I really didn’t want to write a review as it’s such a special place I didn’t want other people booking it out so we couldn’t go again but it does deserve the highest possible rating. My husband and I spent a wonderful 5 days here in May/June and it did not disappoint on any level. The owners were incredibly helpful in advance with check in times, directions and help with local restaurants (I’m a caeliac so can’t eat any gluten and they were so kind in helping with this). When we arrived the place more than lived up to expectations which is rare and we had a great time using it as our base as we explored the area. I can’t recommend it highly enough for the lovely owners, the beautiful grounds and swimming pool, and ‘La Cuisine’ itself and it’s well thought out layout and décor. I can’t wait to go back!

We stayed at La Cuisine d'Alice au Maine the last week of June. Everything about the gite was as we expected or better. It's a very quiet country property, with plenty of privacy even though there are three rentals at this location, we felt like we were the only ones there. We were able to relax by the pool, or enjoy our private garden area every evening. If you love rustic French charm, this is a winner!

We stayed at Chartreuse du Maine, near the charming village of Cubjac in the Dordogne, for four weeks, one week in “La Cuisine d’Alice” and three weeks in “Chez Colette et Mimi”. And, it was hard to leave!

LeMaine is an excellent “base” for exploring the Dordogne. It is a pleasant one hour drive South by backroads to Montignac and the caves of the Vezere Valley (Lascaux, etc.) and about an hour twenty minutes to Sarlat and the Dordogne Valley (Beynac, Domme etc.). Others might be quicker, but we drove slowly, and never tired of the scenery.

Nearer to Cubjac is the elegant Chateau and gardens of Hautefort, the caves of Tourtoirac, and Perigueux, with its Roman and medieval ruins. And, to the North, gems such as Brantome, St. Jean de Cole, and the caves of Villars.

Maxence and Catherine are gracious, knowledgeable hosts who are eager to ensure your stay is a pleasant one. They have an excellent knowledge of the Dordogne, and are keen to help you plan your routes and to make your stay as pleasant as can be. Their English is excellent, but they are happy to let you practice your French.

But, our most pleasant days were at Le Maine itself. We enjoyed our walk into the village for our daily bread, and we made a point of attending the Friday market, to buy the local cheese, chicken, jams, and fresh strawberries. The locals were all very kind. We wandered down to Catherine’s herb garden to snip a few sprigs of rosemary and thyme. We were then able to prepare our own meals in the very well appointed kitchen, and enjoy them in the very elegantly decorated living and dining areas, or on the unit’s own terrace or garden.

We could always look forward to comfortable beds and bathrooms in these elegantly and thoughtfully furnished gites. There was excellent Wi Fi service for our iPad.

The property has its own delightful walking trails, and Maxence can help you find other nearby hikes and walks. And, of course, no discussion of Le Maine could be complete without mention of Zebulon the donkey and Rothschild the sheep, who are excellent hosts in their own ways.

So, by all means, come to Le Maine to enjoy the sights of the Perigord, but you will likely find that Le Maine itself is your most pleasant destination.

We just spent a delightful two weeks in La Cuisine d'Alice. Catherine and Maxence clearly love what they do and it shows--the property is beautiful and well-maintained and the guest accommodations are really outstanding--aesthetically pleasing, exceedingly well-equipped (we especially appreciated the fully outfitted kitchen) and immaculate. Catherine and Maxence know the area well and their suggestions for activities and restaurants were "spot on". We look forward to a return visit.