In the glorious Dordogne department, almost equidistant to the historic towns of Bergerac and Périgueux, Château De Neveu enjoys a beautiful rural setting. If arriving by plane, Bergerac Airport is around 25km by car whilst Bordeaux and Brive-Souillac Airport are both within a 90-minute drive.
There are many wonderful walking and cycling trails beyond the château’s vast grounds and tennis fans note there is a public tennis court a short drive away. It goes without saying that you will find seasonal canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the Dordogne River and also by parts of the Vézère near Le Bugue (35km). There is horse-riding within a 20-minute drive and golf-lovers have a choice of courses from the 9-hole Golf Du Château Les Merles (18km) to Golf Vigiers (48km) and Golf de la Forge (51km).
Discover wine-tasting in the Bergerac and Pécharmant vineyards or venture towards the great wine city of Bordeaux (124km) and the idyllic hilltop village of Saint-Émilion (86km), home to UNESCO World Heritage classified vineyards.
Of course, history-lovers will adore the many grand châteaux across the Périgord whilst bastide towns, small charming villages and beautiful cities also await. Start off in Bergerac (22km) with its picturesque setting by the Dordogne River, atmospheric markets and historic architecture whilst Périgueux (33km), the capital of the Périgord Noir, will also impress you with its charm, history and gastronomic delights. If you can find the time, venture to the exquisitely preserved medieval Sarlat-la-Canéda (63km), one of France’s most popular destinations and known for its fine cuisine.
Characterful hamlets and villages within a short drive include Clermont de Beauregard, Saint Georges de Montclard and Issac. Slightly further afield, Dordogne gems include Trémolat (26km), home to a Michelin starred restaurant, and Limeuil (33km) where the Dordogne and Vézère converge. If you are hoping to visit the famous villages of Domme and La Roque-Gageac, they can be reached in around an hour.
Heading west, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is worthy of a visit on a Saturday morning for its fantastic market. Alternatively, explore the countryside to the east across the Vézère valley, famed for its pretty villages and fascinating pre-historic sites, especially around Les Eyzies (40km).
The Region
Experience the magnificence of the Dordogne River whilst staying close to Bergerac, a historic town with a fine reputation for its wine, gastronomy, history and art. What’s more, Bergerac is easily accessible with its own international airport and it is just over an hour from Bordeaux with TGV connections to Paris.
In the Périgord Pourpre and wonderfully located for reaching the Lot-et-Garonne and Gironde regions of south-western France, Bergerac is classified as a city of art and history. A stroll around Bergerac’s old town will be high on your itinerary – explore medieval cobbled lanes as you admire half-timbered houses, pretty squares as well as inviting shops and restaurants as you follow the fictional footsteps of Cyrano de Bergerac. On a Wednesday and Saturday morning, don’t miss the delightful market near the handsome Notre-Dame de Bergerac.
Sail along the Dordogne from Bergerac on board a traditional gabarre vessel or take a walk by the river’s edge before finding an idyllic spot for a picnic. Cycling enthusiasts will adore the voie verte from the Canal de Lalinde towards Mouleydier, Creysse and Bergerac, partly following the banks of the river. There are of course ample opportunities for canoeing along the Dordogne or hiking through the Périgord Pourpre’s forests, orchards and vineyards - the region’s natural beauty will captivate you with its mild climate and idyllic riverside scenery.
Wine lovers should visit the Château de Monbazillac, just south of Bergerac, or spend time sampling other wine appellations at vineyards and wine châteaux near the likes of Montravel, Pineuilh and Saussignac. Back to the charming town centre, taste a range of excellent wine at Bergerac’s Maison des Vins by the old harbour.
Beyond Bergerac, there are so many pretty places to discover. To the south-east is picture-perfect Issigeac and the bastide town of Beaumont-du-Périgord, both hosting enchanting weekly markets. Market lovers will also adore Sainte-Foy-la-Grande by the banks of the Dordogne, home to one of the Gironde’s most beautiful markets on a Saturday morning.
