A Day in the Life of a Family at Village de Montmarsis
Gourdon, Lot-Dordogne
What a perfect summer day in Southwest France really feels like
Some holidays stay with you for years — not because of one big event, but because of a series of small, warm moments. Morning sunlight over rolling hills. Children laughing as they jump into the pool. A village square filled with market stalls and the smell of fresh bread.
That’s the feeling many international families discover in the Lot, in Southwest France. And at Village de Montmarsis, a small-scale five-star holiday park near Gourdon, that holiday feeling truly comes to life.
Today, we’ll take you through a “summer day in the life” of a family staying at Montmarsis — so you can picture your own holiday here.
08:30 – Breakfast on your private terrace
The day starts slowly. The sun is already warming the green hills of the Lot — and of course, the children are awake before everyone else.
One parent has just picked up fresh croissants and pain au chocolat from the park’s bread service (available in high season). Breakfast is served on the terrace of your own detached holiday home.
Village de Montmarsis offers around 60 detached holiday homes (gîtes) and 5 fully equipped safari tents with private bathrooms. Although you are on a holiday park, the spacious layout means it feels like your own private corner of nature.
The accommodations are designed with families in mind:
- Comfortable bedrooms
- A spacious bathroom
- A fully equipped kitchen
- Free WiFi
- Space for baby equipment (high chair or baby cot available to rent)
Birdsong fills the air. The children enthusiastically spread jam on warm croissants. The morning is calm and quiet.
This is what a family holiday in Southwest France is meant to feel like: relaxed, warm, small-scale and genuinely child-friendly.
10:00 – Pool time, playtime and relaxation
After breakfast, it’s time for action. The children already know where they’re going — the pool.
Montmarsis features:
- A large swimming pool
- A separate children’s pool
- A spacious sun terrace with loungers
While the children jump, splash and make new holiday friends, you settle into a sun lounger. The pool area is clear and family-friendly, so you can relax while keeping an easy eye on them.
Later, there might be a game of pétanque (a traditional French boules game), table tennis, or football on the sports field. Younger children head to the playground. During high season, seasonal activities are organised for children as well.
It’s this combination of calm surroundings and thoughtful facilities that makes Montmarsis so appealing to families: everything is easy, safe and within walking distance.
12:30 – A relaxed lunch at your holiday home
By midday, everyone is ready for a break. Back at your gîte, you prepare a simple French-style lunch: fresh baguette, local cheeses, a salad and perhaps some fruit from the market.
The children draw at the outdoor table or kick a ball on the grass. Because the houses are detached and well-spaced, there’s a sense of privacy and peace — yet all park facilities remain close by.
It’s the ideal balance between independence and convenience.
14:00 – An afternoon visit to Gourdon
Just five minutes by car (or about 15 minutes on foot) lies the medieval town of Gourdon.
For families, it’s the perfect easy outing:
- Wandering through narrow medieval streets
- Climbing up to the viewpoint near the old castle ruins
- Visiting the weekly market with regional products
- Enjoying an ice cream on a sunny terrace
The town feels authentic and welcoming, without being overwhelming. Even if you don’t speak French, it’s easy to explore and enjoy.
From Montmarsis, you can also discover castles, caves, rivers for picnicking or canoeing, and picturesque villages in both the Lot and Dordogne. The park’s location between these two regions makes it an ideal base for day trips — while always returning “home” within a short drive.
18:30 – Dinner at the park brasserie
After a day in the sun, cooking a full meal might not be appealing. Luckily, the park has a welcoming brasserie with a terrace — perfect for families.
Children can play in the nearby playground while you enjoy a glass of regional wine. The atmosphere is relaxed and international; you’ll often hear English, French, Dutch and German spoken around you. The multilingual team ensures everyone feels welcome.
The brasserie serves fresh, family-friendly dishes — exactly what you need after an active day. And best of all: no washing up.
21:00 – Evening calm and stargazing
As you walk back to your gîte, the sky slowly turns soft purple above the hills. The air cools. It’s peaceful and quiet.
After showers, the children fall asleep quickly — tired from swimming, exploring and playing outdoors.
You might pour one last glass of wine and sit on the terrace with a book. The surrounding countryside is dark enough to see the stars clearly — something many families from busy cities truly appreciate.
It’s this balance between simplicity and comfort that makes Montmarsis special: a small-scale luxury resort where families genuinely unwind.
Why this kind of day feels so natural at Montmarsis
Days like this seem to unfold effortlessly here, thanks to:
- The small-scale and peaceful atmosphere
- Family-friendly facilities
- Spacious, private accommodations
- The swimming pool and sports areas
- The convenience of the brasserie and bread service
- A warm, multilingual team
Village de Montmarsis combines the authenticity of rural Southwest France with the comfort international families expect.
Ready to experience it yourself?
Can you already picture your own family at that breakfast table, with croissants and a view of the hills?
Website : www.montmarsis.com
Contact : info@montmarsis.com
Instagram : @villagedemontmarsis_gourdon
Facebook : Village de Montmarsis
You can also subscribe to the newsletter to receive special offers and new blog stories.
Perhaps soon, this will be your family’s perfect holiday day in France.
