Shop for fresh produce, cheeses, meats, flowers, wines and more at nearby markets in Cénac (Tuesdays), St. Cyprien (Sundays) and the famous Sarlat marketplace (Wednesdays and Saturdays).

We strongly recommend reservations in advance during the summer months. Additionally, some restaurants are closed or have limited days of operation during the winter months. Please call ahead to avoid disappointment.

Click here for some of our favorite restaurants within easy driving distance.

We can recommend several small farms in the region where you can visit and sample (and/or purchase) local products. Some farms permit you to observe the "gavage" of the ducks or geese, part of the age-old process by which foie gras is produced. Visit La Ferme du Bouyssou and visit our friends Nathalie and Denis Mazet.

Also nearby is a walnut mill where you can see a centuries-old waterpowered mill still grinding local nuts to produce delicious walnut and hazelnut oil: Moulin de la Tour.



We have maps for some of the most beautiful walking trails very near our house. The randonnée system in France offers lovely, scenic and historically interesting walks at all levels. For more information on walking in France, go to http://www.franceonfoot.com/overview.htm



Biking in the region is very popular. Many bike rental facilities are nearby, for by-the-hour or by-the-day rentals, or you may arrange in advance for a bike to be delivered to our door for your use during your stay: http://www.multitravel.co.uk



Again, canoe rental stands are ubiquitous along the Dordogne river. The most convenient to us is one right in Castelnaud. They'll transport you to the put-in location of your choice, and pick you up and return you to Castelnaud at the end of your paddle adventure. The river is nearly flat calm, but with a nice current to carry you along with hardly any work required but steering.



Gabarres are the big wooden boats that used to ply the waters of the Dordogne, transporting goods downstream to Bordeaux. Now, several beautiful replicas go up and down the river between La Roque-Gageac and Beynac, and incredibly scenic stretch. You may ride on the boat, under a canopy on those too-sunny days, and listen to an interesting commentary on the history of the river.



Hot Air Balloons: http://www.perigord-dordogne-montgolfieres.com/
or http://www.montgolfiere-du-perigord.com

Airplane rides and ULM are also available nearby



Prehistoric caves: Font de Gaume and Lascaux I & II are a short drive away, as well as numerous other amazing prehistoric sites. The highly touted National Museum of Prehistory recently re-opened in Les Eyzies to great acclaim.

Geological formations: Gouffre de Proumeyssac (http://www.perigord.com/proumeyssac) and Gouffre de Padirac (http://www.gouffre-de-padirac.com/) are spectacular natural grottoes well worth visiting.



Chateau Beynac: Fascinating, gloomy, medieval

Chateau Castelnaud: Our neighborhood castle, housing an excellent museum of medieval warfare: http://www.castelnaud.com

Chateau Milandes: Beautiful castle, former home of entertainer and member of the French Resistance Josephine Baker: http://www.milandes.com  Raptor shows in the afternoon and evening.

Chateau Marqueyssac: Tremendous views of the Dordogne valley, with boxwood gardens and several kilometers of walking trails through semi-wild parkland: http://www.marqueyssac.com

Chateau Commarque: Our personal favorite. Less visited, more remote, less restored, it's like a being in a dream, all by itself in a hidden valley: http://www.commarque.com



The wine regions of Cahors and Bergerac are less than an hour’s drive, and legendary St. Emilion is just 1 1/2 hours away.



Golf Domaine de Rochebois
9 holes, par 36, near Vitrac (8 km)
tel. (33) 553 31 52 80

Golf de Lolivarie
9 holes, par 35, St. Germain de Belves (18 km)
tel. (33) 5 53 30 22 69
http://www.golfdelolivarie.com