Le Mas Du Mylene is set in 25 acres of parkland, just 1km from the edge of the Vézère River.
It’s just a five-minute drive (2km) to the local village just across from the river with a small selection of restaurants and shops. The immediate surrounding countryside offers some lovely walks and fishing opportunities. Another few minutes in the car will bring you to Château de Losse with its lovely gardens and fascinating history dating back to the 11th Century.
There are many beautiful places to discover in this part of Dordogne, starting with the famous Lascaux caves (8km) just outside the charming village of Montignac (7km) which also lies on the Vézère River, where you will find a wider choice of restaurants and shops. Two of France’s Plus Beaux Villages must also be visited; Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère (5km) and Saint-Amand-de-Coly (16km).
The markets of the Dordogne are a brilliant way to appreciate the local atmosphere as well as pick up some local delicacies. Pre-historic Les Eyzies (16km) hosts a summer market on a Monday, head to Le Bugue (26km) by the river on a Tuesday or Saturday whilst Wednesday and Saturday mornings come alive back in nearby Montignac (7km).
During the height of the summer there are some wonderful night markets in the region where you can eat freshly made meals on tables and chairs in the villages and listen to local music, soaking up a wonderful ambience. In July and August they take place across many villages and towns including Montignac on a Monday evening and pretty Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère on a Thursday.
Not forgetting some of the unmissable larger towns and cities such as sophisticated Périgueux (47km), famous for its amazing black truffles and Sarlat (22km) with its maze of medieval narrow streets, lovely squares and amazing restaurants. Not forgetting beautiful Bergerac (73km) on the Dordogne with its medieval architecture, narrow streets of boutiques and great restaurants as well as the unmissable Maisons de Vins.
Other magical day trips include beautiful Limeuil (32km), where the Vézère meets the Dordogne and you can paddle by the river beach or enjoy some fine views from Parc Limeuil after wandering through the delightful village. In addition, head to La Roque Gageac, Château de Beynac or Castelnaud-la-Chapelle for idyllic days out by the Dordogne River, all within a 45-minute drive.
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.
