The beautiful local village, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, is just five minutes from Belle Vue, beneath the Château de Castelnaud. It has an excellent bakery, butcher, small grocery store, three restaurant-cafés plus other amenities, including canoe hire for trips down the Dordogne and bicycle hire.
The Perigord Noir area of Dordogne is much loved by visitors due to the beautiful natural landscapes, excellent regional cuisine, mild climate, enchanting castles and charming villages of old stone houses and cobbled lanes.
The village of Beynac (6km) is known as one of the most beautiful villages in this area with its stunning twelfth century castle on the banks of the Dordogne river.
The medieval market town of Sarlat (14km) has been known for its markets since the middle ages, they take place every Saturday and Wednesday mornings plus there is a night market every Thursday evening in the summer months and even a truffle and Foie Gras market in the winter. Visitors in the height of the summer may enjoy the spontaneous street theatre that fills the characterful lanes in the evening as well as the gourmet dining experiences on offer in the town and surrounding area. Other noteworthy villages include Domme (10km) and Belves (17km), plus many more within an hours drive or less.
Nature lovers must visit Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (3km), delightful and beautifully manicured gardens set high above the river with pretty views over nearby villages. In July and August you can avoid the summer heat by visiting them ‘by candlelight’ once a week for a truly memorable experience. Combine this with a visit to the enchanting nearby village of La Roque Gageac on the north bank of the Dordogne river. The idyllic village has a rich history and very little has changed other than the unusual but beautiful tropical plants that have been planted around the village and thrive in the mild climate.
The Dordogne is well known for its hundreds of castles and chateaux, many of which are open to the public and within a very short distance. Chateau de Castelnaud (2.5km) is a few minutes by car with many more a short distance further.
The whole region is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike offering a wide array of outdoor activities, from horse-back riding, to tennis, mountain-biking, golfing and watersports, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. Children will love the nearby waterparks, exploring prehistoric caves, re-enacting history in one of the castles or even a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the stunning region.
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.
