Les Hauts d'Albas - Yurts

There is a little corner of Mongolia deep in the wild landscape of the Lot Valley. Hidden amongst the trees lie chic self-catering yurts that will appeal to the young and the young at heart, or anyone who has ever longed for or loved a tree house or a den. They are deceptively spacious and flooded with light from the multiple sets of French doors and of course the traditional hole in the roof. They have two bedrooms; a fully equipped kitchen with hob, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, microwave, Nespresso machine, kettle and a table for six, a living room on the mezzanine level with sofa and TV, and a private terrace. There’s also Wi-Fi and an iPhone dock. Then there’s the traditional decor and the enormous transparent hole in the centre of the ceiling remind to you that you’re not just in any old luxury hotel room.

You have the option of ordering a French continental breakfast to be enjoyed in your cosy yurt if you wish, or if you prefer to do your own thing there’s a corner shop and a bakery where you can buy your pain au chocolat just 2 km away.

Your Mongolian refuge is just 20 km from medieval town of Cahors: capital of Lot Valley. Wander along the terraces of Boulevard Gambetta, and then stop on the famous Pont Valenetre, a 14th century fortified bridge and UNESCO world heritage site. Visit the local market in the heart of the medieval city to pick up supplies: it is held by the Cathedral of St Étienne every Wednesday and Saturday morning. You’ll find fresh local fruit and vegetables as well as more exotic fare like Saffron and foie-gras, the local Rocamadour cheese. You’re also just 45 km from Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched on a steep cliff 100 m above the River Lot and a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. If you’re of a sporty nature then the Lot Valley can offer you kayaking trips, paragliding and paint-balling, or you can borrow some bicycles from Les Hauts d’Albas and ride through the woods. There’s also a tree-climbing park and 9-hole golf course nearby.

In summer you can go for a refreshing dip in the River Lot, or the 20 m outdoor heated pool that’s blessed with lovely views of the valley, while in winter you have the indoor pool. For something a little more laid back, spend some time in the Barn, it’s a cosy place to curl up beside the fire with that book you discovered in the onsite library, or get the competitive spirit going with some board games or a game of pool. Come evening, take advantage of the self-catering facilities and cook up something delicious with your market finds. Spend some time to enjoying a glass of local Malbec on your private terrace. For an extra bit of luxury you can request meals to be delivered to your yurt so you don’t have to lift a finger.

As luxurious as the yurts are, and as stunning as the surrounding countryside is, perhaps my favourite moments were the simplest. Lying there first thing in the morning just watching the branches of the trees through the hole in the roof, you’re somehow transported to a place where there is nothing but peace and tranquillity, and that’s the most you can ask from any holiday.