps up to 9 (5+4) in 3 rooms (inc sofa beds)
• Off-road location for peace and privacy
• St Antonin Noble Val & Aveyron Gorge within 5km.
• Woodland walks featuring play area
• Exclusive 8 x 4m irregular shaped pool with alarm

Contensou comprises two self-contained barn conversions, similar in style, which both open onto the Swimming Pool terrace as seen in the picture

Contensou is in a very private and peaceful location with nearly 100 acres to explore. This is managed by the Owners to maintain woodland, woodland tracks and to conserve the natural history within it. Contensou is a family-friendly property and will appeal to two families or couples holidaying together.

The Gîtes are also available to let separately - please see their respective pages on this site.

Contensou is within a couple of miles of the spectacular Aveyron Gorge, with the delightful riverside town of St Antonin Noble Val the nearest shopping centre. It is also within easy reach of the historic towns of Montauban and Moissac.

The Owners pride themselves on their gîtes always being ready, and bookings can be made at very short notice.

Gîte Lavande - Sleeps up to 5 people in a Double and a Triple room. Gîte Fleur - Sleeps up to 4 in a Triple bedroom plus a Sofabed

Gite Lavande

Guests enter Lavande into the open plan Sitting / Dining/ Kitchen space with many of the original timber beams visible and the traditional large fireplace with a wood burner. This pleasant airy room has shuttered windows on the south and north side so remains fresh at all times.

The Sitting Area has comfortable seating around the fireplace, and a large Dining table seating six sits between this and the Kitchen area.

Various ornaments complement the rural nature of Lavande, and there is an upright piano in one corner.

The Kitchen is based around a straight run of units behind a low wall which makes a low division across the room and includes a hob and oven and refrigerator along with a selection of Utensils. The low wall is topped to function as a breakfast bar, and bar stools make this informal dining facility work well. A Small Utility room contains a Washing Machine and a Microwave oven.

The Shower room with basin and WC is located behind the kitchen area.

The Triple Bedroom with a Double and Single bed is through a door beside the Shower room. From the Dining area, a steep Ladder-type staircase leads up to the Mezzanine Double bedroom.

Gite Fleur

The Ground Floor of Fleur is an Open Plan Sitting / Dining / Kitchen area, with many of the original timber beams visible, and ornaments complementing the rural nature of Contensou.

The large fireplace with a wood burner has a Sofa bed in front of it, with ample space to open it out if it is used as a bed.

A small Breakfast Bar with stools divides this area from the Kitchen / Dining area. The corner kitchen is equipped with Hob and oven, Fridge/Freezer, Microwave oven and a range of utensils. The Dining Table for 4 is by the kitchen.

The Washing Machine is also located in the Kitchen area. A small storeroom and a shower room with basin and WC complete the Ground floor.

Steep stairs lead up to the spacious mezzanine Triple bedroom, with a Double and Single bed. From this mezzanine, a door opens onto an east-facing balcony with steps down to the pool terrace.

The balcony is perfect for breakfast and is also a great vantage point to supervise Outdoors

Between the two gites are some mature trees that have tables with shades around them making a very pleasant shaded area.

The Pool terrace has the walls of the gîtes on two sides and low walls on the other two sides aiding security. There is ample space and poolside furniture provided to enjoy this area.

The Swimming pool is an irregular shape, measuring 8 x 4m overall, and has an alarm system. There are Roman steps, and water purity is maintained with chlorine.

Beyond the pool, the terrace is a dedicated barbecue block fuelled by charcoal, and the original well for Contensou has been thoughtfully converted to an alfresco dining table.

A large grassed area - some 2-3ha (5-7 acres) - then surrounds the gîtes, with swings and climbing frames for the younger members of the party, before the edge of the woodland is reached: All can be watched from the pool terrace.

Paths lead through the woodland allowing Guests to explore the natural history that abounds in the woodland and can provide much entertainment to those interested in nature and the environment

Immediately around Contensou, the area is level and gently undulating and so suitable for exploring by bicycle or on foot. For those seeking testing cycling, there are some stiff climbs up and down the nearby Aveyron Gorge, and it is no surprise that the Tour de France is regularly routed through this area. 

A short drive away at the crest of the hill is a viewing point for the Aveyron Gorge, and after viewing the spectacular rock formations, the road continues down into the gorge to the village of St Antonin Noble Val.

This is one of a number of picturesque medieval villages along the River Aveyron and among these Bruniquel is listed among 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France'. This part of the gorge heralds the start of a large area of plunging valleys and spectacular scenery, with many associated activities including canoeing, fishing, climbing and more readily available, along with some challenging walks.

Further afield, the attractive towns of Montauban with its pink stone and Moissac with its noted architecture and stone carving in L'Abbé de St Pierre make an interesting visit. The large aerospace capital of Europe, Toulouse, is also an easy drive from Contensou, and there is more information and links to cities, towns and villages at the top of this page.

In this part of France, you are never far from vineyards and wineries, and there are many wineries offering tastings and direct sales.

Among the vineyards, there are many other crops grown, mainly sunflowers and cereals, but also vegetables, soft fruit orchards and nut groves will be seen.

These and many other local products are available from artisan producers at weekly markets held in most villages and towns. Septfronds has its market on Wednesday, and St Antonin Noble Val on a Sunday: A list of other markets is under The Area information above.

Some attractions aimed at the younger family members are listed under The Area above.