Charming farmhouse with fabulous garden views

A highly recommended gite
After many years of renting gites we can finally recommend one without reservation. This property is very well thought out, has all the equipment you could want and is large enough for 2 family groups - with 2 sitting rooms and all bedrooms en-suite. On top of that, its in a wonderful location with plenty to see and do within easy reach. And it is as beautiful as it looks in the photos!

Excellent place for vacation
We have already recommended this property to our best friends and will recommend to all our friends as we consider it to be an excellent place for vacation, maybe the best of all properties we had rented (and there were 8 so far). The property is very clean, well-equipped and well-maintained. Rooms are spacious, fully furnished, beds are very comfortable. Big, soft towels are provided both for the swimming pool and for the bathroom. Swimming pool has different depth, so it’s fine both to kids and to adults and the surface around swimming pool is very comfortable for walking barefoot (doesn’t get hot under the sun). The view seen from the swimming pool is really exceptional. The outdoor eating place next to swimming pool makes meals really unique experience and in the night may be lighted. The property seemed to us even more beautiful and better than presented in the description and photos. The greatest asset of this place are however its owners Martin and Janette who are the nicest people we have ever met. They immediately make you feel at home with your best friends as neighbours. They were very helpful and friendly, at the same time fully respecting our privacy. We haven’t even noticed when our swimming pool has been cleaned but wonderful fresh bread brought by Martin could not be unnoticed (never in our previous placed we were offered fresh bread in the morning). We enjoyed very much a walk with their lamas (wonderful animals, so for the kids it is like a Zoo next door). The three villages: Najac, Belcastel and Sauveterre are really very beautiful and you can't miss them. In Belcastel you must visit interior of the castel restored from ruins to its former glory. Sauveterre is wonderful in Friday evening during the market, full of stands with local products, wine and dishes that may be eaten/drinken at the tables at the square center, while in other days it is surprisingly peacefull. Najac looks like taken out from fairy tale (don't forget your camera). Albi is also the place we found surprisingly beautiful, both the gigantic cathedral and old small streets next to it. Millau bridge is also worth visit.
For eating out we recommend Hotel de Commerce in Rieupeyroux (very good food at a reasonable price – their lamb is delicious).

A wonderful place to stay!
We've just returned from a wonderful week at Maison de Tilleul in Laval. What a wonderful place, so relaxing and the views from the farmhouse are simply breathtaking. The location is quiet but within easy reach of some very pretty towns and villages or if you want to travel further afield Albi is well worth a visit.
The house has everything you could possibly need and is extremely spacious and comfortable - the swimming pool is an added bonus and eventhough the weather wasn't brilliant when the sun did come out we took full advantage of it.

Martin & Janette were excellent hosts, extremely welcoming, hospitable and friendly and we can thoroughly recommend the home cooked meals they offer for your first night's stay.

We all loved the place and I'm sure we'll return in the future.

An Aveyron Gem
Maison de Tilleul is set on a plateau in the rural hamlet of Laval in the Aveyron. The owners, Martin and Janette, were extremely helpful, approachable and friendly.

The accommodation itself was excellent with four large en-suite bedrooms, several living rooms and a lovely kitchen / dining room. The gite was well-equipped for large groups (we were 6 – 10 up to 15 with lunch guests) and we didn’t run out of crockery. The pool was lovely and essential on the hot days: pool towels are supplied, a bonus.

The views surrounding the gite are stunning and we saw an abundance of wildlife during our stay. The Aveyron is a very interesting region, new to us and it was a refreshing change that it was not overrun by Brits. We loved Najac, Conques, Villefranche de Rouergue and Albi: all definitely worth a visit.

Having ferried various relatives to and from the nearest airports during our stay, Rodez is definitely the airport to go for if flying in, if possible. A car is a must as the hamlet is fairly remote but roads were relatively empty and access into the local towns for shopping was easy.

We would love to return if the chance arises.

