The Surroundings
In the most beautiful region of France...
«Having seen the Dordogne gives me hope for the future of the human race and the planet. Perhaps France will one day cease to exist, but the Dordogne will survive, just as the dreams that nourish the human soul» H.Miller
It offers a fabulous journey through time, where the wind of history blows at every turn: medieval caves and fortresses, remnants of epic battles, Romanesque abbeys and Renaissance châteaux, set within breathtaking landscapes.
It is the French department richest in historic monuments, and its gastronomy is renowned (foie gras, truffles, ceps), alongside the vineyards of Bergerac or nearby Bordeaux (Saint Émilion 1h30 away).
Tourist sites
- Saint Pierre de Frugie: 5 min away, a lovely tiny old village and one of the first eco-villages in France.
- Jumilhac le Grand, 10 min: a spectacular feudal edifice, built from the 12th century, with fairy-tale Renaissance roofs topped by allegorical ridge ornaments unique in France.
- Saint Jean de Côle (20 min), one of the most beautiful villages in France with a 12th century château, a Romano-Byzantine church and an old priory.
- Brantôme (30 min), “the Venice of Périgord”, romantic and rich in history: the oldest bell tower in France, a church consecrated in 804 by the Pope, and a magnificent abbey along the canals. Not to be missed!
- Bourdeilles, 10 min from Brantôme, is a barony of Périgord founded in the 10th century. A medieval château, a true fortress with a keep surrounded by ramparts overlooking the valley, and a Renaissance pavilion.
- Villars (30 min): Puyguilhem, a very beautiful Renaissance château, and next to it the Abbey of Boschaud, a 12th century Cistercian abbey, and spectacular prehistoric caves (like Lascaux).
- Périgueux (40 min): capital of Périgord, where Roman remains, a medieval town, the Byzantine-inspired Saint Front Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage) and numerous Renaissance mansions stand side by side. A City of Art and History, but also a gastronomic city, with picturesque markets including the famous truffle and foie gras market.
- Chancelade: next to Périgueux, the abbey of Chancelade. Built in the 10th century, an imposing complex with abbey church, Romanesque chapel and abbot’s lodging.
- Excideuil, 35 min: a 1,500-year-old town, with a château stronghold often besieged but never taken, and medieval lanes that host a truffle market in winter.
- Hautefort, 45 min: 1,000 years old, this former immense medieval fortress was transformed into a pleasure residence in the 17th century. An architectural jewel and a historical treasure.
- Richard the Lionheart Route, a historic road winding between magnificent châteaux, medieval churches, fortresses and abbey churches, such as:
- Le Chalard, 20 min. A small medieval town, fortified during the Hundred Years’ War, with its 11th century Romanesque abbey and a surprising monks’ cemetery.
- Saint Yrieix, 20 min. A small medieval town surrounding its 12th century collegiate church.
- Château de Montbrun, 20 min, a fortress representative of military architecture, built in the 12th century.
- Solignac and its abbey church, 40 min. A very beautiful 12th century Romanesque church.
- Ségur le Château. One of the most beautiful villages in France, dominated by the remains of the medieval château.
- And 1h30 away, the Dordogne and Vézère Valleys, where châteaux, bastides and old villages, caves abound, in sublime landscapes where rivers wind.
Fine dining
- 5 minutes away, Restaurant des Voyageurs at La Coquille.
- 15 min away, L’escapade des sens at Thiviers.
- Gourmet restaurants 30 minutes away: Hostellerie Saint Jacques at Saint Saud Lacoussière, Moulin de l’Abbaye (Relais et Châteaux) at Brantôme, Le Moulin du Roc at Champagnac de Belair, Le Moulin de la Gorce at La Roche l’Abeille, Hostellerie Saint Jacques at Saint Saud Lacoussière, Domaine du Bandiat at Abjat-sur-Bandiat.
Gourmet trails
- 20 min away, Sorges, the truffle capital, with the Truffle Museum and visits to truffle farms with local growers.
- Huge market at Périgueux (40 min), across every square of the Renaissance old town.
- Truffle and foie gras markets in Périgueux and Excideuil in winter.
- In summer, markets in many surrounding villages and towns.
- Organic grocer of local producers at St Pierre de Frugie (5 min).
Activities & activities for all ages
- Canoeing down the Dronne at Brantôme (30 min).
- Rail-biking at Thiviers (15 min).
- Hot-air balloon ride at St Yrieix (25 min), and a leisure park.
- Golf courses at Périgueux and Limoges (45 min).
- Bussière Galant: leisure park (espace-hermeline.com) with lake, tree climbing, rail-biking…
- Jumilhac: equestrian club and Gold Gallery with activities for children.
- Miallet: equestrian centre (10 min)
- Villars: extraordinary prehistoric caves (Lascaux-style) (30 min)
- La Roque Gageac (1h30): a breathtaking descent of the Dordogne by gabare (traditional boat), between cliffs, châteaux and hanging villages.
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Services and Experiences
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