The
serene River Boucheuse is only a few metres wide as it idles along the side of
Riveco Glamping, a small, endlessly green glampsite in the Limousin region. Just
beyond the tall, mature trees and thick foliage of the site, the river widens
into an oval-shaped millpond, cascading down a weir and continuing south past
the nearby vineyards in La Faye. A tributary (romantically named, La Valentine)
makes a similarly languid pathway around the local village of Coussac-Bonneval,
five kilometres away, home to a 14th-century château and a trio of
little restaurants. It’s the perfect patch for a holiday.
The
Boucheuse is certainly part of the appeal here. The slower pace of the river
seems to have permeated into all life around it. Birds seem to sing all the
more harmoniously, the glampsite hammock seems to cocoon you all the more
comfortably and the hours of the day breeze by in a haze of utter comfort. Even
the donkeys and sheep on the smallholding are friendly, mellow creatures. Give
them a wave as you wander down the yellow brick path that leads from your car
to the great white geo-dome you’ll be calling home.
The
dome itself, the only accommodation at the site, is right beside the river and
boasts an extra, mezzanine level inside. On the bottom floor there’s a comfortable
sofa area, facing out of the ginormous wall windows, along with some extra
storage, while up the stairs there’s a king-sized bed. By night, the centre of
the dome can be opened up to reveal a huge, circular window, allowing you
to sleep directly beneath the stars. The sky here is blissfully un-polluted and
the stars shine wonderfully for all to see, framed by the black outline of the
surrounding trees.
Owners
Carl and Lesley not only lend their personal touch to the glamping site –
bunting hangs above the handy kitchen space and conscientiously placed candle
lanterns are dotted around – but they also tend to the smallholdings vegetable
patch and animals. The welcome basket when you arrive is always stocked with a
few home-grown and local goodies and homecooked meals are available by request.
For everything else, you can slope off to the village or head to the excellent
Monday evening market in Ségur-le-Château, a local treasure and a wonderfully
atmospheric, traditional French scene.