Nestled in the sweet little town, Cadouin the B & B is a find. A hidden gem. Got a recommendation…read morefrom a local and had some doubts at first look. It is NOT your standard B & B, but it is a true French experience. The decor looked a little odd at first because It is also an antique shoppe, The owners are both Parisians who moved their antiques business south for "the country life". So, why not open a B & B?
We stayed 4 nights, a record for ANY B & B anywhere. Why leave perfection? The inn was completely renovated and restored so the building is OLD while the plumbing, electricity and kitchen are ultra modern American grade. Lots of HOT water on demand in beautifully styled bathrooms. Gorgeous tile work, comfy beds, 100% thick cotton linens and fluffy big white towels. Meanwhile the character of the floors walls, etc have been carefully preserved so it's like staying in the nearby castle. Every piece of furniture is a genuine antique and for sale too!
The inn was only the beginning. The TLC we got from our hosts was 5 star. Breakfast was served either in the garden, the library or the dining room, your choice and weather permitting. We tried all 3. Luc stored our bikes for us, sent us off with fresh water and apples every day on our rides and when we returned he brought us iced Perrier with lemon! One night he even did a load of laundry for us!
The location was a perfect one for 4 days of ideal biking in 4 directions. One day we biked to the river to canoe. One day we went to tour one of the local castles. One day we went to a huge market site.
Cadouin has NO ATM and only a few restaurants but the bakery in town is great and they will make sandwiches for you. All the restaurants were excellent. It's France, you know? The Inn doesn't take credit cards, the only negative, but the price is 2 star for a 5 star experience, so deal!
The Abbey in town draws some pilgrims but generally it's not a touristy town and few Americans go there. It's an undiscovered jewel.
Note: there are two gorgeous and very well mannered black labs on the premises so not good if you're allergic.
Oh and wifi access in our room!