Around 8km south-east of the delightful market town of Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, La Ferme Aux Vignes is in the Dordogne department of France, close to the Gironde border, under half an hour from the heart of Bergerac.
The house is located on the edge of a little hamlet and its open grounds border a large working vineyard - you may see the wine chateau’s owners working on their organic vines from time to time and of course wine tastings can usually be arranged.
There are a couple of good bakeries for fresh bread and pastries within a 10-minute drive - the nearest supermarket sits next door to one of them. Find plenty more shops in Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (8km), a very picturesque bastide town on the banks of the Dordogne which is especially loved for its wonderful Saturday morning market, known to be one of the best in the region. Indeed, there’s an abundance of atmospheric Farmer’s markets across the area – the owners will provide information on where and when the best Dordogne markets take place.
Other bastide towns across this area include 13th century Eymet (21km) with its pretty arcaded houses and gorgeous Issigeac (31km), with its famous Sunday morning market. Perhaps combine Issigeac with Villeréal (48km), crossing over into the Lot-et-Garonne department, and don’t miss a trip to Monpazier (58km), officially classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.
Even closer to home, the highly regarded Château des Vigiers is less than a 5-minute drive away, home to a 27-hole golf course, high-end spa, excellent bistro and Michelin starred restaurant – of course, booking ahead is essential.
As well as beautiful walks, cycling trails and hikes across the region, you can hire canoes and kayaks along the Dordogne in places such as Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and Pessac-sur-Dordogne. Another way to appreciate the beauty of the Dordogne is by taking a boat trip from Bergerac where traditional Gabarres boats sail along the river.
Bergerac (22km) itself is a charming historic town to spend time in with some excellent restaurants - wine-lovers will be keen to visit the Maison des Vins or head to Château de Monbazillac just south of the town.
Heading west, the enchanting hilltop town of Saint-Émilion (40km) is a delight for history and wine lovers alike with its UNESCO World Heritage vineyards. The grand city of Bordeaux (82km) is another fine day out reached in around 90 minutes by car (or consider the train which takes around an hour from Sainte-Foy-la-Grande).
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.
