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.
