[click photos to enlarge]
[click to read our Visitors' Book]
After four years of searching for their dream home, Clare & Francis Hansom came across a delightful stone farmhouse in the Tarn in rural south-west France. Ideally located, the property’s magical setting and stunning views instantly charmed them. The farmhouse also had an independent "Petite Maison", which has now been converted into a gorgeous holiday cottage for two.The private terrace [click to enlarge]
Clare & Francis Hansom [click to enlarge]Before moving to France, Clare spent over 20 years in the hotel industry and was a director of her own hotel marketing company. She then changed direction completely and became a successful garden designer. Francis was a history teacher for over 30 years. He now looks forward to "educating" guests about the joys of living in France!
Clare & Francis have worked hard to ensure that La Petite Maison is as well-equipped and luxurious as possible. They now live in the main farmhouse all year round and are on hand to offer advice about the most interesting places to visit in the local area. In addition, they would be delighted to accompany guests on wine-tasting tours or trips to the many beautiful gardens in the region.Stylish steps up to the bedroom [click to enlarge]
Our Visitors' Bookphoto
Here is what some of our guests have said about their stay with us.

We do hope that when you return home you will add your comments, too.
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David & Anne Parker
Herefordshire (26th June - 10 July 2010)
Wonderful weather with not a drop of rain. Not many visitors seem to explore Cahors. We really loved it and, if you go on a Wednesday morning, there's a fantastic market. The old bridge is spectacular. A wonderful restful break, much needed. We depart from rural France to rural Herefordshire with happy memories. The pool is the warmest and most inviting one we've ever swum in!
Jonathan & Jane Harrison
Chiswick, London (12th June - 26th June 2010)
Back again. Can't stay away. La Petite Maison just keeps getting better & better, what with the addition of the new pool. We love this little house and the setting. We will be back.....again
Kevin & Sarah Packham
Reading, Berkshire (-5 - 12 June 2010)
We have had a most enjoyable week in 'Margot'. Francis & Clare work tirelessly to ensure that guests are comfortable, well-informed and generally well looked-after. We are sure everyone will find something to please around here:history, music, art, food, walking country, old towns etc. But then again you can just sit round the pool and read a book - that's the whole point really: you don't have to do anything.
Michael & Delia Ayers
Oxford (29 May - 05 June 2010)
A week full of delights, not least the pleasure of staying in this charming place, welcomed by Francis & Clare. The highlights were staggering Albi, Cordes and Villefranche but a delightful day was also spent closer to home exploring the local towns and villages.
Jonathan & Jane Harrison
Chiswick, London (28th Sept - 08 October 2009)
Peace & tranquility far from the madding crowd is what we all crave and desire, and here it is in Le Petit Chateau Margot. We came in search of a 'land' and found it and so much more than we ever expected. We will return soon to live in this wonderful part of France and to enjoy the friendship of Francis & Clare who are just the perfect hosts and wonderful people also. Many visitors before us have said it all about the 'must see's and must do's'. Its a bit like shooting fish in a barrel here. History & culture oozes out everywhere and it is such a delight to see a country and people who care about what they have, who they are and have respect for the people and things around them. You can't fail to be touched by this place. Enjoy & Happy Travels. But we will thrash them in the 5 Nations soon!!!
Tricia & Michael
Headley, Hampshire (19 -- 28 September 2009)
This is a most beautiful place in which the quietness and opportunities for relaxation are what we most needed. If you are interested in art then Albi is a must - the cathedral wall paintings are in wonderful condition and the Toulouse Lautrec museum is worth a visit. The Ingres Museum at Montauban has interesting exhibitions too. We were delighted to "discover" Lenoir at Montricoux as suggested by a previous visitor. The paintings are beautiful and not to be missed. Clare & Francis were so kind and considerate. Their restaurant suggestions were great. Thank you so much
Hazel & Dave Milburn
Selby, North Yorkshire (05 - 19 September 2009)
What a wonderful fortnight with exceptionally hot weather. Pool was a godsend. Thanks to Clare & Francis who were extremely helpful but unobtrusive and their local knowledge is very good.
