Le Bois Ambre

This charming holiday home in Le Périgord Noir is tucked between the Vézère and Dordogne rivers and near some of the loveliest scenery in the region.

Spacious grounds provide a private and peaceful setting with views across woodlands and fields from the sheltered terrace overlooking the gated and heated pool. There is plenty of outside space for exploring, running on the grass or simply sitting peacefully beneath one of the many trees.

This is a traditional Périgourdine house, comfortably furnished and full of character with decorative wood burners and terracotta tiled floors in the living and kitchen areas. Pour a glass of Merlot, relax on the sofa and admire the stone walls and beamed ceiling of the homely living room. As well as two shower rooms there is the additional luxury of a bath on the ground floor and youngsters will love the upstairs bedroom beneath the eaves.

The Dordogne is a fascinating region filled with châteaux, delightful medieval villages and an incredible number of prehistoric caves and drawings. Black truffles and goat’s cheese are specialities here along with fantastic wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Muscadelle and Chenin Blanc. The whole region offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as riding, tennis, hiking, mountain-biking, golfing and fishing, not to mention leisurely canoeing along the Dordogne river.

There are just so many exquisite villages and towns to explore. Limeuil, just 5km away, is one of the most beautiful villages in France with its cobbled streets winding upwards through pretty houses and gardens. Travel further along the Vézère valley to the market town of Le Bugue and explore its winding streets and riverside position after visiting its Tuesday and Saturday markets.

Slightly further afield, Domme is another one of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France, high over the Dordogne river with a system of caves beneath the main square. More spectacular caves and prehistoric drawings can be found at Les-Eyzies-de Tayac-Sireuil and the world famous Lascaux caves in Montignac.

It’s worth taking a day trip to one of the four famous towns which provide a boundary to the area. Sample the delicious black truffle in Périgueux, visit the famous Maison de Vins in Bergerac and marvel at medieval Sarlat and Monpazier.