TravellerFromCanada (Juli 2008) – Favars is enchanting. Staying at this out-of-the way country estate as a family was an experience out of time (was it really only one week?) and the absolute highlight of a trip to Europe in early summer. At the end of a long country lane that rises gently through undulating grain fields and pasture, nestled against a wooded hillside, stands an almost castle-like stone mansion. Under the bright sun of southern France, the sprawling, light-coloured limestone building exudes light and warmth. The hosts, Richard and Maren, are a well-travelled and cosmopolitan couple who speak excellent English and German. Their warmth, graciousness and energy fill the place with life. On meeting them we immediately feel at home. Over years, they have beautifully restored this mansion, preserving the stately character of the old “domaine de maitre” while adding full modern conveniences. Our elegant rooms are spacious, fresh and very comfortable, with a wonderful castle feel to them. The walls are about four feet thick in places and keep out the summer heat. When eating in, we cook in our well-equipped kitchen, after using tips from Maren on buying good local produce, breads and cheeses. Richard brings us fresh strawberries and herbs from the garden and advises us on finding excellent wines from the area. A fabulous natural destination less than an hour from Favars by car is the Gorge du Tarn. Descending from the surrounding high-plateau into this deep canyon along the switchback road is an unexpectedly magical experience. I have canoed in some beautiful places in Canada, but perhaps the most spectacular scenery I have paddled in is this fairytale gorge. Its walls are very steep and crowned by fantastical limestone battlements carved out of the cliffs by erosion. We rent kayaks and canoes at a place where we put in. On a sunny day, the clear water of the winding Tarn river gently carries our party of adults and young children along for hours, and we play in it after a rich picnic lunch. We are in the middle of Europe, but mostly have the river to ourselves. We loved the Favars holiday home and hope to return!