In the Dordogne, just over a 10-minute drive south of Sarlat-la-Canéda, Domaine des Maronniers enjoys a beautiful location in the Périgord Noir, within easy access of Brive Vallée de la Dordogne Airport (42km) and Bergerac Airport (80km).
Reached via a 400m long driveway, the house is surrounded by a 10-hectare estate of meadows and woodland, perfect for walking and jogging, or hire bikes locally to cycle along the Voie Verte, a former railway line now cycling path between Sarlat and Souillac which passes very close to the edge of the domaine.
The village tennis court is 2km away whilst the local village itself is home to a boulangerie, butcher, bar-tabac, small supermarket, a handful of restaurants and a weekly summer market (usually mid-June to mid-September). Just on the edge of the village, visit an attractive water garden with a labyrinth trail through the many waterlily and lotus ponds, open May to September. Also look out for summer concerts taking place in a tiny neighbouring village just 4km by car.
The banks of the Dordogne are a few minutes away where there are summer canoeing and kayaking opportunities for excursions along the river, departing from a base around 2km away. If you would prefer to explore the Dordogne via a skippered boat, look out for river cruises on traditional gabarre vessels from La Roque-Gageac (13km).
Some of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ are within easy reach including La Roque-Gageac, an idyllic spot on the north bank of the Dordogne featuring historic houses backed by limestone cliffs alongside troglodyte caves whilst Domme (10km) is a bastide town perched high above the river with beautifully preserved 13th century fortifications. The famous grand castles of the Dordogne valley are also nearby from Château de Beynac and Château de Castelnaud-la-Chapelle to Château des Milandes and Château de Puymartin, all around 20 to 30 minutes by car.
Of course, Sarlat-la-Canéda (10km) is one of the greatest draws of the Périgord Noir, an exquisite town known for its historic architecture and fine gastronomy. Dating back to the 14th century, Sarlat has been wonderfully preserved as you will discover when wandering around its medieval lanes and the Saturday morning market is not to be missed. Venture into the town early evening for an atmospheric apéritif by the main square before enjoying a meal in one of the town’s many restaurants from traditional bistros to upmarket establishments, all taking great pride in local Périgord delicacies.
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.
