Domaine Claria enjoys a rural setting bordering farmland and countryside landscapes in the beautiful Lot-et-Garonne, close to the Dordogne border around half an hour south of Bergerac.
The château and its converted stables are set within vast unenclosed grounds just off a country road leading to a picturesque village. You can drive or walk (no pavement) to the village in around 1.5km where you will find a handful of useful shops (grocery store, bakery, pharmacy), restaurants, an impressive Renaissance castle and a charming Farmer’s market on a Saturday morning. Take a stroll along the medieval lanes admiring half-timbered houses then stop off on a bench by the pretty lake popular with nature lovers and fishing enthusiasts (a permit is needed).
Bike hire can be arranged in the village, there are tennis courts there too whilst canoeing and kayaking can be found along the Dropt River near La Sauvetat-du-Dropt (13km)/ Allemans-du-Dropt (17km) or along the Dordogne and Lot rivers.
There are good sized supermarkets near the local historic towns of Miramont-de-Guyenne (11km) and Castillonnès (13km) as well as bustling markets (Tuesday morning for Castillonnès and Monday morning for Miramont-de-Guyenne). Close to Miramont-de-Guyenne, find more fishing opportunities at Lac du Saut du Loup as well as nature walks and a play area.
Driving north to the Dordogne department, Eymet (9km) is an attractive bastide village near the Dropt River with an atmospheric Thursday morning market. Other gorgeous villages across the Dordogne and Lot-et-Garonne include Issigeac (20km), home to an especially lovely market on a Sunday morning alongside Villeréal (26km) and the famous bastide towns of Monflanquin (31km) and Monpazier (40km), both classified as two of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.
Discover wine-tasting around Duras (28km), Bergerac (30km) and Château de Monbazillac (23km) or venture further afield to the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards of Saint-Émilion (72km), an enchanting hilltop top with a rich heritage. Meanwhile, the grand city of Bordeaux (120km), so famed for its wines and history, is less than two hours away by car.
This location is also ideal for keen gastronomes with wonderful restaurants, delightful markets and even summer night markets all showcasing the best produce of this region. Larger markets take place in Marmande, Sainte-Foy-la-Grande and Bergerac, all within a 40-minute drive. Depending on the season, look out for Agen prunes, truffles, cepes, tomatoes, strawberries, asparagus, melons, walnuts, ham and of course the country’s iconic foie gras.
Getting to and around
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 famous 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.
Nearest Airport
Bergerac Airport (28km)
Nearest Airport 2
Bordeaux Airport (124km)
Nearest Train Station
Marmande/Bergerac (32km/35km)
Nearest Village
Medieval village (1.5km)
Nearest Restaurant
In the village (1.5km)
Nearest Shop
Grocery store and other shops in the village (1.5km)