Things to do
Holiday activities are, of course, different things to different people but here are a few ideas…
SARLAT-LA-CANEDA
Sarlat-la-Caneda is well known for its beautiful medieval architecture which provides an atmospheric backdrop to the Saturday and Wednesday markets. Shops and restaurants selling local delicacies abound and a pleasant afternoon can be had exploring the charming alleys and little squares.
Distance from here – 20 kms
PERIGUEUX
A little further afield to the north west is Perigueux, the capital city of the Perigord. The rich history of the city dates back to pre-Roman times and is well worth visiting to see the 12th Century Cathedrale St Front built in the shape of a Greek cross and topped with five lofty domes.
The Vesunna Museum houses, in a glass building by the archect Jean Nouvel, the remains of a Gallo-Roman residence. Through the glass walls can be seen the landscaped park in which the museum sits and which also houses the Tower of Vesunna – the vestige of a Gallo-Roman temple dedicated to Vesunna, the patron goddess of the Petroccorii the pre-Roman settlers of this city.
Also worth a visit is the Museum of Art and Archaeology of Perigord. The extensive pre-history section is the subject of regular academic research.
Distance from here – 85 kms
LASCAUX (MONTIGNAC)
Most people have heard of the famous caves of Lascaux near Montignac. Discovered in 1940, over 600 wall paintings of primarily large animals (contemporary local fauna that correspond with fossil record in the area) cover the interior walls of the network of caves. Believed to be approximately 19,000 years old the original caves were closed to the public in 1963 as their condition was deteriorating. There are a number of replicas Lascaux IV being the most recent. Lascaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tickets must be pre-booked on the Lascaux website.
Distance from here – 46 kms
MONPAZIER
To the west of us is Monpazier, one of the most intact bastide (a village or town built especially for defence) towns in France. The town was founded by Edward 1 of England, who was also Duke of Gascony, in 1285. Built on a grid system with a central main market square, the 23 beautiful houses surrounding the square are of different and distinct styles of architecture each built with its own open arcaded base making commerce possible whatever the weather. At one end of the square is the wooden ‘halle’ – an open sided market hall with original weighing and measuring apparatus. There are several cafes as well as a bookbinder, and various shops selling arts and crafts.
Distance from here – 37 kms
DOMME
Just down the road from us and above the village of Cenac is Domme – a former Templar Preceptory. Set on a rocky outcrop the village of Domme (also a bastide) has a stunning view over the river Dordogne. Founded in 1281 by Philip the Bold, Domme obtained the privilege of minting its own currency. Domme changed hands many times between the French and the English during the Hundred Years’ War.
There are some interesting streets to visit and restaurants and shops are open during the summer season including an excellent ice cream shop and our favourite pizza restaurant – appropriately named Pizzeria Des Templiers!
Distance from here – 8.9 kms
CANOEING AND CYCLING
Locally you can hire canoes to paddle down the river Dordogne, bathe in the river at Cenac or Vitrac (why not take a picnic) or at Castelnaud-la-Chapelle hire bikes and ride the cycle path of the Ceou Valley that starts at Castelnaud and ends at Pont Carral – a distance of 21 kms.
En route you can stop at various places for a picnic and perhaps an ice cream on the way back.
GARDENS
The Hanging Gardens of Marqueyssac are lovely to visit. Suspended high above the Dordogne river on a rocky outcrop they are classified among the Noteable Gardens of France by the Committee of Parks and Gardens of the French Ministry of Culture. Over 6 kms of lovely walks amongst settings ranging from fantastically clipped box trees to Linden, Cypress and Stone Pines which provide welcome shade in the hotter summer months and wonderful views from the Belvedere which offers panoramic views of the valley of the river Dordogne and its many chateaux. The tea room close to the chateau (several rooms are open to view) provides refreshment and splendid views abound from various vantage points (including the Belvedere) of the surrounding landscape. A good destination for those with children, there are two childrens’ playgrounds with swings and huts and a labyrinth as well as a net walk up in the trees.
Distance from here – 16 kms
Chateau Eyrignac
The Gardens of the Chateau of Eyrignac are wonderful formal gardens in the French style divided into seven separate main areas over 10 hectares of sculpted plants. There is also a nature walk on the 200 hectare forestry estate. The gardens have been handed down from generation to generation over the last 500 years.
Distance from here – 30 kms
Carsac-Aillac
A visit to the Water Gardens at Carsac-Aillac is a delight for anyone who loves water lilies and lotus flowers. The ponds are set in beautifully landscaped and verdant planting with winding paths. There is a small cafe and water plants can be purchased at certain times of the year.
Distance from here – 20 kms
CAVES
We have mentioned the wonderfully decorated caves at Lascaux but in fact there are hundreds of caves in the Dodogne.
La Roque St Christophe has open-air cave shelters carved into the limestone cliffs. The rock shelters are 80 meters above ground and span one kilometre. The site was first inhabited by prehistoric humans (Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon) and was used up until the Middle Ages.
There is a rare opportunity to see the only original polychrome (as opposed to single colour) cave paintings still open to the public at Grotte de Font de Gaume at Les Eyzies. Visitor numbers are limited to 78 per day, and it is no longer possible to register in advance so you have to get there early to get a ticket!
Distance from here – 45 kms
CASTLES
- Castelnaud,
- Beynac,
- Chateau Milandes (home of Josephine Baker) to name just a few.
Distance from here – 39 kms
We have many impressive castles geographically close to us –