In setting up Domaine de la Dolce we realised our dream of creating a tranquil haven in rural France where both young and old can relax and have fun. Before we moved here we rented many a gite throughout the region with our little boy in tow and often found the experience stressful rather than relaxing. Travelling involved lots of equipment to pack and on arrival we would be faced with steep open-tread staircases, no stair gates, and badly equipped kitchens.

All this gave us the inspiration to do it differently. We have equipped our cottages with toddlers and babies specifially in mind. All the cottages are single-level and tiled throughout. The terraces adjoin the grassy fields, so the little ones can roam freely and safely, while you relax on your terrace or have a slow breakfast. Our pool is fenced for safety and salt-filtered for comfort. The well-shaded playground

includes a baby swing and a sand pit with lots of toys and in the very popular and well-used games room are tons of toys for ages zero to eight, books and games for all ages, with table football and table tennis for the older children. Each cottage has a TV receiving most BBC channels, including CBeebies and CBBC, as well as a DVD player. The kitchens have all equipment necessary to make and store baby food and we provide information on child-friendly restaurants and the many tourist attractions in the area.

Packing for babies can be a challenge, so to make it easier we are more than happy to supply free of charge cots (with proper mattresses) and bedding, high chairs, booster seats, a bouncy chair, baby monitors, potties, changing mats, step stools, baby baths, anti-slip bath mats, playmats, a bottle sterilizer, bibs, plastic cutlery, cups, bowls and plates and we have a baby/toddler backpack carrier for taking your little one on a walk. Please ask if you need anything that's not on the list, we'll make sure to get it if we don't have it already. There is a fanstastic hypermarket only 13 minutes away where you can stock up on nappies, wipes and baby food (it's open on Sunday mornings), or you can order everything you need to be delivered to Domaine de la Dolce in advance with tinytotsaway.com (see below), so there is really no need to pack much and you can easily fly here (to Bergerac or Toulouse airports). We can arrange babysitting for you with local, English speaking babysitters (no guarantee of availability) This means that you will be able to enjoy a stress-free evening out to sample the region's outstanding cuisine. For larger groups (minimum of 4 adults) you can use our chef service (English speaking) and enjoy an excellent meal in your own gite, so you don't even have to leave La Dolce. Please enquire several weeks in advance if you are interested in the chef service or need babysitting.

If your children are not yet at school-age you can enjoy the quieter times here in April, May, June, September or October; it is an excellent time for tired parents to relax in the pristine air and unmatchable beauty and charm of our corner of paradise. We very much look forward to meeting you and your little ones!