Category Archives: Nature

From Sunshine to Hedgehog Havens: Behind the Scenes of a Greener La Maison Louverie

Posted on by

While the Dordogne sun is finally warming the soil and our terrace is calling for apéros, we’re still very much in “behind the scenes” mode at La Maison Louverie. This year, that means taking real, practical steps to make your holiday home more comfortable and more sustainable for the long term.

Part 2: Super double glazed windows, Less Energy Waste

This week we completed part 2 of our “making Louverie more eco‑friendly” with installing five new windows certified NF–FCBA ACOTHERM n°87.1 A3 E7B VA2 Uw: 1.6 incl. Periglass 25 S2 CEKAl 627.

In normal-people terms, that means:

  • Periglass 25: Brand + thickness (25 mm total glass unit).
  • S2: Safety glass class 2 – tempered or laminated for impact resistance.
  • CEKAl: French CEKAL certification mark (since 1989) guaranteeing:
    • Thermal performance (low U-value, good insulation).
    • Air/water/wind tightness (matches your NF-FCBA A3 E7B VA2 ratings).
    • Durability + quality controls on manufacturing.​
  • The Uw 1.6 value describes the overall insulation of the window; the lower this number, the better it keeps heat in.
  • 627: Internal product/reference code (thickness combo or spec variant).

In layman terms: High-quality French-certified double/triple glazing – safe, insulated, storm-proof. -Energy sufficient-

Planting a Future Park: 28 New Trees

Just as the sun started warming the ground – and just before the rain returned – we went outside with spades and muddy boots and planted 28 new trees.

Among them:

  • 14 walnut trees
  • 1 fig tree
  • 1 small pine
  • And a mix of other young trees to add variety and shade

We planted them outside the main fenced garden, with the idea of slowly creating a park‑like environment around La Maison Louverie. This will take time, of course, but each sapling is a small promise for more shade, more birds, more colour, and more life in the years to come.

Why Our Field “Chaos” Is on Purpose

If you look closely, behind the fence and further away from the property, you’ll notice something we don’t do: we don’t burn our heaps of garden waste.

Instead of sending weeds, branches and cuttings up in smoke, we:

  • Create piles of branches and green waste in selected corners.
  • Let them slowly break down and create their own micro‑climate.
  • Allow moisture to stay in the ground longer, which is very welcome in dry periods.

These piles:

  • Become a beautiful feeding and shelter area for the new trees as the material decomposes.
  • Offer a safe haven for small wildlife: hedgehogs, rabbits, insects and many other small creatures that share the land with us.

It may look a little like chaos at first glance, but nature rarely grows in straight lines. Out of this “chaos” comes a quieter kind of order – and a healthier ecosystem around the house.

Sunshine on the Roof: Our Solar Panels in Numbers

On the roof, our 32 solar panels continue to work away quietly whenever the Dordogne sun shines.

So far, they have helped us save around 2243 kg of CO₂ emissions, which is roughly equal to 90,733 km driven in a small car – kilometres powered by sunshine instead of fossil fuels. (If you’re curious, we share more about this under the “Sustainability” menu on our website.) It’s not perfect, and we are still learning, but every kilowatt-hour of solar power is one more step in the right direction.

When You Can Experience It All: 2026 Dates

When you stay at La Maison Louverie, you don’t have to choose between comfort and caring for the planet. The better windows mean a cosier house, the solar panels quietly turn Dordogne sunshine into electricity, and the “wild” corners in our field give hedgehogs and other small animals a safe place to live. You can simply enjoy your holiday, knowing that your stay supports gentle choices for this little corner of France.

If you’d like to see all this for yourself – here are the weeks we still have available in April, May and June, plus the post‑19 September period and our favorite month, October:

  • April: From 17 till the 27th
  • May: From the 10th till the 14th – the 17th till the 24th
  • June: From the 20th till the 24th – and the 29th till the 4th of July
  • From 19 September onwards:
  • October Our most beautiful month: soft light, warm days, cool nights)

You can always find the most up‑to‑date availability on our website: www.lamaisonlouverie.com

Spring Awakening at La Maison Louverie: Behind the Scenes

Posted on by

Saturday, March 7, 2026 @ 10:30 CET

Like Périgord bears waking from winter sleep, we at La Maison Louverie have emerged after weeks of biting cold and frost. Then came storms Nils and Pedro — read our full story here. Suddenly, our first spring burst forth: yellow butterflies dancing, magnolias blooming, soft white flowers blossoming. We’re now pruning fruit trees in T-shirts instead of fleece, with March sun hitting 22°C (mostly 16-19°C).