Myra & Martin Prudames
York (22 - 29 August 2009)
We have had a wonderful week in an idyllic spot, it would be difficult to come here and not relax as the tranquility is bliss. The pool has beckoned us on many occasions after a hot day out and about.
Terry & Sandy
Bracknell, Berks (8th August - 22nd August)
This was our best holiday in France. We have re-booked for next year and for a longer period so that says it all. We hope everyone has as good a time as we have, especially the weather, 2 weeks of high 20's/mid 30's.
David & Mary Anne Robinson
Cobham, Surrey (25th July 2009 for 1 week)
Many of you will visit the charming medieval villages of Penne and Bruniquel. However, do take the time to go to Montricoux, a plainer village, but with its distinct character and boasting an extraordinary museum in the chateau devoted to the works of one Marcel Lenoir. A contemporary of Matisse and Picasso, this rather grumpy old man displayed a quite exceptional range of artistic styles as well as being a poet and expert ceramicist.
Tina & Andrew Lewis
Sydney, Australia (18 - 25 July 2009)
Parfaite Gite, Parfait Temps, Parfaite region, L'annee prochaine encore la meme chose, s'il vous plait
Shona & Nigel Kinniburgh
Peebles, Scotland (20th June - 04 July 2009)
Cannot think of a better way to spend a honeymoon. Many thanks to Clare & Francis for setting up the Petite Maison for our French style wedding celebration. Our 4th visit to St Antonin, 3rd to Petite Maison which I think says it all. Great relaxation, great company and we will definitely be back. P.S. La Corniche is still wonderful for lunch.
Colin & Deborah Wilson
Edinburgh, Scotland (23 May - 10th June)
We particularly enjoy walking and were delighted to find several very good walks right on our doorstep - a good way to see the wildlife. Our weather was superb so we made the most of the swimming pool and sunbeds. Thank you for providing a perfect base and the welcome peace.
Harry & Jean Wardlaw
Formby, Liverpool (9 - 16 May 2009)
We have relaxed and enjoyed our week in this delightful cottage. We celebrated our 43rd wedding anniversary with an excellent meal at Le Festin de Babette in St Antonin which we can recommend.
Andy & Dawn
Tenterden, Kent (27th Sept - 4th October 2008)
A Slight Change of Plans! We had so many plans and expectations of activity - but that was before we arrived! In reality, the tranquility of La Petite Maison conspired against our many plans and we just ended up "blobbing" most days - not even making it any further from the comfort of our bed than the pool! We shall certainly return when we feel in need of an escape from the stresses of everyday life (and to put on another half a stone!).
Gill & John Woodman
Southampton (13 - 27 September 2008)
How lucky we have been to find this beautiful part of France, to have spent two weeks at La Petite Maison and to have had such perfect weather - no rain for the whole fortnight. We have explored all the lovely hilltop villages,we have visited a vineyard to watch the first harvesting and pressing of the grapes, we have explored a chateau that has not yet been restored. To Clare & Francis we say a big thank you for allowing us to share their beautifully equipped and spacious gite, for the best welcome pack we have ever received and for all their advice in helping us to make thie very most of our stay in this idyllic part of France.
Christine & Michael
Dundee (6 - 13 September 2008)
We have appreciated the peace and quiet of this lovely house in its idyllic surroundings and we have certainly slept very well.
Nigel & shona
Peebles/Scotland (23-30th Aug)
Clare & Francis it was great to see you both again and many thanks from us both.You asked what we were going to do for the week on our arrival and I said "B..... all" which we achieved and had a great time chilling out.While it may seem a bit rude it is just the best place to chill out and achieve that. Thanks again from Nigel and Shona hope to see you again soon and keep up the good work.
John & Joan
Stockton (26th July - 16th August 2008)
Can't believe three weeks are over already. We have had a wonderful holiday and can't think of any words to describe it that haven't already been used. We made many walks using the following guideboods. Les Sentiers des Vagabonds which were well marked and easy to follow. 15 Circuits autour de St Antonin (available at the Tourist Office) all well marked and many, many more. We hope we walk this way again.
