In setting up Domaine de la Dolce we realised our dream of creating a tranquil haven in rural France where both parents and their babies and young children can relax and have fun. Before we moved here we rented many a gîte throughout the region with our little boy in tow and found the experience stressful rather than relaxing. We were tired City lawyers in need of a break. Instead, travelling involved lots of stress and equipment to pack and on arrival we would be faced with steep open-tread staircases without stair gates, and badly equipped kitchens. All this gave us the inspiration to do it differently.

Child-friendly Cottages & Facilities - We have equipped our cottages with toddlers and babies 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 (La Girolle also has a private, fenced garden at the side).
• The heated swimming pool is fenced for safety and salt-filtered for comfort and health.
• The shaded playground includes a swing set with baby swing, sand box, cimbing poles, see-saw and a climbing tower with slide.
• In the very popular and well-used games and play cottage there are tons of toys for ages zero to eight, books and board games for all ages, as well as table football and table tennis. This cottage is great at any time and also provides a cool play area for hot days.
• Each cottage has a TV receiving most BBC and ITV channels, including CBeebies and CBBC, as well as a DVD player.
• The bedrooms have black-out lining in the curtains so that young and old can sleep in.
• The kitchens have all equipment necessary to make and store baby food (hand-held blender, tupperware) as well as plastic bowls, plates, cups and cutlery bibs, high chairs and booster seats.
• In each gite is an extensive guide with information on child-friendly restaurants, shops, markets, doctors, hospitals and the many tourist attractions in the area;
• There is a list of experienced English and Dutch babysitters for you to choose from so you can enjoy a romantic evening out together.
• You can book an in-gite massage or pedicure with Karen, our very popular therapist.
• We are more than happy to do some shopping for you before your arrival, so that you don't have to struggle through the supermarket with tired children after your journey.

You truly can pack light - because we provide you (free of charge):

• cots (with proper mattresses) & bedding;
• high chairs, booster seats and Bumbo seat;
• bouncy chair, play mats and outside rugs;
• changing mats and step stools,
• baby monitors, bath thermometers, room thermometers, tap protectors;
• potties, toilet seat reducers; baby baths, bath seats and anti-slip bath mats;
• bottle sterilizer and breast-feeding pillow;
• bottle warmer, bibs, baby feeding spoons, toddler cutlery, plastic cups, bowls and plates;
• and a baby/toddler backpack carrier for taking your little one with you on a walk.

When packing for your holiday don't forget that there are more toys and books here than your children will be able to play with during the holiday. There is a LeClerc hypermarket only 13 minutes away where you can stock up on nappies, wipes and baby food (it's open on Sunday mornings) and we are also happy to do a shop for you before your arrival, so there is really no need to pack much and you can easily fly here (to Bergerac, Bordeaux, Brive Dordogne or Toulouse airports).

If your children are not yet at school-age you can enjoy the quieter times here in April, May, September and 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!