Maison des Douves is set in 30 hectares of parkland with far reaching views across the countryside, just north-east of Bergerac and north of the Dordogne River. The nearest small village with any facilities is St. George de Montclard (4km) where you will find a bakery and small convenience store whilst larger supermarkets can be found near Vergt (13km) to the north or towards Bergerac.
Beautiful Bergerac (21km) is just under half an hour by car, where you can explore its medieval architecture, pretty boutiques and high-end restaurants as well as the unmissable Maisons de Vins. Wine-lovers can also sample some sweet wines at nearby Château de Monbazillac (27km) just south of the Dordogne river or head to the charming hilltop wine-town of Saint-Émilion (80km) for an idyllic day out.
Heating east along the Dordogne, there are countless medieval villages to explore in the surrounding region such as the picturesque village of Tremolat (25km), near the Cingle de Tremolat viewpoint and lovely Limeuil (32km), where the Vézère meets the Dordogne. Here you can paddle by the river beach or enjoy some fine views from Parc Limeuil after wandering through the delightful village. In addition, head to La Roque Gageac, Château de Beynac or Castelnaud-la-Chapelle for idyllic days out by the Dordogne River, all just over an hours drive.
Not forgetting some of the unmissable larger towns and cities such as sophisticated Périgueux (35km), famous for its amazing black truffles and Sarlat (65km) with its maze of medieval narrow streets, lovely squares and amazing restaurants.
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.