Judy & Russell Browning
Livingston, West Lothian (19 - 26 July 2008)
La Petite Maison has one problem - it's so idyllic! So much so that we had trouble dragging ourselves away from its charm and tranquility to visit all the places we intended! We've had a very relazed and comfortable week at La Petite Maison - it's beautifully equipped and furnished - and Clare and Francis have been most welcoming and helpful - thank you! One week is certainly not enough and we hope to be back sometime.
Dave & Eileen Williams
Bexley, Kent (5th JULY - 19th JULY 2008)
This is our 4th time in the region and we nvever tire of the scenery, villages, towns and food. La Petite Maison is without doubt the best accommodation we have experienced in France and its setting and facilities would take an awful lot of beating. "tarntotalcalm" is a perfect name for their website! We may not have seen as many birds and aninmals as some but we have seen (and heard) the Golden Oriels, many butterflies, deer, hare etc. Clare & Francis, our wonderful hosts, always happy to to help and advise and have a chat but very aware of the privacy of their guests. We wish them continued success.
Ray & Janet Spinks
Southampton (21 June - 05 July 2008)
It is hard to know where to begin other than to say what a wonderful, relaxing holiday - the peace and tranquillity of La Petite Maison, the enchanting garden and the fantastic views. The weather was perfect for the whole 2 weeks - blue skies and sunshine - what more could you ask for. During our stay we visited many beautiful places - Albi, Gaillac. Penne, Cordes sur Ciel and Cahors. We have been coming to France for the last 10 years and this has to be the most beautiful, picturesque region we have ever visited. We shall return without doubt.
Peter & Liz Woodmass
Kirton, Suffolk (24 May - 07 June 2008)
We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay at La Petite Maison thanks to Clare & Francis for their help and advice. The Logis at Najac is well worth a visit for lunch as is the "Lautrec" Restaurant in Albi. For our last night we visited "Le Festin de Babette" which ended the two weeks on a high.
Sylvia & Alan White
Englefield Green, Surrey (17 - 24 May 2008)
Some came to re-charge their batteries, we came to kick-start ours - it worked, thanks to a lovely cottage, beautiful countryside & attentive hosts. Must See - Cordes sur Ciel, Najac & Garden at Verfeil. Must Eat - Jardin des Thermes, La Corniche. Must Visit - Markets at Saint Antonin and Villefranche. Must Enjoy - as we did!
Ken & Jan Robinson
Shropshire (10 -17 May 2008)
We travelled to France to house hunt, visiting many places but have really got to know and like the area around Saint Antonin. The accommodation here at the cottage has really been outstanding - everything we have required to get ourselves started has been here. We really enjoyed our visits to Albi and Cordes.
Janice & Melvin Bennell
Wiltshire (22-29 September 2007)
Although we have been here for 1 week, it feels like longer. The elements that have made this such an enjoyable stay are:- the perfect gite and hosts and wildlife, beautiful scenery, spectacular places to visit, great walks from the gite and elsewhere, friendly and helpful people everywhere we went. We return to England with our batteries re-charged and looking forward to a return visit.
Sam & Pete Wood
Durrington, West Sussex (08 - 22 September 2007)
We wanted a holiday away from it all - peace and tranquility - and that is exactly what we had here. The pool and sunshine were wonderful.
Caroline & Julian
Chiswick (20 - 27 August 2007)
We promised ourselves we'd return and here we are again drinking in all the delights of a week in blissful "Margot". Everything as we remembered from last year and when something is so right, it doesn't need any changing.
Jackie & Ian
Chelmsford, Essex (4 - 18 August 2007)
This blissful cottage is set in a beautiful natural environment which evokes images of times gone by. We have walked through a variety of landscapes with wonderful views but also try canoeing! It's more challenging than you think. Everyone gets wet but don't be put off, it's a real experience to remember. Such a good holiday, its been perfect. A little piece of paradise in a world otherwise gone mad. You can't help but relax at St Michel de Vax!
Chris & Martin Nield
Derby (21st July - 4th August)
"Tarntotalcalm" worked its magic for us. Thankyou Clare & Francis for providing the perfect base for us on this special holiday - our 30th wedding anniversary. The wildlife around here has been fantastic. It will come to you if you watch, listen and wait. Bats and owls are brilliant.