Great family holiday gite
This gite exceeded my expectations! It was so nicely restored and tastefully decorated and the rooms were uncluttered and airy. Martin and Janette were extremely helpful, always finding out answers to our tourist enquiries but never interfering. The house was very clean and well-equipped. I liked the different eating areas outside so that you could choose where to sit according to the sun/shade. The view from the pool is really rural - so much nicer than sitting around a hotel pool! The Aveyron area was new to all of us and we hadn't known what to expect. But we filled our fortnight easily with trips to lovely medieval towns and markets, walks from the house, canoeing and cycling. I thought the small chateau nearby, belonging to Toulouse-Lautrec's family, was a gem!

Family Bliss
Our group of 9 family members that included 6 adults, 2 children and an infant stayed at the farmhouse in July 2010 with . Martin and Jeanette were excellent hosts and were very helpful with information before and during our stay. On arrival, the house was spotless and the pool inviting. It was a pleasure to prepare meals in the gourmet kitchen and to share great food and wine at one of the three large dining tables (two outdoors). The ample supplies of quality cooking, serving and glassware meant that we could indulge our passion for cooking and sampling the local wine.

The house layout meant that each of the three family groups had plenty of privacy and lounge space when needed and ensuite bathrooms to the four bedrooms was a bonus. All of the bedding and towels were fresh and good quality.

The property is fairly remote which suited our group but there was easy access to excellent car touring and fantastic local markets including Villefranche-deRouergue and Sauveterre night market. We also visited several other beautiful medieval villages (Najac, Belcastel, etc), went canoeing on the Gorge Du Tarn (day trip but well worth it) and did some local walks during our stay.

When the sun shone, we enjoyed the rural views from the pool area which is well set up for a group, especially with children who had plenty of space to run around.

We would not hesitate to recommend the property or to return if the chance arises.

Wow
Having just returned from what can be classed as one of the most relaxing holidays taken, I felt extremely compound to write a breif review on the villa.

to sum it up, the use of Pa Larkin (Darlin buds of May)

Perfik, absolutley Perfik!
Does the job for us.

We could not and did not want for anything more. I would stronly recomend this villa to all (with the only exception of wheel chair users). There were 2 familes in our group totalling 8 in all with children from the ages of 10years to 15years, and no one person in our group did not have a good time. We were not blessed with great weather everyday - the first 2 being rainy and overcast, however this did not alter the mood of the place. The stunning views on a wet overcast day became even more dramatic on a clear sunny day!

The thought of staying so close to the villa owners at first was a litlle daunting but having met Marin and Janette, our worries were totally laid to rest, they were the perfect hosts, even bring us fresh bread on our 2nd day.

We will definatly be returning here next year - can't wait!!!!

To all who vist after us and are a little scepitical of what is written in all the reiviews not one word of it is untrue - seeing is truley believing.

Aveyron District of France, Laval Gite
This gite is absolutely fantastic. The accommodation is excellent with four large en suite bedrooms, a large airy lounge, family room with an abundance of books (not that you will have time to read them), a superb kitchen and dining area.

Huge amounts of crockery, cuttlery glasses etc are all supplied (including a much used corkscrew for the excellent local wines), making it easy to cater for parties of anything up to twenty people.

Large lawned garden area with super swimming pool, loungers and outside eating areas, with 'hidden' patios where you can enjoy peace and quiet just listening to the birds singing (there is no other noise).

Set in beautiful countryside in the Aveyron area of France the hamlet of Laval is easy to reach with well stocked shops and supermarkets in nearby towns. The extensive views from the gite of woodland and open countryside are to die for.

Lovely 'old' historic towns/villages of Belcastel, Najac, Conques and Sauveterne are all nearby and very picturesque as is the now famous Millau Viaduct. (Bring your satnav as it is very useful).

Toulouse is under two hours drive generally on quiet roads with an excellent motorway network nearer the city and Rodez is the nearest local airport.

A truly remarkable gite for families and groups to enjoy, also representing superb value for money. C'est magnifique!!

Expectations exceeded
After two and a half weeks on the road touring we arrived at the farmhouse. martin and jeanette welcomed us showed us round and quietly diappeared. We discovered the remainder of our party were unable to join us so three of us spread out and enjoyed the facilities. Spacious, very clean, we found all the things that we wanted or needed were there. Martin sneaked in and kept the pool clean which we were able to enjoy even though it was unheated in October. perhaps us kiwis are just tough. The area is quiet with a 15 min trip to get bread papers shopping etc. We visited local villages, belcastel in particular is worth a visit and the food in the hotel is exceptionally good and reasonably priced. Not the place to go if you want to be in the centre of the action. But is the place to be if you want quiet surroundings, peacfull walks, lovely villages etc.. - you can always get in the car and go to other places. Transport is essential or you will really be living the quiet life. recommend it - yes, go again - yes. negative comments - cant think of any, seriously.

