In the Dordogne department, only half an hour north of Sarlat-la-Canéda, Maison Boisette can be found in one of France’s ‘Les Plus Beaux Villages’, surrounded by beautiful countryside and woodland.
As you wander around the ancient village, admire its majestic church, the ruins of the original abbey as well as the village’s former lavoir and bread oven. There is a charming little tea shop open in the summer months where you can buy fresh bread and pastries alongside an atmospheric night market on Tuesday evenings from late June to early September.
The nearby town of Montignac (10km), located on the banks of the Vézère, is a joy to explore with its beautiful houses overlooking the river as well as the famous Lascaux-International Centre for Cave Art just on the edge of the town. Other activities in this part of the Dordogne include many glorious hiking paths (there are some wonderful walks straight from the village) as well as canoeing along the Vézère, a great way to appreciate the natural beauty of this region.
The Vézère meets the Dordogne in the delightful village of Limeuil (45km) where you can either enjoy the views from Parc Limeuil or head down to the banks of the river for paddling on its beach. Closer to home, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère (19km) is another one of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ and Château Losse (15km) is worthy of a visit with its magnificent gardens.
Sarlat-la-Canéda (23km) is one of the area’s most remarkable towns with a warren of medieval lanes to explore, enchanting squares and an impressive cathedral. Dine out in one of the town’s fantastic restaurants and there are ample opportunities to sample some of the fine Périgord truffles and foie gras that the town is so famous for. Head there early to avoid the summer crowds and perhaps combine with a visit to Domme (35km), Château de Beynac (32km) or Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (38km), all near the banks of the Dordogne.
Heading west, the grand city of Périgueux (63km) is another fine day out with its stunning historic architecture and bustling Dordogne markets, or head into the Vézère valley for horse-riding, long walks, fascinating caves and yet more incredible pre-historic sites.
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.
