Glamping under the elms (les ormes).

La Parenthèse. This is French for ‘between brackets’. Or putting your busy life on hold. Which is exactly what we did. For a whole two weeks.

South of the Dordogne, in the quiet, beautiful, yet-to-be-discovered Lot-et-Garonne. In the middle of nowhere. Even our sat-nav was a little lost. Situated next to the tiny village of Saint-Etienne-de-Villeréal. A friendly welcome. From a beautifully restored old French farm. With a stunning view over the lake and valley.

Next, our tent. Our luxury lodge. Including our own toilet and shower. And in a pretty, shady spot.The ultimate in glamping. But all tents are beautifully located. And very stylishly decorated.

If you’re a camper and not a glamper, there is also space for you at this relaxing campsite.

We loved staying here. Whether it was in and around our tent. Or at the swimming pool (with a yummy latte ordered from the vintage-food truck). Whilst fishing near the lake. Roasting marshmellows over a campfire. Or dinner at the restaurant, watching the sun set over the lake. We could have just stayed at the campsite for two weeks and not been bored at all. But our trips around Lot-et-Garonne or the neighbouring Dordogne were great too. And let’s not forget the wine-tasting. In Monbazillac. A 30-minute drive.

And for the ultimate in relaxing. Yoga at the lake, looking at that beautiful French scenery. Whilst the rest of the family is taking care of breakfast. Or enjoying a ride on a pony.