Self-catering or bed and breakfast at Tenir la Lune in Creuse; Limousin [owner usually on site; sleeps 5]

Tenir la Lune is situated on the edge of a very small, quiet hamlet in the very heart of central France. It offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.

This beautiful farmhouse, set in idyllic Creusoise countryside, is a perfect place to relax, unwind and take time out from the busy world.

It can be booked as a gîte or as B&B [with evening meals available on request]. Contact the owner for enquiries or reservations: telephone: 00447890265690 or email: di@tenirlalune.com

Suitability: non-smoking. We regret we have no disabled access.

Location: Besse Mathieu near Lussat, Creuse, France [post code: 23170]. The nearest towns for provisions are Chambon-sur-Voueize and Gouzon, both about 7 km away. Larger towns of interest are Montluçon [30mins] and Aubusson, famous for its tapestries [30 mins]. Lake Vassivière [1 hour]. There are numerous cafes and excellent restaurants within 5 to 10 km of the house. The surrounding countryside has gentle, rolling hills with numerous gorges that cut through the rock plateau. Cycling and walking are excellent and maps and bicycles are available on request. Buzzards are abundant and the night sky is breathtaking.

The countryside makes it a perfect place to try your skills with photography or sketching and painting. Fishing is a popular sport here and there are numerous swimming lakes. The local lake at Lussat, is a fishing lake, but also part of it is a beautiful reserve for birds.

Accommodation

Large living/dining room with wood burning fire, [cost of wood not included]; Access to a large south facing balcony; CD/DVD/satTV/VCR.

Kitchen [for gîte]: gas cooker, large fridge-freezer, ironing facilities, dish washer, washing machine [in cellar]

Downstairs toilet/shower room.

Upstairs: 1 single bedroom; 1 double bedroom, and 1 twin bedroom with shower; all with washbasins.

Bathroom with toilet, shower and bath plus separate toilet room.

External features: garden, barbecue

Costs 2008: Summer opening only: April to September inclusive.

As a gîte: per week from: £320; April, May and September. £360; Whit to August bank holiday, inclusive.

As B&B: £22 per person per night [all diets catered for, eg, vegetarian, lactose and gluten intolerances, coeliac...please state in email or ask us]

How to get here: [Detailed directions to house on request]

A car is essential [drive time in brackets]

Ports: eg Le Havre [6 hours]; Calais [8 hours]

Train stations: Montluçon [30 min], La Souterraine [60 min]

Airport: Limoges [90 mins]. Follow signs to A20, as far as J23; N145 to Guéret and Montluçon, then [J43] to Gouzon.