Reached by a breathtaking driveway, Château Les Tourelles is set in 30 hectares of glorious grounds featuring forests, hills and amazing views of the Dordogne river and valley. Explore the estate, discover local flora, wander through the ancient woods and you may even come across wild boars. There’s old stone walls, wells and even the ruins of a 12th century church. You can walk down to the Dordogne river and enjoy a picnic on the banks of the river, looking over towards another impressive castle on the other side.
The nearest village is around a 15-minute walk through the forests or just five minutes in the car – here you will find a boulangerie as well as a small grocery store with some fresh produce as well as other basics. Furthermore, at the end of the château’s winding drive is a charming little bar and restaurant which has live music on a Friday evening. Also within walking distance is somewhere to hire bikes and kayaks.
For a good choice of restaurants, artisan shops, lovely cafes as well as a supermarket, head to Souillac (13km), about a 15 to 20-minute drive away. Don’t miss the Friday morning market and take time to visit the lovely Abbey Sainte-Marie. Golf-lovers will appreciate the Résidence Souillac Golf & Country Club, around a 25-minute drive away.
Gourmands can experience some of the region's very best cuisine at one of the many restaurants within a short drive, ranging from rustic establishments serving regional fare to high-end cuisine at one of the nine Michelin-rated establishments nearby.
Follow the Dordogne river west and you will soon reach famous villages such as Domme (20km), La Roque-Gageac (21km) and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (27km). Visit idyllic castles such as Château de Beynac and discover beautiful gardens such as those in Eyrignac or the Jardins de Marqueyssac in Vézac. Hire canoes for a day exploring the Dordogne or have picnics by the riverside; this is the Perigord Noir at its very best.
The famous town of Sarlat-la-Canéda (17km) is also within easy reach. It’s well known for its foie-gras and truffles and has a wonderful weekly market on a Saturday as well as gastronomic shops and gourmet restaurants. The historic architecture is incredible and you can spend hours exploring the narrow lanes of the old town.
Saint-Amand-de-Coly (30km) to the north, classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, is an ideal place to visit alongside the pre-historic Lascaux caves near Montignac (35km). You are also near the border with the Lot department which is filled with yet more beautiful villages such as Gourdon (18km) with its charming honey-coloured houses and Rocamadour (38km), an amazing place to visit. Wine-lovers could even travel as far as Cahors (60km) and its vineyards which produce some of the finest wines in the world.
The Region
One of France’s most visited destinations, Sarlat-la-Canéda is a beautiful medieval town with a superb reputation for its gastronomy. Staying near Sarlat allows you to experience the town’s rich heritage alongside its fine cuisine, whilst also being close to idyllic villages and natural scenery of the Périgord Noir, never far from the meandering Dordogne River.
Exquisitely restored, explore the old town with its warren of winding lanes with inviting shops, restaurants and characterful cafes. Take a guided tour to truly appreciate Sarlat’s rich history dating back to medieval and Renaissance times – the small yet attractive Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos de Sarlat, once a Benedictine abbey, is one of the main highlights of the town.
Spend time learning all about the region’s gastronomy, best experienced at the traditional outdoor market on a Saturday or Wednesday morning. Local specialities are of course served in Sarlat’s many excellent restaurants or bought in little shops across the town – look out for foie-gras, truffles, honey, chestnuts and walnuts. There is also an organic market on Thursday afternoons and a charming covered market near the cathedral.
If staying in the height of the summer, join in one of the region’s marchés nocturnes in nearby villages where you can enjoy local food amongst locals accompanied by good wine and music.
Elsewhere, visit the grand châteaux of the Dordogne (Château des Milandes and Château de Beynac are both less than half an hour away from Sarlat), stroll around elegant gardens (Les Jardins de Marqueyssac by candlelight is especially atmospheric) and visit picture-perfect riverside villages such as La Roque-Gageac and Domme, both classified as ‘Plus Beaux Villages’. Heading north instead, the famous caves of Lascaux are also within easy reach.
Hot air balloon rides are a great way to admire the landscapes of the Périgord Noir or simply canoe along the Dordogne River in glorious surroundings. There are of course wonderful walks, tree-top adventure centres and fantastic cycling routes including the 29km-long voie verte stretching from Sarlat to Cazoulès following a former railway line passing magnificent Dordogne countryside.