Black and White House lies deep in the heart of France, looking out over the Dordogne valley. Dordogne is also referred to as Périgord Noir, filled with scenic landscape known for its abundance of prehistoric cave dwellings & medieval towns. Famous for the black truffles found on the woodland floor, you will be filling your days exploring the history and beauty of the area. Taste the local cuisine at the local restaurants and cafes or pick up fresh produce and cook your meals at home, watching the sunset as you eat.
The Dordogne River is a great way to bring the whole family together. Enjoy the river from its banks, paddling or swimming in the cooling waters. Alternatively, experience more of the scenic river and take a kayaking tour, exploring the villages, towns and landscape from the water beneath the sunshine. Périgord-Limousin National Park is filled with adventure, with 2,000km of paths and trails ahead of you to explore. Périgord-Limousin has a diversity of landscapes, making it highly unique. This includes rivers, limestone plateaus, forests, cliffs, peat bogs and ponds. This diversity also makes wildlife abundant, including, hen harriers, ungulates and peregrine falcons.
If you want to explore the local towns and villages, Sarlat, is a must-see in the area, located north of Dordogne. Containing the highest density of classified historical monuments, the town was founded in the 9th century. You will love walking through the streets, admiring history on every side. With architecture dating back to the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries, there are stories of times gone by at every turn. Pick up a walking tour booklet from the tourist centre near the cathedral! For your information, market days in the town are on Saturdays and Wednesdays. Finally, summer is when Dordogne comes to life, and theatre and jazz festivals are plentiful as you relax in the sunshine.
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.
