The Retreat is located in beautiful countryside in the Lot department, close to the Dordogne river. With wonderful views, just off a small country road, it’s a very tranquil place to stay. The local sleepy village (2km) has a hotel-restaurant (usually only open in summer months) where you can dine in the evenings.
You’ll find a bakery, butchers, restaurants, cafes and a lovely weekly market in nearby St Julien de Lampon (8km) or head over the Dordogne river to Souillac (11km) for a greater choice of large supermarkets. Be sure to visit the impressive Abbey Sainte-Marie in Souillac and even better combine with a trip to the atmospheric market on a Friday morning.
Head south to Gourdon (15km) with its honey stone coloured houses set beautifully on the hill and lovely warren of little streets. Beautifully preserved Rocamadour (32km) is another amazing place to visit, built on the edge of a cliff with the river at the bottom of the gorge.
The Dordogne department also hosts a wealth of beautiful villages and towns, many of them classed as France’s Plus Beaux Villages such as pretty Saint-Amand-de-Coly (41km), with the famous Lascaux caves nearby or the 13th century bastide village of Monpazier (59km).
Sarlat (27km) is one of the area’s most famous towns with its maze of medieval narrow streets, lovely squares and amazing restaurants plus a famous market on a Saturday morning.
Other magical day trips include idyllic Domme (23km) high above the Dordogne river with its amazing caves, La Roque Gageac (28km), a perfect picture postcard village backed by steep cliffs and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (34km) just across the river.
Visit the topiary gardens at Eyrignac (22km) which opens up on Monday evenings in the summer for picnics and dance or Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (32km) set high above the river which also open on Thursday evenings in the summer when you can explore by candlelight.
The whole region is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike offering a wide array of outdoor activities, from horse-back riding and tennis, mountain-biking, golfing and canoeing along the river, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. Children will love exploring prehistoric caves and parks and historic castles or even a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the stunning region. The more adventurous may enjoy tree-top activities in the forests near Sarlat.
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.
