Location description from owner

The Dordogne region

The Dordogne region is known for its chateaux (there are said to be 1001 chateaux in the Dordogne), its medieval villages and the beautiful countryside and scenery, as well as the warm and pleasant climate...and the great produce available from the Dordogne markets. The Dordogne River and the various other rivers, including the Dronne, are also a major attraction for visitors to the region.

The Dordogne is one of the most beautiful and popular destinations in the country. Visit this beautiful region of France and discover the chateaux, beautiful medieval towns and villages, unspoiled countryside and prehistoric caves - just some of the many reasons why the region attracts visitors.

There are many 'famous sights' in the Dordogne, including: Lascaux caves; Marqueyssac gardens; medieval Sarlat; Chateau Castelnaud; prehistoric caves, etc. Yet it is the places that you visit outside these 'hot-spots' that will stay longest in your memory - the scenery, the peace, the coffee in a small cafe, the picnic next to a stream. The Dordogne is beautiful in the same way as the Cotswolds or Tuscany are beautiful - the way it simply makes you want to stay forever enjoying the quiet, the countryside, the scenery...

Some of the best known highlights include the caves at Lascaux, Padirac, Villars, etc; the Marqueyssac gardens and canoeing the many rivers, with the most popular towns and villages including Bergerac / Brantome / Excideuil / La Roque-Gageac / Le Bugue / Riberac / Rocamadour / Sarlat.

Bourdeilles

Les Chauses is ideally located for discovering this beautiful region of southwest France. You will find on the edge of a small hamlet, just 5 minutes from Bourdeilles and only fifteen minutes drive from Brantome.

Bourdeilles is located in a picturesque setting on the river Dronne, and has a medieval and Renaissance chateau, fine restaurants and shops including a boulangerie. Canoes can be hired at Bourdeilles for a relaxing glide along the river (a favourite with adults and children).

Brantome is a picturesque, medieval town completely encircled by the river Dronne. Visitors to the town are captivated by its beauty, history and architecture. The Benedictine Abbey built by Charlemagne in 769 and the Church of St Peter with its cloisters dating from the 15thC, are well worth a visit. It is a delight to stroll through the quaint cobbled streets filled with boutiques and shops and dine in the many restaurants. Sip wine on a riverside terrace and watch the world go by, especially on a Friday, when it is market day. The river is calm and gentle at this point, covered with lilies, and sheltered by weeping willows. A walk along the edge of the river ending with a picnic in the gardens is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. Enjoy a leisurely boat trip or follow one of the trails through the surrounding wooded hills.

Perigueux, the capital city of the Dordogne, has Roman and medieval remains, lots of town centre shops, great restaurants and a daily food market.

St Jean de Cole, one of the most beautiful villages in France has a yearly plant and flower festival in May.

Villars is famous for its abbey and prehistoric caves.

Hautefort's chateau is the most impressive in the Dordogne.

Sorges has an interesting truffle museum.

Jumilhac Le Grande with its fairytale chateau offers a lovely photo opportunity.

St Emilion and Bordeaux, if you don't mind a drive, offer wine tasting and vineyard tours. If you fancy stocking up your wine supply you will be spoilt for choice and have experts on hand to advise.