Ideal Retreat
I read the reviews prior to booking and whilst they were very positive, I was a little skeptical that there were not many negative comments. However, I now join the group of famailies that have enjoyed their stay at Maison de Tilleul and can only make positive remarks.

The property is sitiuated in a remote, peaceful and picturesque location. Good directions from the owners ensured we arrived without any problems.

The farmhouse is large enough to accomodate two families or a group of eight quite easily. It is well equipped and you will find all your usual requirements catered for. It was very clean and the description is spot on. The most popular place for us was the clean, well maintained pool. It had to be as we were caught in a quite welcomed mini heatwave.

There are many interesting places to visit and the house is populated with lots of literature on where to visit and eat. There is also a good selection of books, no doubt many left by holidaymakers like ourseleves, who managed to get through several books during our stay.

The owners are close enough if you require assistance and far enough away should you wish to be left alone. Martin and Janette were perfect hosts and certainly make you feel welcome.

We all had a great time and would not hesitate to recommend the farmhouse to friends and family.

The first two weeks in September 2009
We have just returned from a fabulously relaxing holiday at Laval. We took advantage of the 'welcome meals' service provided by the owners and this was very much appreciated at the end of a long day travelling - highly recommended. The gite was exactly as described and the kitchen was exceptionally well-equipped with generous amounts of cutlery and crockery to make using the dishwasher a real and practical solution to the everyday chore! The house was very clean and the owners on hand to deal immediately with small issues such as the bath plug getting stuck! The mid-holiday linen change was another nice touch. The pool was beautifully maintained on a daily basis and provided refreshment in the hot sunshine with which we were blessed for most of our stay. This gite really is isolated within an distinctly agricultural area - that is exactly what we were looking for - and do check out the amazing night skies - but be prepared to drive for half an hour to access a shop of any size and range. Many local markets/attractions close at the end of August but there are lots of picturesque medieval villages within an hour's drive which are well worth a visit. Wholeheartedly recommended for extended family groups - grandparents holidaying with married daughters, spouses and grandchildren - accommodation is spacious and flexible whilst allowing for some privacy.

Beautiful accommodation in a gorgeous setting
We have just come back from spending 2 full weeks at the farmhouse and it was fantastic. For the most part we were 2 families of 4 with children ranging from 18mths to 5 years but for part of the time we had 10 of us staying and there was still plenty of space. The farmhouse is very well equipped, especially the kitchen. The setting is amazing, although a car is essential as it really is in the middle of no-where.
Martin, the owner was on hand when needed. Pool was brilliant, very clean and well maintained. We would recommend going to the Lac de Parloup, a lake about an hours drive away with a lovely beach and restaurants. We also made the effort (about an hour and a half drive)to visit the Viaduct du Millau - the tallest bridge in the world, well worth the effort. All in all one of the best holidays we have had and we would thoroughly recommend it.

A wonderful holiday
We have just returned from a wonderful stay in Laval. The house was perfect for two families - even for us with young children! Martin and Jeanette always went the extra mile to ensure we had all the comforts and information we needed. They were there to help when we needed them but were discreet and allowed us to get on with our holiday. The view from the pool and the grounds were stunning and were a perfect setting for a cold glass of wine and a bbq.

The accommodation was ample and the number of bathrooms was more than enough! The kitchen was well stocked and everything worked!!

We had many excellent days out in the local area and all of Martin and Jeanette's suggestions of places to go were spot on.

The fact that we returned feeling relaxed, despite being away with 3 children under 3, is testimony to what a wonderful time we had.

