Chez John was recently converted from a 17th century stone built barn and retains much of its original character. It nestles in the rural, tranquil hamlet of La Tremoulie and has a large garden with a 10 by 5 metre fully enclosed heated private swimming pool for the exclusive use of those occupying the gite.

The gîte is a short drive, or 10-15 minute leisurely walk along quiet country lanes from the village of Champniers et Reilhac in the beautiful Perigord Vert region of the Dordogne. (

Champniers et Reilhac is a very traditional, sleepy French village, dating back to the tenth century and boasting a cafe, Guiness bar, post office and tennis court. The bar serves a good choice of food. The bar is friendly and welcoming and great places to sit outside and watch village life! A new cafe has recently opened in the village - with a variety of restaurants for all prices in the area

During July and August Champniers et Reilhac alternates with nearby St Mathieu to host a weekly evening street market and barbecue, with live music and dancing!

The small towns of St Mathieu and Piegut Pluviers are less than ten minutes by car and have a choice of bars, restaurants and large supermarkets. Piegut Pluviers hosts the largest street market in the South West every Wednesday throughout the year and is packed with stalls selling everything you could imagine!

Also less than ten minutes drive from La Tremoulie there is a choice of two large leisure lakes with sandy beaches, mini golf, pedalos, bar/restaurants, children’s’ playgrounds and shady picnic areas.

There is everything you could possibly need on holiday within ten minutes driving time and driving in the area is a pleasure as there is very little traffic.

The historic town of Brantome has something to offer everyone and is not to be missed. Surrounded by the river Drome and its little meandering tributaries, it is known as France’s little Venice. Ancient buildings on little cobbled streets house a diverse variety of shops, cafes and brocantes and a large market is held every Friday morning.

If you want to try your hand at canoeing, providing you are over 5 years old, you can be taken upriver by bus, kitted out with lifejacket, plonked in a canoe and left to paddle your way back!

About us
We are Nigel and Janice John and we took early retirement and moved to France in June 2008.

After busy professional lives in the London area we love the peace and tranquillity of La Tremoulie. We chose the area for its rural location, yet easy access to lively market towns, international airports and motorway network to channel ports.

The locals have been friendly and welcoming and we’ve made many new friends within the community. We love our new home and the culture and friendliness of our adopted country – we hope you will too!