As the wind rustles softly through the willow trees that
surround the waters of Lac de Pelisse, any avid reader can’t help but remember
the aptly named Wind in the Willows.
“There is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as messing
about in boats”, the famous sentence goes. Come visit Cabanes Flottantes and
we’re sure you will agree.
Set within eight-acres of parkland, once an organic farm and
today a tranquil natural space, Cabanes Flottantes is a truly unique glamping
experience comprised of two floating cabins bobbing gently on a lake. Crafted
out of finely selected woods – larch, Douglas fir and pine – the cabins are
encircled by a wide outside deck, finished in the same wonderfully exposed
style and mirrored inside by superb joinery that includes inbuilt furnishings
and bunk beds.
The real magic, of course, comes not in the comfortable
beds, large glass doors or sun-chairs on the terrace but from the sheer
tranquillity of floating on a lake in the heart of the French countryside! And
what a charm it is. In the mornings, cold weather can be a pleasant surprise as
wispy hairs of mist hang in the air beyond the windows, magical and serene,
while warmer, midsummer dawns wash the waters in a sunny glow, attracting
kingfishers and herons who fish around the edge. When the wind catches, the
cabins can even begin to turn slowly in the water, shifting the direction of
your view across the lake.
All of it can be surveyed over breakfast as you enjoy a
French collection of freshly squeezed orange juice, jams, croissants and other,
seasonal goods paddled out to your cabin each morning. And then, you can head
off to explore, either in the private rowing boat you use to paddle to and from
the cabin or by taking out one of the kayaks found beached on the sand at one
end of the lake. If you bring along some fishing tackle you can even dip for fish
in the waters below. You do have to put them back though, partly as there are
no cooking facilities in the cabin but more importantly to protect the stock!
On shore, picnic benches are found beneath the dappled shade
of the willow trees and there’s a climbing frame and playground for kids.
They’re located conveniently close to a communal BBQ too, perfect for a family
meal back on terra firma. And then beyond there are the medieval towns that
this region of France is so famous for: Issigeac, Bergerac and magnificent Château
de Monbazillac are all within an easy half hour drive. Not that you’ll be too
interested in going there. After all, nothing beats staying put and simply
messing around in boats.