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A taste of France property section

2 self-catering Holiday Homes in the Dordogne

by Bob McNeil
(South Normanton)

Our two self-catering Holiday Homes in the Dordogne/ Lot area of South West France are located in the heart of one of the most beautiful and unspoilt areas making the barns the ideal base for a peaceful holiday yet they are only a short distance from the many attractions this part of France offers.

Situated in a small hamlet, not far from the delightful villages of St Julien de Lampon, Masclat and Milhac and close to one of the most beautiful rivers in France, La Dordogne, these extremely charming barns have been converted to a very high standard.

The decoration in fresh, pretty colours makes them most inviting holiday homes full of light and sunshine. The attention to detail is superb and the dining kitchens are fully equipped with everything you could possibly need - they are quite a feature!

In the grounds of the properties guests will be able to enjoy the sunny screened terrace decking areas for sunbathing and eating and drinking al fresco.
Local Area & Attractions

From the era of Prehistoric Man through the middle Ages and beyond the Dordogne and Lot area is a sightseer's paradise - steeped in history.

The Dordogne region also formed the historic frontier between France and England during the Hundred Years War and this rich heritage offers a renowned variety of sights for you to discover on your sightseeing break in France.
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The Perigord boasts numerous castles, churches and medieval bastides towns as well as beautiful stone villages and prehistoric caves, all set in some of France's loveliest countryside. The Dordogne and Lot rivers meander throughout undulating hills, forests and limestone cliffs with new discoveries around every corner.

Leisure and pleasure opportunities abound in this area a few of which are

- Swimming - Karting
- Walking - Visiting Castles and Chateaux
- Canoeing - Art Galleries
- Cycling - Craft Markets
- Golf - Animal & Bird Parks
- Hot-Air Ballooning - Parascending
- Fishing - Churches
- Horse riding - Waterparks
- Potholing - Cave Diving
- Rock Climbing - Garden Visiting
- Tennis - Aquarium
- Cinema - Music Festivals
- Adventure Playgrounds - Ancient Cave Paintings

When sightseeing in the Dordogne, here are a few of the many highlights you should not miss:

Domme

This famous 13th century bastide (fortified) town of Domme was founded on a dauntingly sheer cliff eight centuries ago, high above the Dordogne valley. Classified as "L'un des plus beaux villages de France", Domme offers cafes and restaurants with stunning views over the river.

La Roque-Gageac

Like Domme, La Roque-Gageac is one of the many villages labeled as "L'un des Plus Beaux Villages de France" in the area. Situated on the banks of the river, the ochre-coloured houses are built directly into the face of the huge cliff that overhangs La Roque-Gageac. When sightseeing in La Roque-Gageac, you can take a ride on a Gabare, the traditional flat-bottomed boats of the Dordogne that used to trade goods up and down the river.
Rocamadour

The second most visited site, by sightseers in France, Rocamadour spectacularly clings to the cliff of the Alzou canyon. Rocamadour is part of the medieval Christian pilgrimage route of Santiago de Compostela, where, Kings and peasants alike once crawled up the Rocamadour chapel steps on their knees seeking redemption and cures.

Sarlat-la-Canéda

Probably the most famous town of Perigord, Sarlat has survived almost unchanged since the Middle Ages and Renaissance. Arched alleyways and ancient narrow cobbled lanes radiate out from the Sarlat main square. On market days (Wednesdays & Saturdays) the streets of Sarlat -la-Canéda burst with local produce such as foie gras, truffles, cheeses, wine, walnuts and mushrooms in season.
beynac
Château de Beynac

The Dordogne boasts as many as 100 châteaux and Beynac is one of the best preserved castles in the region. This 12th century fortress is open for visits and gives a remarkable insight into what it must have been like in The Hundred Years War. The Château de Beynac was captured, for a time, by the English King Richard-the-Lionheart. When sightseeing, visitors can take a tour inside the remarkably well preserved interior of the chateax and explore the dungeons, great hall and lookout towers with magnificent 360 degree views across the beautiful countryside.

Prehistoric Man - Lascaux II & Les Eyzies-De-Tayac

This world heritage site is home to prehistoric cave paintings 17,000 years old and contains the finest examples of Palaeolithic art in existence. Lascaux offers a fascinating glimpse into the souls of our distant ancestors and guided tours are conducted both in French and English.

Les Eyzies, the prehistorical centre of France, is situated below limestone cliffs where our direct ancestors used to roam 40,000 years ago. The Vézère Valley in particular houses some 250 UNESCO sites including caves and rock paintings, making it the undisputed 'Prehistoric Capital of the World'.

Le Bugue-tuesday market, village of Bournat (craftsmen, animals, funfair), Aquarium, Proumeyssac underground crystal vault.

Les Eyzies-prehistory centre of Europe, grottos, shelters, caves-paintings, museums, Roc St Christophe, Cap Blanc and other prehistoric sites.

Monpazier-beautiful bastide, perfect rectangular townplan, galleries.
market
Local Cuisine and Specialties, Haute-Cuisine in The Dordogne

Food and wine are at the heart of French culture and when in the Dordogne the best way to experience this is through colourful French markets and local restaurants.

The Perigord is renowned for its Confit de canard (duck), its world-famous foie gras, truffles, goat's cheese and walnuts served in salads or in the delicious Gâteau aux Noix. Local red wines from Cahors and Bergerac, and the famous white Monbazillac are bound to find their way onto your table. From Haute-Cuisine and Michelin Star restaurants to simple and delicious Auberges serving local produce and specialties, the Dordogne / Lot region offers an unforgettable culinary experience.

Canoeing in the Dordogne

With the Dordogne river at the heart of the region, a number of canoe operators provide all equipment and will drop you off upstream so you can leisurely canoe down river through villages and beautiful countryside.

Golf

If golf is your passion, there is a superb 18 hole golf-course within a short drive, with excellent greens and tree-lined fairways. If you don't wish to bring your golf clubs etc. on the plane with you, everything you need to enjoy a game or two of golf in the Dordogne is available for hire.
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Walking and Cycling

A visit to the Dordogne offers walkers of all abilities the chance to explore the beauty and wilderness of the countryside as hundreds of marked walks are available (including the famous GR 46 route). You can also hire bicycles in Souilliac (15kms from your holiday barn). If you're feeling adventurous you can even see the world from above on a hot air balloon flight.

Family Friendly- Activities for children

The Dordogne valley is also a fantastic family friendly area, full of fun leisure activities for kids. They can canoe or swim in the river, which is quite safe and shallow in the summer months. For kids in need of thrills, they can splash in a waterpark with water slides, swimming pools, trampolines and bouncy castles in Quercyland Or they can go tree climbing in La foret des Ecureuils where they can jump from tree to tree and dangle from a flying fox 40 feet above the ground!
There are also many caves to explore, such as Gouffre de Padirac where you take a boat ride on an underground river or Lascaux,
where you can see some of the world's most significant prehistoric paintings. If you want to step back into more recent history, the fortified castle of Beynac with its museum of ancient warfare is the place to visit. It was once the scene of bitter fighting but now looms over the narrow streets of a medieval village on a bend in the river Dordogne.

You can also feed monkeys in La Foret des Singes or encounter rare species of eagles in Le Rocher des Aigles in a breathtaking show where eagles and condors are let free high above the Alzou canyon then nosedive towards you.

All of these leisure activities, and more, are close by - so no one will get bored in the car!