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Charmingly rustic old shepherd's house, with organic veg to pluck, hens for eggs, a shaded veranda. The stunning Gorge de Aveyron is near

Tucked into a green hillside topped by thick wooded tresses, an old shepherd's house brought back to life as a four-room family home. Gardens climb to the tree line, alive with flowers and swooping swallows – views from the kitchen window are so beautiful you will be rooted. Inside, no frills or fanciness: high beamed ceilings, a shaded veranda, Persian rugs on wooden floors, paintings bright against textured white walls. A basic kitchen has colourful crockery for meals around an old French table. The main bedroom, reached through the children's room or via the garden, has deep raspberry linen and a big family bathroom glimmers in gold travertine tiles. The owners, both artists, and their two young children live a simple life; pick organic veg from the garden (and lend a helping hand); feast on freshly laid eggs (if you promise to look after the hens). Explore Sunday markets for local food, or the river winding through the stunning Gorge du Aveyron (canoeing, swimming, picnics). Medieval St Antonin Noble Val is near for restaurants and shops, Toulouse, Cordes-sur-Ciel are further. Rise with the birds.