| Activities & Attractions |
|
| Our properties are all in the beautiful Dordogne and Lot regions of south-west France. The area has much to see and do, from prehistoric caves and bastide villages, to mouth-watering restaurants and flourishing vineyards. Add to this rock climbing, paragliding, mountain biking, rambling, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, tennis, swimming and golf and you'll see that there's something for everyone! |
|
| The Dordogne has always been a favourite holiday destination. This fertile, picturesque area is named after the River Dordogne, which meets the sea at Bordeaux. The Dordogne has been populated for centuries - Paleolithic man lived there in rock shelters and left behind the world's first record of "man the artist". A remarkable collection of cave paintings and engravings has been discovered in the valleys of the Dordogne and its tributary, the Vézère. The most famous are at Lascaux and Les Eyzies (the capital of prehistory). |
|
| Hundreds of châteaux and fortified bastides, bear witness to the troubled Middle Ages when England clashed with France. The medieval towns and villages along the river have been beautifully preserved, such as Domme, Beynac, Vitrac, Montfort, La Roque Gageac and - most famous of all - Sarlat. The original gold-brick houses and courtyards of Old Sarlat make it the most authentic medieval town in France. |
|
| The Dordogne river has produced superb limestone cliffs and deep, spectacular gorges around Sarlat. With innumerable châteaux towering over the water below and the picturesque riverside villages, this is the most splendid stretch of France's most beautiful river. A canoe or kayak trip along the river can last as long as you like, and the shallow waters are completely safe for young children and beginners alike. |
|
| Beynac and its castle are undoubtedly one of the finest sites in France. Built in stages, the village starts at the waters edge and goes all the way to the top of a 150-metre cliff, which is topped by an impressive fort. |
|
| La Roque Gageac was recently awarded the enviable title of the most beautiful village in France. It is the third most popular tourist site in France, after Mont-Saint-Michel and Rocamadour (which is not far from Sarlat). |
|
| Le Bugue, situated on a bend in the river Vézère, is surrounded by wooded hills. This little town is referred to as the golden gate to prehistory and is one of the main attractions in Black Perigord. It has a large aquarium and is close to the Bara-Bahau cave, Saint Cirq du Bugue, the prehistoric site of La Farrassie and the castle at Fleurac. |
|
| Rouffignac visitors tourists the chance to take a journey to the centre of the earth on the little electric train of the Grotte des Cent Mammoths (the cave of a hundred mammoths). This vast cave has never been closed and has been receiving visitors since the 16th Century. |
|
| Montagnac and Lascaux, a small town of 3000 inhabitants on the banks of the river Vézère, owes its fame to the discovery of the "eighth wonder of the world" - the Lascaux cave. The cave was discovered in 1940 by four small boys. It has the finest prehistoric paintings in the world and is believed to date as far back as 15000BC. |
|
| Les Eyzies is often introduced as the world's prehistoric capital. Contrast this with Hautefort Castle which dates back to 1588. Perched on a hill and visible from miles around, its Louis XIV-style comes as quite a surprise in this region of medieval beauty and simplicity. |
 |
