Spacious riverside room(s) in Varen, St. Antonin

A peaceful haven for creative and outdoor pursuits, on the banks of the swimmable river Aveyron. 74kms from Toulouse as the crow flies, you're ideally placed to explore this exceptionally beautiful and historically fascinating region of SW France. Varen is a charming medieval village, with bar, market, shops and an excellent restaurant. Ancient fortified towns and all the pleasures of the Gorges de l’Aveyron are nearby; sporting, food, literature and music events occur throughout the year. Enjoy the charm of the old, combined with contemporary comforts. An original wooden staircase leads to accommodation on the first floor of a 19th century stone ‘maison de village’. 'Blue Poppy' room (5m x 3m) overlooks the gardens leading down to the river. Comfortable double bed (140 x 200 cm) with ample light, storage and space to relax. Sole use of separate toilet/ shower room. Salon with desk and yoga mats for your use on the same floor. Travellers are welcome to use the gardens - where there are table tennis, badminton and picnic facilities. Downstairs kitchen; tea and coffee making facilities, plus fridge. (It's possible to book a second room for friends/ family - double and twin configurations. Please contact the host with your requirements). A breakfast buffet is provided between 7.30 and 9.30 am. Spacious dining and kitchen facilities downstairs for tea/ coffee making and picnic prep. For evening meals, there are plenty of dinner choices in Varen, St. Antonin and surrounds. Table d’Hote information available on request. Maison d'Aigle is a vibrant home - guests are welcome and encouraged to play the good-quality piano, paint, write, plant, harvest etc. and to make the most of this special place. Deborah is an enthusiastic explorer of the wonderful territory of the Tarn et Garonne, which is also new to her. Happy to pass on information and ideas. Please note that English is my first language. My French is hesitant at the moment - but improving! Timeless Varen village is characterful all year round. Good local amenities (pharmacy, bar, supermarket), the wonderful Moulin restaurant, a Saturday morning market and summer festivities, including music, village feasts and vide grenier. It’s ideally placed for wider exploration of the Golden Triangle (Toulouse-Montauban-Albi), and one of a string of medieval and bastide towns along the spectacular Gorges de l’Aveyron. The area is great for walking, hiking, wild swimming, horse-riding, climbing and canoeing through the beautiful limestone Causse. Buzzy St. Antonin, with its cinema and photogenic Sunday market, is just 10 minutes away; cycling or easy driving on good roads to numerous Beaux Villages: Cordes sur Ciel, Najac, Bruniquel and Penne (for starters) – familiar backdrops to the Tour de France. There’s plenty for art lovers, too, notably Albi and the wonderful Toulouse Lautrec museum, just a 40 min drive through sunflowers and the Gaillac vineyards. The stunning Pierre Soulages museum is in Rodez, 70 min away – stop off at the quirkily perfect village of Belcastel en route. Lexos train station is 5 minutes from the house, with four trains a day in and out of Toulouse. Closest airports are Toulouse (90 mins), Carcassonne (120 mins) and a smaller airport in Rodez (75 mins away, which hosts some international flights). The roads are excellent in Tarn et Garonne and, with so much to explore, you’ll benefit from having a car. Parking is free and convenient in Varen; there are two electric charging points in the main street. From Matabiau train station in Toulouse, there are four trains per day arriving at Gare de Lexos, a short 5 minute drive from Varen. Pick up can be arranged with your host. The train service is even more frequent to Caussade (30 mins away). From there, try Abberic taxis. Bicycles can be stored in a lock-up garage. Maison d’Aigle has some basic men's and ladies' bikes you’re welcome to hire for local jaunts. Sanitary precautions are respected. For as long as the pandemic lasts, a 24-hour gap between bookings is guaranteed to ensure deep cleaning and peace of mind. Hand sanitizer is provided.