Paul & Linda Beddoe
Pemburey, Kent (16 - 30 June 2007)
This is our 3rd visit to this area of France (and we very rarely go anywhere twice). We enjoyed meals in various restaurants but most of all we loved the evening BBQ's with a bottle or two of the local rose on the terrace. For all you twitchers, we watched from the terrace a male Golden Oriel in the oak trees for about 10 minutes.
David & Dorothy Byers
Belfast (June 2007)
Very good accommodation and if you are here during the opera season, then certainly make a bee-line for Toulouse opera - first rate productions. Many thanks to Clare & Francis.
Sandra and Philip Bradshaw
Somerset SW England (May 2207)
'La Petite Maison' is delightful -very tastefully furnished and most comfortable. We loved the peaceful setting and the discrete, supportive help close at hand as we searched for a property.Many thanks Clare and Francis for your friendship and hospitality.
Patricia & Roger Barker
Lindfield, W Sussex (21 - 28 April 2007)
Dear Clare and Francis We have just returned from our wonderful week staying at "La Petite Maison". It was everything we asked for and more. The perfect gite experience! Thank you.
Penny & Mike Hinton
Norfolk (12 - 21 February 2007)
Although the weather this week has been changeable - t-shirts to winter coats - the hospitality of Clare & Francis has been constantly warm. We have thoroughly enjoyed our stay here.
Jan & Peter Simpson
Lincolnshire (03 - 10 February 2007)
We have spent the last week on what can only be described as a working holiday, trying to find a permanent home in this area of France. La Petite Maison was the perfect base for our exploration, being peaceful, most comfortable and well equipped, and significantly better than most of the dross we had been viewing! Thank you Clare and Francis for your warmth and hospitality.
Peter & Jenny Gadd
Camborne, Cornwall (4th - 11th November)
Many thanks to Francis and Clare for advice and pointing us in the right direction for sightseeing and for providing a most comfortable and well-equipped home to come back to after our explorations. The stunning scenery and delightful towns and villages easily equals anything we have previously experienced in France. The peace and beauty here has been a real tonic, thank you
Eveline & Arthur Walker
Marden, Kent (14-21 October 2006)
We have stayed in many Gites in France over 25 years and this is, without doubt, the best in terms of location, quality of appearance and facilities, together with the warm and friendly reception of Clare and Francis.
cheryl & rob aggett
Lincolnshire (7-14 October 2006)
If you’re looking for peace and relaxation then La Petite Maison is the place to come. With its stunning setting, wonderful wildlife and home-from-home comforts you could not wish for a more perfect place. We will definitely recommend it to our friends and will definitely be making a return visit.
Howard & Jean Benson
Headley, Hampshire (30 September - 07 October 2006)
Thank you Clare and Francis for letting us share your little piece of France. For the first few days we soaked up the peace and tranquility, then we ventured into the local area.
Cally & Julian Charrington
Chiswick (September 2006)
La Petite Maison at Margot is perfect for a holiday in the calm and beautiful countryside in this superb area of France. Total calm for a week of sightseeing - numerous butterflies were very special. We'll be back........soon, we hope.
Eddie & Eileen Salloway
Knowle, Sollihull (9th - 23rd September 2006)
A lovely cottage, very well equipped. Everything you need to make life easy. We've really enjoyed our stay and Clare and Francis are most helpful.
Sarah & Glen Anderson
Canterbury, Kent (2 - 9 September 2006)
Thanks to Clare and Francis for finding this place and letting us share it. We have had the most idyllic week.
Ros & Roger Grimes
Churt, Surrey (26 August - 02 Sept 2006)
Many thanks to Clare and Francis for sharing this delightful spot.
Lynda & Steve Ward
Coventry (August 2006)
St-Antonin-Noble-Val is a smashing place to walk round or sit and have a drink. The Sunday market is excellent. Would recommend the cottage to anyone.
