Manoir Altheas and its beautiful gardens are set on the edge of a pretty Dordogne village less than a 10-minute drive to the historic riverside town of Lalinde, only 18km from Bergerac.
The nearest airports are Bergerac (17km) and Bordeaux (123km) and there is a train station in Lalinde (7km) with direct departures to Bergerac, Bordeaux Saint-Jean and Gare de Sarlat. A car is necessary to be able to fully explore this fantastic region – parking is on the street within 20m of the front door.
It’s lovely to be able to stroll into the small, authentic village of Lanquis with its school, church, pretty square and charming old houses – Lanquis has been referred to as one of the Dordogne’s prettiest villages. Walk a little further along the village road to a friendly restaurant serving good quality French cuisine – the restaurant terrace is especially pleasant on warm summer days.
The next village is Couze-et-Saint-Front (4km) with a boulangerie, pharmacy and charming small restaurant. Cross over the Dordogne River to reach the bastide town of Lalinde (7km), home to a good-sized supermarket, inviting food shops and lovely restaurants. It’s a joy to potter around this historic town thanks to its picturesque riverside setting and medieval houses – don’t miss the excellent Thursday morning market (and smaller market on a Saturday morning).
There are some wonderful marked walking/hiking trails and cycling opportunities nearby (bike hire can be arranged near the train station in Lalinde) as well as canoeing/kayaking along the Dordogne and riverside beaches for summer swimming. Discover summer watersports along the river near Trémolat (18km) and boat trips from Bergerac.
Golf-lovers note that the reasonably challenging 9-hole course at Château les Merles is just 10 minutes by car, also home to a great restaurant and terrace, whilst Château des Vigiers (40km) and Golf de la Marterie (35km) are two larger courses to consider.
Other stunning places to visit across the Dordogne include Issigeac (13km), a delightful medieval village famed for its characterful Sunday morning market, and pretty riverside villages such as Trémolat (18km), Limeuil (25km), La Roque-Gageac (50km) and Domme (60km).
Heading south are the bastide towns of Monpazier (28km) and Monflanquin (40km), both officially classified as France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, whilst the much-loved towns of Bergerac (18km) and Sarlat-la-Canéda (58km) are brilliant days out. Not to mention a wealth of vineyards including the sweet wines produced at nearby Château de Monbazillac (20km) or venture further afield to the world-famous vines of Saint-Émilion (74km).
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.
