In the idyllic Périgord countryside, Cottage Esperance is part of a small hamlet/estate less than 2km from the banks of the Dordogne, an ideal location for visiting Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domme, La Roque-Gageac and other gems of this captivating region.
A hiking trail passes by the front of the house and, thanks to the glorious scenery surrounding the hamlet, there is also public viewing point a little further away near the annexe. The magnificent Château de Fénelon is easily reached whilst a small village, with a Thursday morning market, is just 4.5km away.
Spend time in the bastide village of Domme (16km), one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, perched above the banks of the Dordogne and enjoy the stunning riverside houses of La Roque-Gageac (21km), another of France’s prettiest villages. Also, don’t miss a trip to the magnificent Château de Beynac (28km), one of the finest castles in the Dordogne. Look out for canoeing or kayaking excursions or hop on a traditional boat trip, both wonderful ways to explore the beauty of the Dordogne River.
Sarlat-la-Canéda (20km) is one of the most visited towns in the Dordogne, loved for its beautiful architecture and gastronomic restaurants. Wander around the old town dating back to medieval and renaissance times, get lost in a warren of narrow lanes, admire the impressive cathedral and soak up the ambience of the main square. The twice-weekly market is a must for gastronomes in a town renowned for its truffles and foie gras and there are plenty of charming shops showcasing delicious products of the region.
Other nearby markets to experience include Souillac (17km) and Les Eyzies (40km) as well as night markets in the height of the summer across various villages and towns, usually serving excellent food accompanied by local wine and music. Further afield, look out for atmospheric markets in Les Eyzies, Brive, Bergerac, Périgueux, Cahors and beyond.
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.