Anne & Tom Ireland
Sheffield (August 2006)
Our first time in this region and, as we leave, it is with a resolution to return in the future. Thank you Clare and Francis for being such welcoming hosts and for sharing you lovely 'Petite Maison' with us - it is the best by far of all the gîtes we have visited over the years.
The Smiths
Rickmansworth, Herts (05 -12 August 2006)
When looking back in years to come Which will we best remember? The clear blue break of each new day Or evening's glowing ember. The Swallowtail that glides above, The crickets at our feet, A breakfast table laid with love, And summer's fruits to eat. The oak leaves stirring in the breeze, The Nuthatch tapping there. No, clearest in our minds are smiles Of Francis and of Clare
Liz & Stuart Hitch
Enfield (29th July - 05th August 2006)
A delightfully peaceful and relaxing place - thank you. Enjoyed several good BBQ's on the terrace! Tried the 'faire du kayak' from St Antonin downsteam - half a day, leisurely and great fun.
Susan & Eddie Paszkiewicz
Silsden (15th - 29th July)
Lovely location, peace and quiet after the noise at home. Good places to visit locally if you want to - but relaxing by the pool is just as good. Make the most of all the Medieval towns and cities around the area.
Shona & Nigel
Edinburgh, Scotland (24 June - 08 July 2006)
Wonderfully relaxing! Definitely recommend the Sunday Market at Saint Antonin with local vineyards nearby and a great way to stock up on wine. The 3 hour trip to Millau Viaduct is well justified by the amazing engineering and topped off by an awesome drive across. Hope La Petite Maison goes from strength to strength.
Mike & Janet Watts
Mangotsfield, Bristol (June 2006)
'La Petite Maison' is the definition of calm and tranquility. It's a lovely house - everything you could want, from our own wood, well it seems like ours, to the refreshing pool.
Chris & Judy Thompson
Felixstowe, Suffolk (03 - 17 June 2006)
So much space, clean air and peace. After visiting France for many years, this is by far the best holiday we have ever had. There are many great places to visit and good places to eat. From the garden we have seen and heard a large variety of birds including song thrush, nightingale and cuckoo. We could have stayed another month or two here but work and normality beckon.
Richard & Tricia
Uxbridge, Middx (28 May - 03 June 2006)
What a tranquil location protected by the oak woods where we could relax by the pool with our well-equipped 'petite maison' at hand. Thanks to our attentive hosts for sharing your natural paradise. On our drives up and down the valleys we spotted red squirrel, deer, hare and watched buzzards catching the thermals. We hope we shall be able to find a return booking as news of this idlyllic holiday setting is bound to spread.
Margaret & Bob Gibbins
Fife, Scotland (May 2006)
We have thoroughly enjoyed the combination of complete relaxation and trips to visit some of the many interesting and spectacular sights in the local area. There is no need to travel far to experience a variety of historical, geographical and culinary places of interest. Many thanks to Clare and Francis for creating such a welcoming environment for a most relaxing holiday.
Jo Ward-Ellison & Roy Smith
Ashtead, Surrey (April 2006)
Wonderful location - lovely views, clean air and so, so peaceful! Don't miss the large Sunday morning market in St Antonin Noble Val. We very much hope to return.
John Corney
London (February 2006)
Very much enjoyed my stay at Margot. La Petite Maison has been very comfortable and I have enjoyed every minute here. I will go back to London with my batteries fully charged.
Michael Griggs
Loughton, Essex (January 2006)
Peace and quiet, good food, good wine, beautiful cottage, incredible scenery and the most wonderful,welcoming hosts. Everything you need for a truly memorable stay in this beautiful part of France.
Maggie Kenney & Paul Magee
Middlesex (September 2005)
We just had to come back to recharge our batteries and stock up on our dose of wonderful warmth and sunshine before the winter sets in up north. The cathedral at Albi is a must see and is quite awesome. For art lovers the Museum to Toulouse-Lautrec is an essential visit. Margot, yet again, has fulfilled its promise.
Sarah Davidson
East Molesey, Surrey (July 2005)
Don't change a thing - how can you improve upon perfection?
Maggie Kenney and Paul Magee
Middlesex (June 2005)
We came seeking peace and tranquility and we certainly found it at Margot.
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