Le Petit Cour

Listen to the church bells ring as you enjoy your morning coffee and croissants in your enclosed courtyard before spending the day exploring the beautiful villages and towns dotted around the Dordogne River, just a 10-minute drive from riverside Lalinde.

Le Petit Cour is a delightful cottage with a rich heritage, sitting next to a 13th century church and the tiny village’s castle ruins. Step through the gate and into the front courtyard with its al-fresco dining table, barbecue and hot tub overlooking the olive tree. This is such a characterful setting with a charming outlook.

Inside the home, the contemporary-style restoration is impressive with its gorgeous lounge featuring comfy sofas facing the stone fireplace and Smart TV (with Netflix), not to mention the stylish kitchen with a long oak table, exposed stone walls and modern light fittings contrasting the wood beams.

Sleeping 6-8 guests, there are three bedrooms at Le Petit Cour, each one with an en suite bath or shower room. The ground floor king-size double has been designed for guests with restricted mobility and features a spacious bathroom with a walk-in Italian shower and separate bath tub. Following the old wooden staircase, come across a pretty twin and en suite shower room alongside a master en suite double beneath the sloping ceiling (with a pull-out bed for two extra guests if needed).

Stroll down the lane to admire the shuttered windows of this sleepy rural village, then walk past rural landscapes so typical of the Bergeracois region. It’s only 7km to Lalinde, an attractive bastide town by the banks of the Dordogne with restaurants, supermarkets and a Thursday morning market.

Other picturesque spots along the river include Trémolat, home to an iconic Michelin starred restaurant, and Limeuil where the Dordogne and Vézère converge. The bastide town of Beaumont-du-Périgord is just a 20-minute drive to the south or continue towards Monpazier, one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’.

Bergerac is less than half an hour away, a handsome town known for its historic houses, wine, gastronomy and riverside setting. Further afield, spend the day soaking up the history of Sarlat-la-Canéda, visiting the markets of Périgueux and even the vineyards of Saint-Émilion in this captivating corner of south-western France.