Chateau Princesse

15km from Brive-Souillac Airport, situated in the Lot department of France and only a 20-minute drive from the Dordogne River, Château Princesse is perfectly located for exploring this beautiful region of south-western France.

The château is in a rural setting with gorgeous views and just a couple of neighbouring properties. Le Vignon-en-Quercy is 4km away with a boulangerie, supermarket, restaurant (open for lunch), small train station and other amenities. Furthermore, a traditional French auberge can be found in a charming little village also 4km away. The attractive town of Brive-la-Gaillarde (20km) is home to a wider range of restaurants, shops and a wonderful market three mornings a week.

The picturesque town of Martel (12km) is also easily reached, classified as ‘a town of art and history’ thanks to its medieval past with historic towers, half-timbered houses and charming lanes. Combine your visit with the twice-weekly market and take a ride on Martel’s scenic railway where you can admire the countryside scenery in open-sided carriages lead by a steam or diesel locomotive.

Slightly further south, by the banks of the Dordogne, Carennac (18km) is one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and is a delight to explore with its 15th century stone houses and 16th century castle. A little further west along the river are seasonal canoeing and kayaking opportunities as well as idyllic spots for lakeside picnics and summer river swimming near Mézels, Floirac, Gluges and beyond.

Crossing over to the Correze department, Curemonte (14km) is a picture-perfect village with glorious valley views, home to three 15th to 16th century castles and a Wednesday evening night market in the height of the summer. Back in the Lot, Loubressac (28km) is another one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and worthy of a visit for its historic charm and wonderful vistas.

You are also well located for spending the day in Rocamadour (33km), one of France’s most popular destinations with its incredible cliffside setting, religious buildings, pilgrim’s staircase and imposing château. Another great trip out are the fascinating caves at Gouffre de Padirac (28km) which you can tour on foot or by boat.

Elsewhere in the Dordogne, visit iconic riverside villages such as Domme, La Roque-Gageac and Beynac-et-Cazena, all around an hour away by car, whilst gastronomes and history lovers alike should spend the day in Sarlat-la-Canéda (50km) with its exquisite architecture, fine restaurants and atmospheric markets showcasing the best produce of the Périgord Noir.

Keen golfers note that Golf Puy d'Arnac and Résidence Souillac Golf & Country Club are both around a 25-minute drive away as well as a course near Brive-la-Gaillarde. 

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The pace of life in the Dordogne is languid, laid back and positively infectious. Relax in bucolic beauty as you drift along the Dordogne River, or wander among the forests and hillside of the Périgord Natural Park.

The foodie scene too, is a relaxed affair. Take your time over your lazy lunches of local duck, black truffles and goats cheese. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hunt for them yourself. The wine here is second to none, with infamous grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chenin Blanc all having a huge presence here.

The Dordogne is also brimming with history. Castles and chateaux are scattered throughout the region, among the enchanting medieval villages. History of an altogether more ancient sort can also be explored in the incredible prehistoric cave drawings of Lascaux and Grotte de Rouffignac.

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