FACILITIES
A private swimming pool is situated across the golf course from the gite, in a secluded site that gets plenty of sun during the day, but which also has shaded areas for those who wish. There are sun loungers, table and chairs, and the pool area is fenced off for the safety of young children. Gite guests have their own key.
La Besse has its own short golf course. We don’t claim it has Championship-standard fairways and greens, but it is very much more than a pitch-and-putt. Originally created as a nine-hole layout, from Season 2007 additional tee placings and a new green will offer guests the option of playing 18 holes. The course has doubled in length to almost 2100 yards, with a challenging par of 66. The longest hole is 180 yards, the shortest 55 yards, so mid-irons, pitching wedge and putter are all that is required. We provide a selection of clubs for men, women and children (including left-handed clubs) along with bag, caddy-cart, balls, tees, scorecards and local rules.
LA BESSE has its own fishing pond, well stocked with golden carp. We have rods for the use of guests who wish to try to catch this wily species and, hopefully, return them to fight another day. For those looking for a more serious challenge three large lakes are a ten minute cycle ride away, inhabited by pike, perch, carp and catfish, among others. We have a selection of mountain bikes in first-class condition for the use of guests who wish to explore the many fascinating small roads and by-ways that weave through the beautiful Perigordian countryside surrounding LA BESSE.
For the energetic and sporty types there is a full-size five-a-side football pitch laid out on grass with regulation goals and nets. Also on grass, to the side of the gite, is a badminton court, table tennis and childrens swings. There are also two gravel boule courts and LA BESSE guests have access to an all-weather tennis court at Saint-Geniés. There is no charge, and we can supply racquets and balls. Canoeing on the wide reaches of the Dordogne River is very popular and well catered for; horse riding with treks through the local countryside can be arranged near at hand, and helicopter trips, go-karting, and paint-ball “survival” exercises are among the more unusual activities available within a short distance from LA BESSE. For the serious golfer, the Rochebois Hotel and Golf Club has a beautiful and challenging 4500 metre 9 hole course on the Domaine du Rochebois on the banks of the Dordogne, 30 minutes by car from LA BESSE. Visitors are welcome.
It’s not all sports and scenery; culture vultures are spoiled for choice with theatre and film festivals throughout the year in Sarlat and Montignac, and art exhibitions and musical concerts are regularly staged at a variety of venues all within easy reach.
