Villa Sandie is set in glorious gardens and grounds, featuring an amazing walnut grove. There are some wonderful walks and hikes that can be taken straight from the villa. Truffle hunting, flying lessons and horse riding nearby can also be arranged.
Liorac sur Louyre is a picturesque small village in the canton of Lalinde, boasting medieval chateaux, manor houses and surrounded by a unique natural reserve featuring blocks of sandstone and extremely rich in flora and fauna.
The riverside market town of Le Bugue, boasting fascinating narrow streets, traditional houses, several tourist amenities a very popular Tuesday market is a short drive away from Villa Sandie.
The medieval town of Lalinde (15 km), with its little lake ideal for picnics and lively Thursday market is also worth a visit.
The city of Bergerac, with its international airport is conveniently located at 21 km. A visit to the old town standing out for its medieval architecture, narrow streets full of local boutiques and good restaurant, is highly recommended. Here, you will also find the unmissable Maisons de Vins and will have the opportunity to take a tour along the Route de Vins de Bergerac.
Wine has been produced in the region for well over 400 years. Wine enthusiasts will find similar grapes to those found in the Bordeaux region including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec reds; Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet whites.
The Dordogne is the supplier of almost half of France’s fine produce including truffles, cepes and foie gras, which are available at the Metairie adjoining the estate.
Finally, Sarlat (60 km) bustling narrow pebbled streets, a number of ancient buildings, beautiful gardens and lively markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays is a must visit for all.
The whole region is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike offering a wide array of outdoor activities, from horse-back riding, to tennis, mountain-biking, golfing and watersports, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities.
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.
