PRESERVE THE EXISTINGIN LAVIGNAC

Meeting with Claudette, at Gîte Fonbanoux

Originally from the outskirts of Limoges and her husband Guy from Lavignac for several generations, it was in 1977 that he joined his parents’ farm. Claudette joined the business in 1986. Since then, as a cattle breeder, our guest of the month has not abandoned her desire to develop a complementary tourist activity.

Claudette Barret

Owner of 3 gîtes in Haute-Vienne.

Chambre double - Gite Fonbanoux à Lavignac

A journey of conviction

Both keen to preserve our natural and, above all, built heritage, it was in 2004 that the couple embarked on the adventure of creating their first large-capacity gîte at Fonbanoux in Lavignac. Guy and Claudette are passionate about preserving and improving the region’s heritage, and are committed to restoring the property. Claudette, who is particularly interested in decoration, has also made it her forte. A complementary duo was formed to offer visitors the much-desired spirit of a “family home” or, more importantly, a cocoon for intergenerational reunions. A former farm, the potential was there beyond the many years of neglect. Thanks to their project, they were able to benefit from a grant for large-capacity accommodation. At the time, this type of accommodation was underdeveloped in Haute-Vienne.

Discovering the premises

An authentic 18th-century manor house, the first floor features a welcoming living room, a spacious kitchen, a laundry room and a games room for the whole family. On the second floor, you’ll be delighted to discover a suite for two, accompanied by two double bedrooms and a twin room. All equipped with two shower rooms. Finally, on the second floor, there’s a dormitory with en suite facilities for up to 6 people. Outside, the extensive garden features an outdoor swimming pool in summer.

Grand séjour - Gite Fonbanoux à Lavignac

Salle de bain - Gite Fonbanoux à Lavignac

Piscine en plein air - Gite Fonbanoux à Lavignac

The ambition to consolidate the present

From the outset, the Gîte Fonbanoux has been a “gîte de charme”, then a “gîte de France”, and for the past 20 years has been a must for families in the heart of France. A true country house, the key words here are tranquility, sharing and serenity. What’s more, travelers will find a wide range of leisure activities all around them, at attractive prices.

Owning 3 gîtes today (Fonbanoux, Le Moulin & La Maison d’Eugénie), Claudette’s aim is to perpetuate the present, while maintaining a high level of quality and adapting to changing customer requirements.

Claudette Barret - propriétaire du Gîte Fonbanoux, à Lavignac

Claudette's favorite

Claudette’s fond memories of her family include the Château de Nexon and its peaceful English park. Green and refreshing in summer, it’s an authentic place where the beauty of the built estate blends perfectly with our natural heritage. The park is both a place for walking and horse-riding, and a cultural space for all generations, thanks to the Pôle National Cirque, the green lung of Nexon.

The forest of Les Cars, with its legendary and mysterious atmosphere, is an equally important place to discover.