Geweldig vakantiehuis!
Een vakantie in dit huis kunnen we iedereen aanbevelen.
Alles is tiptop in orde.Het zwembad is groot genoeg om echt te kunnen zwemmen, wat we dankzij het goede weer, zelfs in oktober ook elke dag hebben gedaan! Daarbij konden we volop genieten van het prachtige uitzicht over de vallei.Ook binnen kun je merken dat de eigenaren hun uiterste best hebben gedaan om het voor de gasten zo aangenaam mogelijk te maken.Wat ons betreft is ze dat uitstekend gelukt!

A great holiday retreat
The Maison de Tilleul is very harmonious house for a group holiday. The privacy afforded by having all en suite bedrooms and plenty of nooks and corners to spend a quiet half hour is complemented by the two large and well furnished lounges and sociable farmhouse kitchen…where everything is modern and works!

The superb south facing salt water pool has beautiful views, and is a wonderful place to chill out after a hard days sightseeing (or even after doing nothing at all).

Martin & Janette are great hosts – unobtrusive but available when needed, and on our holiday a trip with their friendly llamas made a short local walk a lot of fun.

Trips to Albi (cathedral & Toulouse Lautrec Museum), Conques, Millau and the Gorges were highlights, as were the restaurants and local markets - especially the evening food market in Sauveterre, where you can buy your supper from the stalls and picnic in the square.

On arrival we were delighted to find the house well equipped and furnished and spotlessly clean. We have been holidaying in France for 25 years, and this is without doubt the best house we have rented in all that time.

A wonderfully relaxing setting
La Maison de Tilleul was a fantastic place to spend a holiday. The farmhouse was exactly as described, extremely well equipped with everything you could possibly need and beautifully decorated and furnished. The views from the garden were lovely and the salt water pool an absolute delight. It was wonderfully quiet and peaceful.

The owners were kind and helpful and most solicitous to make sure we had everything we needed and that we were enjoying our stay. They were extremely helpful with information about the area and places to visit.

We enjoyed visits in particular to the Friday night market at Sauveterre de Rouergue and the Thursday morning market at Villefranche de Rouergue. We also enjoyed Najac, Belcastel, Cordes sur Ciel and Albi and managed trips to both the Gorges du Tarn and the Cevenne - both worth a visit. We also discovered a lovely unspoilt village - le Pont de Cirou - not far from Carmaux.

Our favourite place to eat was the Hotel de Commerce in Rieupeyroux where the service was friendly and efficient and the food good. It also catered well for children.

A thoroughly relaxing holiday in a lovely setting.

wonderful gite, great location
We had a family reunion holiday in this gite - an absolutely wonderful two weeks, the cottage was perfect, and the view from the swimming pool is incredible. Martin and Janette were great hosts, from their directions to where-to-visit advice to fresh veggies from their garden! The area is beautiful, quiet, and there is plenty to see and do - would definitely return to the gite and the region. The friday market at Sauveterre de Rouergue is an absolute must. highly recommended.

Mal and Ailish Ireland
Thank you so much for giving us the perfect setting for our holiday to France. We stayed in the farmhouse for 2 weeks and we could have stayed for 2 months. Martin and Janette were on hand if we needed them they were excellent hosts. The house is simply breathtaking everything a family requires and more , beautiful countryside plenty of green fields surround the farmhouse, spotless swimming pool and very well maintained
gardens.We visited all the local villages, tasted all the local food and enjoyed the local markets. We hated leaving and going home but hope some day to return. We recommend this farmhouse to anyone needing a little bit of heaven on earth . Everything you read on the property is true and pricise.

Above average special holiday home
Four adult couples stayed here and it proved an excellent choice for us all. We have never stayed in a holiday home which is so well equipped -- the kitchen(enough cutlery plates glasses etc -all matching!) comfortable beds,spacious sitting rooms and modern clean en-suites.The thoughtful design of the house means there is room for everyone to spread out and the bedrooms are private and away from each other.Outside is delighful with two well furnished eating areas a charcoal bbq and loungers for 10. around the pool. The owners description was very accurate and they provided helpful infomation in the house, by e-mail and on arrival.(As well as a very generous welcome pack) They maintained a discrete distance but were around if needed.
We would highly recommend this property particularly
if you are looking for an away from it all holiday. You will enjoy the beautiful villages, good local restaurants (Few minutes drive away) and a lovely house at the end of a lane leading to nowhere but peace and quiet.