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In the Périgord Vert by the Dordogne and Charente border, this incredible property is located on its own little island on the Dronne River, reached on foot via a bridge. Here you are just over an hour from the airports in Bordeaux and Bergerac. Alternatively, guests can take the regional train from Chalais to Angoulême for TGV connections to Paris.
There are various open access spots to the river for swimming as well as amazing wildlife all around. Just a very short stroll away is a centre for canoe and kayak hire (open seasonally, reservations are usually required). It’s less than 15 minutes walk (no pavement) along the main road or short drive to a traditional little village with a shop and a restaurant-bar. From Moulin des Libellules you can hear the bells from the village’s 12th century church twice a day.
The small market town of Chalais (8km) is home to a large supermarket as well as small shops selling lovely local produce and a bustling Monday morning market. Another superb market to experience is Ribérac (28km) on a Friday morning, one of the largest in the Périgord.
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (19km) is classified as one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’, so loved for its pretty houses, galleries, café terraces. Further afield, the handsome town of Brantôme (66km) is a wonderful day out with its old town, canoeing/kayaking, riverside walks and the impressive L’Abbaye de Brantôme.
For a change of scene, experience the beauty of the Charente as you visit the distilleries, charming old town and high-end restaurants of Cognac (70km) or head to some of France’s finest wine châteaux in Saint-Émilion (45km) and the surrounding Bordeaux wine region.
Meanwhile, the handsome cities of Périgueux (68km) and Angoulême (56km) both make fine days out in southwestern France or venture to Bordeaux (84km) for its grand architecture, markets, wine-museums and boat trips along the Garonne River.
The pace of life in the Dordogne is languid, laid back and positively infectious. Relax in bucolic beauty as you drift along the Dordogne River, or wander among the forests and hillside of the Périgord Natural Park.
The foodie scene too, is a relaxed affair. Take your time over your lazy lunches of local duck, black truffles and goats cheese. If you’re feeling energetic, you can even hunt for them yourself. The wine here is second to none, with famous grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Chenin Blanc all having a huge presence here.
The Dordogne is also brimming with history. Castles and chateaux are scattered throughout the region, among the enchanting medieval villages. History of an altogether more ancient sort can also be explored in the incredible prehistoric cave drawings of Lascaux and Grotte de Rouffignac.
