Located between Montignac-Lascaux (10km) and Sarlat-la-Canéda (23km), surrounded by glorious Dordogne countryside, L'Atelier is located in one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.
Potter into the village where you will find its pretty church, abbey ruins as well as the village’s old bread oven and lavoir. In the summer months you can pick up fresh bread from the little tea shop and from late June to early September there’s usually a typical night market on a Tuesday evening in the village square.
Look out for all sorts of regional specialities of the Périgord Noir at the weekly market in nearby Montignac-Lascaux, a historic town on the banks of the Vézère and close to the famous Lascaux-International Centre for Cave Art. There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the river here as well as some wonderful walks, hikes and cycle rides across this area.
You will no doubt come across so many pretty villages as you explore the region, including another one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère (19km), as well as many impressive châteaux such as nearby Château Losse (15km) and its gardens. A little further away, Limeuil (45km) is a delightful place to spend time, where the Vézère meets the Dordogne. Admire views from the gorgeous Parc Limeuil or venture down to the water to paddle on the village’s river beach.
The much-loved town of Sarlat-la-Canéda (23km) is such a wonderful day out with its maze of medieval narrow lanes, pretty squares and impressive cathedral. The town has a great reputation for its gastronomy whether sampling Périgord truffles and local foie gras in well-regarded restaurants or soaking up the ambience of the town’s bustling market. Avoid the many summer tourists by heading there early and enjoy the best of the morning light.
A little further south are Dordogne gems including Château de Beynac (32km), Domme (35km) and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (38km), all near the banks of the Dordogne. Alternatively, head west to Périgueux (63km), the capital city of the Périgord, for more wonderful markets and historic architecture.
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.