Waking the Grounds

We’re clearing trees toppled by Storm Nils. We are mindfully pruning the orchard before birds nest. Although it means less fruit overall, the remaining fruit grows bigger and stronger. With summer storms, some of which are spectacular with electric thunderstorms. Un-pruned branches grow too long. They bear too much weight and snap under wind gusts building from our lower valley fields. We are always eco-friendly. We skip regional burn practices. Instead, we pile branches into hedges for shade, moisture, and homes for hedgehogs, bunnies, and other wildlife. Keep an eye on our blog for more about our environmental friendliness and sustainability efforts.

House & Gîte Revival

We open the shutters, so the house warms naturally with March sun — and they’re soon to be freshly painted. We clear the gutters and do a full spring-clean. Barns get cleared for the season. We’re adding and refreshing new things inside our 4‑star gîte. The pool area is prepped, and new features are arriving. Gardens are raked, with raspberries budding. Bedrooms are fluffed and almost ready for guests.

Guest Plans & Pride

Super proud to welcome returning and new guests (and of course their furry family members — dogs always welcome!) for their stays. Our biggest compliment? Greeting guests with a royal jester saying “Welcome home” at the door. La Maison Louverie is a home away from home. (8–10 guests and dogs come for free)

We’re working hard to get our new reveal out — finalizing plans and turning ideas into reality. We’re so eager to share what’s been waiting for you. This is for you as a returning guest. It is also for new guests. Additionally, it’s for those who might become our guests soon. However, we need just a few more steps before telling the world (and our booked guests) WHAT AWAITS!

Your Spring Availability

Entire private gîte open:

  • April: Until 27th
  • May: 10th–14th and 18th–24th
  • June: 20th–24th
  • July: 29th June–4th July
  • Autumn Bliss: After 19th September through October (our most beautiful months!)

Stay Updated: Subscribe to our blog for behind‑the‑scenes, Dordogne discoveries, Bergerac/Périgord news, and La Maison Louverie exclusives. Book direct via this link: lamaisonlouverie.com/cal

Subscribe to Our Blog
Name

Last Chance for Spring Family Escape Discount

Posted on by
1771066800

  days

  hours  minutes  seconds

until

SPRINGBIRDS DISCOUNT ENDS

Valentine’s Day lovers, this one’s for you: Book a romantic family escape (or friend reunion) at La Maison Louverie with our SPRINGBIRDS code and save 15% (€375 off the €2500 weekly rate) for April/May weeks. Only 5 days left—deadline hits February 14! Picture swapping chocolates for wisteria blooms, woodburner dinners, and forest walks instead of crowded summer.

Romance Meets Family Adventure in Périgord

Spring paints our 4-hectare gîte magical: south terrace wisteria frames poolside aperitifs, lavender drifts from the fenced garden where kids (and dogs) chase deer shadows. April/May means mild days for canoeing empty Dordogne stretches, brocante treasure hunts, and bastide lunches minus queues. Our 4-star retreat sleeps 10 with king 4-posters, cool attic AC, ping-pong battles, and that massive dining table for shared feasts—perfect post-Valentine’s reset.

Last Chance Deal Details

  • Discount: 15% off (€2500 → €2125/week)
  • Stays: Full weeks April or May 2026
  • Code: SPRINGBIRDS (enter at booking)
  • Deadline: February 14—only 5 days from today
  • Why Now: Limited spring weeks, fills fast with early birds

Don’t let your perfect spring slip—apply SPRINGBIRDS before Valentine’s and lock in Périgord paradise!

BOOK NOW
SHARING IS CARING
Chat on WhatsApp

    Pet-friendly, forest-edged tranquility awaits.

    Publish Setup: Jan 9, 10AM. Featured image: terrace at sunset or couple by pool. Rank Math keyword: “Dordogne spring gîte discount Valentine’s.” Links back to today’s post. Share on social 9th/10th. Ready to paste!

