Chartreuse De La Gironde is located just a short stroll away from the Dordogne River and the villages dotted along its banks, in southwestern France’s Dordogne department.
Venture to the local riverside village to get your morning pastries and coffee from the local boulangerie, or visit for lunch when wanting to taste some of the regional dishes in one of the restaurants. There’s also a small grocery store and a supermarket here for the essentials.
The flourishing area surrounding the Dordogne River offers a wealth of opportunities for all types of travellers, and an array of stunning villages and towns, many of them classed as France’s
Plus Beaux Villages. Explore the meandering river by hopping on a private boat tour, book a group paddle-boarding session or simply walk along the banks to indulge in incredible views.
A bit further away, you can visit Bergerac, featuring an old town centre, a quay and plenty of boutique shops. Classified as a town of art and history, it hosts outdoor concerts in summer, while others might find the National Tobacco Museum interesting.
Alternatively, head to St Foy le Grande’s bustling Saturday market for souvenirs and regional specialities such as foie gras, confit, crêpes, walnuts and cheeses. After a stroll through the winding alleyways and looking for souvenirs in the local shops, find a quiet table in one of the terraced cafés and bars and watch the world go by.
Less than a 1-hour car drive separates you from Périgueux, a town known for its extensive ancient remains and historical landmarks which transport you back into the times of the Roman Empire. On hot summer days, escape the heat by visiting one of the many museums such as the Musée Gallo-Romain Vesunna or Musée d'art et d'archéologie du Périgord, before having a picnic in one of the small leafy parks nearby.
Bordeaux, the capital of the finest wine region in the world boasting 362 historic monuments can be reached in just 1.5 hours by car. The city’s extraordinary gastro scene is worth lingering for, with an array of excellent restaurants, bistros and bars scattered all around the quaint streets. Start your day at the Place de la Victoire, a large square with an 18th-century arc and a marble obelisk at its centre, before discovering more landmarks and sights exuding noteworthy historical elegance, such as the Grand Théâtre and Place des Quinconces, one of the largest city squares in Europe. At the Marché des Capucins – a famous daily market with street food and market stalls selling local products – you can also immerse yourself in the local culture while tantalising your senses.