The nearby towns of Le Bugue, Montignac (site of the famous Lascaux Paleolithic caves) and regional capital Perigueux offer comprehensive shopping and tourist attractions, whilst world-famous Bergerac and the beautiful medieval town of Sarlat are accessible within an enjoyable hour’s drive. Whilst offering many spectacular attractions, the wonderful Dordogne valley can be easily matched by the prehistoric Vezere river valley that holds claim to 30,000 years of continuous human habitation (the longest anywhere in the world). The two rivers converge at nearby Limeuil - yet another lovely place to visit - and given the volume of visitors to the region even the local French (sometimes renowned for their laid-back attitude to commerce) have found many opportunities to respond with fine restaurants, markets, theme parks and activity pursuits. So, whether your interests lie in natural or cultivated gardens, shopping, golf, river pursuits, ancient sites, churches, food (and drink) or even hot air ballooning, you are coming to the right place.
Closer to base at La Perode, the lovely village of Les Eyzies is another World Heritage site and houses several prehistoric caves, including the famous Grotte du Grande Roc and also the National Prehistoric Museum. With almost 7 million preserved objects, it is the largest museum dedicated to prehistory in the world and in 2023 celebrated it's centenary year, so well worth a visit. Lovely walks, canoe hire and the many restaurants make Les Eyzies a popular destination and at just 20 minutes drive is home to some of our favourite eateries. Needless to say, there are many more to choose from in the surrounding area, each offering up the delights of local produce, and to further whet the appetite we are just to the east of the famous Bergerac and Bordeaux appellations where there are literally hundreds of vineyards to be explored.
Although too numerous to describe, the various links provided herein should offer some useful ideas and guidance ahead of your planned visit. Upon arrival you will also find plenty of leaflets for you to decide what to do and where to explore during your stay, even if only vicariously from the comfort of the poolside! The possibilities are endless so depending on your interests there is plenty to choose from and we are always on call to help in your decisions, if required.
From our own experience, one un-missable joy is canoeing (or kayaking) down either the Vezere, Dordogne or Dronne rivers - take along a picnic, pick up your chosen craft, oars and safety vests and off you go, drifting downstream to a preselected destination where you will be picked up and returned to your parked car. One such route in the Dordogne valley passes beneath several famous chateaux including Beynac and Castelnaud, and drifts through the eye-candy village La Roche Gageac. Simply delightful.
We are surrounded by beautiful countrside and there are many walks to be found locally, including biking trails which support an annual VTT event. Here are just a few on the doorstep but of course the whole region abounds with possibilities.
Given that the ‘Hundred years war’ raged locally there are many Chateaux (castles) and Bastides (fortified towns) to explore, but returning to the theme of active adventures another outstanding recommendation is tree rappelling, one such being located in nearby Thenon. Given that there are various levels of devilment this should appeal to all-comers (I personally wimped out when things got beyond intermediate) and for the less foolhardy there is a frisbee golf circuit at ground level to keep you amused whilst listening to the screams of the more adventurous, swinging from the zipwires.
Golf, horse riding, hot-air ballooning, fishing, theme parks, swimming or simply stretching your legs (there are a number of local walking clubs - randonneurs - who welcome regular or occasional friends) alongside any number of spectacular gardens, caves and chateaux offer a wide variety of leisurely and interesting distractions. Truly a paradise for the curious.