    Truffle Hunting in the Dordogne: A Guide for Beginners

    Posted on by

    If you are a foodie who loves to explore new flavors and experiences, you might want to try truffle hunting in the Dordogne region of France with our local guide Xavier Mathiaud from Ma Terre Premiere.

    Truffles are delicates that grow underground near the roots of certain trees, such as oak, hazel, and beech. They are highly prized for their rich aroma and flavor and can fetch very high prices in the market. Some of the most famous types of truffles are the black Périgord truffles from the Dordogne.

    Truffle hunting is a traditional activity that involves searching for these hidden delicacies with the help of trained animals, such as dogs or pigs (or even flies..). The animals can sniff out the truffles and dig them up, while the hunter follows them with a special tool called a truffle hook or a truffle knife. The hunter must be careful not to damage the truffles or the surrounding soil, as this can affect the future growth of the fungus.

    How to Find Truffles in the Dordogne

    The Dordogne is one of the best places to find truffles in France, as it has a favorable climate and soil for their development. The truffle season runs from November to March. During this time, you can find many truffle markets and festivals in the region, where you can buy fresh or preserved truffles, as well as other products made with them, such as oils, cheeses, chocolates, and wines.

    If you want to experience truffle hunting yourself

    You can book a tour with Xavier, a local truffle expert who will guide you through his own truffle farm. Xavier runs Ma Terre Première, (www.materrepremiere.fr) where you can learn more about his passion and services. He will show you how to find and harvest truffles and share with you his knowledge and secrets about these mysterious foods. You will also get to taste some of his homemade truffle products!

    La Maison Louverie has a special autumn deal for you to enjoy the Dordogne even more

    La Maison Louverie is a cozy and elegant Perigourdine house just 25 minutes from Bergerac (airport), 45 minutes from Sarlat, and 30 minutes from St. Alvere with its famous truffle market. ( Fly with Transavia, RyanAir, or Flybe)

    • Stay with 2 for only € 224 a night* in Chambre Truffe on the ground floor.
    • Or book with 6 for just € 63 p.p.p.n**. (Chambre Figure, 2 pers | Chambre Noix, 2 pers)

    Book between the 16th of September and mid-December 2023 and get a goody box with homemade jams, walnuts, and hazelnuts for your winter stock and your Christmas holidays.

    Don’t miss this opportunity to discover the magic of truffles in the beautiful Autumn Dordogne.

    You are persuaded that you need this holiday and experience this autumn but still have questions? Contact us.

    A bientôt at La Maison Louverie!

    *Book for a minimum of 4 nights, € 224 a night for 2 people. Stay in the large bedroom downstairs – Chambre Truffe- with an attached bathroom. The pool open till the end of October 2023

    **Book 1 or 2 rooms extra for € 75 a night each. No minimum nights. The rooms Chambre Figue and Chambre Noix on the first floor are both available for this Autumn deal and both have a private bathroom. max 2 guests per room.

    Tourist tax of € 1,10 p.p.p.n is not included

    Fall in Love with the Dordogne in Autumn: Why You Should Visit La Maison Louverie in September and October

    Posted on by

    Are you looking for a place to escape the crowds and enjoy the rustic beauty and tranquility of nature? Do you want to experience the authentic charm and luxury of French living? If so, you should visit La Maison Louverie, a 4* awarded holiday home that offers you everything you need for a perfect getaway.

    La Maison Louverie is located in Pontours, in the Perigord Pourpre region of the Dordogne, famous for its exquisite cuisine, fine wines, and stunning scenery. You can explore the rich history and culture of the area, with medieval towns like Sarlat-la-Canéda and Bergerac nearby, or enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, canoeing, or golfing.

    But what makes September and October the best time to visit this region? Well, there are many reasons why you should fall in love with the Dordogne in autumn:

    • The weather is pleasant and mild, with plenty of sunshine and moderate rainfall. The average daytime temperature in September is around 24°C (75°F), while in October it is around/above 19°C (66°F). The nights are cool and comfortable, with average lows of 12°C (54°F) in September and 10°C (49°F) in October. You can expect about 5 hours of sunshine per day in both months and about only 4 days of rain per month.
    • The forests are beautiful in color, with shades of red, orange, yellow, and green. You can admire the changing foliage as you walk or bike through the woods, or take a scenic drive along the country roads. You can also visit some of the most beautiful and romantic gardens in France, where you can enjoy the colors and scents of nature.
    • There are fewer tourists, which means more peace and quiet for you. You can avoid the crowds and queues at popular attractions, such as chateaux, prehistoric caves, and villages. You can also get better deals on accommodation, flights, and car rentals.
    • There are extraordinary things to do that are unique to this season. For example, you can join a truffle tour or a regional cookery class and learn about the local gastronomy. You can also taste the new wine harvest at one of the many vineyards in the area. Or you can treat yourself to a balloon flight with Montgolfière. Périgord Dordogne Montgolfières (perigord-dordogne-montgolfieres.com)  and see the Dordogne from above. This is an unforgettable experience that will let you admire the breathtaking views of the castles, villages, rivers, and forests in their autumn glory.

    So, as you can see, there are many reasons why you should visit La Maison Louverie in September and October. You can relax on the terrace with a glass of wine and admire the views, or cozy up by the fireplace with a good book. You can swim in your private pool or take a stroll in the woods. You can savor the delicious local cuisine and visit the nearby attractions. You can create memories that will last a lifetime.

    Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the authentic charm and French living at La Maison Louverie. Book your stay today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

    the dordogne’s best kept secrets; candlelight evenings and cave sailing

    Posted on by

    If you are looking for a magical and unforgettable experience in the Dordogne region of France, you should not miss the candlelight evenings in the Marqueyssac Gardens and the boat trip in the Padirac caves. These are two of the most amazing attractions in the area, and they will leave you breathless with their beauty and charm.

    The candlelight evenings in the Marqueyssac Gardens are a unique event that takes place every Thursday evening in July and August, from 7 pm until midnight. The gardens are illuminated by over 2000 candles, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere that invites you to explore the winding paths, the exotic plants, and the stunning views over the Dordogne valley. You can also enjoy live music, dancing, and entertainment on the terrace of the chateau, or relax in one of the many romantic spots along the way. The candlelight evenings are a perfect way to discover the Marqueyssac Gardens, which are considered one of the most beautiful gardens in France.

    The boat trip in the Padirac caves is another must-see attraction that will take you on a journey to the center of the earth. The Padirac caves are one of the most famous caves in Europe, and they are home to a subterranean river that flows through spectacular galleries and chambers. You can access the caves by a lift or stairs, and then board a boat that will take you along the river for about 500 meters. You will marvel at the incredible formations, such as the Grande Pendeloque, a 60-meter-high stalactite that hangs over the Lac de la Pluie, or the Salle du Grand Dôme, with its 94-meter-high vault. The boat trip is an unforgettable adventure that will make you feel like you are in another world.

    The candlelight evenings in the Marqueyssac gardens and the boat trip in the Padirac caves are two of the best ways to enjoy the Dordogne region in a different and enchanting way. They are both suitable for all ages and tastes, and they will make your holiday memorable and special. If you want to book your tickets or find out more information, you can visit their websites12 or contact them by phone or email12. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of the Dordogne!

    Aquitaine-tober

    Posted on by

    IMG_8709

    Maple tree in autumn colors

    Everybody knows about the phenomenon Indian-summer and some are even ready to fly across the world to the North American continent to watch nature over there. Maybe it is in advertising or maybe simply because people don’t know that Indian summer is a ‘period’ and not a place. October is probably the most beautiful month in the Aquitaine region. Because of this period of warm and dry weather after rain, the colors are truly mind blowing. Even in the Sixteens-chapel in Rome, you will never find so much gold as here in the autumn season. The forests go from green to red, yellow and golden. If it were a painting you would bet it can never be real.

    End of summer brings also freshness and coziness. The days are still nice and warm, sometimes with a cooling breeze. Around diner time you walk around with a scarf or light jacket and in the evening you drink a beautiful local wine in front of the fireplace. Because evenings and nights are getting cooler.

    The grapes are picked – we are waiting for the new wines – there is an abundance of ready to be harvest other fruit. We would call it: ‘overkill’ especially our figs. (Can somebody just please come around and eat some. And then some…?) And no nuts – no glory: the hazelnuts and walnuts are ready too.

    So if you have time and you love to photograph, you are a food l-o-v-e-r, you love touristy places but not the tourist.. Then this is your cue. October will not let you down. We call it Aquitaine-tober, because we think the Dordogne is as pretty as the American this time of year!