Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson
To the east of Dordogne on the edge of Causses du Quercy regional park
Picturesque village typical of Quercy. The traditional houses have corbelled fronts, brown-tiled roofs and pigeon lofts built into their walls.
Fortunately tourism has done nothing to damage the tranquillity of Autoire, which is listed as one of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France' (The Most Beautiful Villages in France).
It's not hard to see how it has earned this title as the narrow road that leads you into the town brings you directly to a pretty town square, complete with a fountain and overflowing flowers.
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
Exceptional locations around France, including Dordogne, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
The dramatic limestone cliffs are home to the Roque d'Autoire, also known as the Château des Anglais, an ancient fort set into the cliff above the town.
The walk up to the ruins is via a rather steep path, hard work in the blistering heat of a summers day. However, you will be rewarded with some fantastic views across the small valley, out over the plains of the vineyards and fruit trees and of the pretty town below.
Not far from the town of Autoire you will find the Gouffre de Padirac, an underground cavern and river that offers spectacular views of the stalactites and stalagmites of the Dordogne region.
These caves were originally discovered in 1825 and house some impressively large stalagmite pillars reaching up to 10 metres in height and varying in colour.
Situated in the heart of the town of Autoire, this 12th century catholic church is like many others in the Quercy region and was fortified during the Hundred Years War.
The original fortified castle and surrounding village are thought to have been built at some point in the 13th century and further added to in the 15th century.
There are only two restaurants in the town but both have terraces so that you can enjoy the comings and goings of the town and the views that it offers.
Restaurant within l'Hotel Beau Site located at the heart of the mediaeval village of Rocamadour.
Michelin star restaurant with 14 immaculate rooms in the Lacave region.
Large bright dining rooms and a flowery terrace set the scene for a delicious meal. In the winter your food can be enjoyed in front of the large open fire place and in the summer, out on the open terrace looking out over town and surrounding countryside.
This restaurant in the old guard rooms of the Château du Viguier Royal, makes this old mansion-house kitchen alive again. The chef, Daniel Authié, creates cooking art which mixes contemporary and traditional flavours. The sommelier and head waiter, Bernard Badia, offers helpful advice on the food characteristics and complementary wines.
Perched on a cliff, the Hôtel l'Esplanade has a great setting with good rooms and more importantly, a fantastic restaurant.
The restaurant of this excellent 4-star hotel is one of the best in the region. The manor building is set in beautiful grounds, and chef, Ludovic Lavaud, harmoniously matches local products and traditional cuisine with a touch of oriental perfume. The cave is exceptional too.
Apart from enjoying a coffee or meal in this delightful place, you'll find yourself keen to explore the small streets and enjoy the architecture of the town. Honey coloured houses with turrets, and fronts covered in ivy, will make you envious of the owners.
Another treat is to take a hike along the valley by the river to the waterfalls situated at the foot of the limestone cliffs. This hike through the forest offers a welcome respite from the strong rays of sun and a beautiful site at the end with the water cascading over moss-covered rocks.
For a slightly longer and more challenging walk you can complete the 'cirque' (circuit) back to town on the far side of the river, taking a detour up to the Roque d'Autoire and the ruins of the Château des Anglais.
If you prefer something a little more relaxing, the town is the perfect setting to get out your watercolours and to do a little sketching. You may well find groups of tourists already sitting on stools with sketchbooks in hand, so why not join them.
Situated at the foot of Carennac village this watersports centre offers more than just fun on the water! They offer three main activities; canoeing or kayaking, group canoeing with up to six people in the same boat, and adventure trekking with overnight camping out in the wild.
Aerial adventures including treetop ladders, zip lines, cave routes and rocks faces to climb. This adventure park offers a mix of everything to keep the whole family entertained.
This wildlife park is dedicated to the Barbary Macaque monkey who roams free in the 20 hectares of woodland.
In true French style Le Petit Train will take you on your short journey from the bottom of Rocamadour to the town centre above you.
An hour long horse show and theatre production that is based on the rivalry between the English and the French with lively, action-packed fun.
Nestled in the heart of the Quercy region at the very top of the town of Rocamadour this park allows you the chance to meet some wonderful birds.
Situated at the foot of Carennac village this watersports centre offers more than just fun on the water! They offer three main activities; canoeing or kayaking, group canoeing with up to six people in the same boat, and adventure trekking with overnight camping out in the wild.
Offering various routes along the Dordogne river to enjoy the sights of the Perigord Noir region. Discover hidden treasures during a relaxing journey down the river.
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
A recently built house owned by an architect and an interior designer who have created a beautifully finished property that evokes the local style yet is thoroughly modern, exuding flair and taste.
A haven of tranquillity, Lou Calvel sits within private woodland in the picturesque Lot region of South West France where the densely forested landscape teems with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Hedgerows of bluebells, posies and colourful orchids provide both walkers and keen photographers with much to admire while local market stalls always offer a wealth of freshly harvested, seasonal produce including asparagus, herbs and a wide variety of wild mushrooms.
This recently renovated semi-detached stone village house is a delightful addition to our collection of properties in the picturesque Dordogne region. Situated along one of the narrow lanes in the village of Prats-du-Périgord, La Croix is a restoration that blends the traditional with the contemporary to great effect.
Surrounded by a patchwork of fields and forests in the picturesque Perigord Noir area, the charming village of Prats-du-Perigord, with its honey coloured stone buildings topped with pitched roofs of deep red tiles, is most typical of the region.
The undulating countryside north of the River Lot is dotted with chestnut woods and stone villages. In a tiny hamlet, close to the border with the Dordogne (3km), sits La Maison Fleurie, a picturesque stone cottage, adorned with pots of colourful flowers.
Nestling on the side of a hill at the end of a hidden valley, close to the medieval bastide of Najac, the first glimpse of La Sérénité, framed by walnut trees, is its steeply pitched roof atop beautifully restored stone walls. As you arrive along the sweep of drive, the impressive stone façade of this stunning property is revealed in all its glory.
A recently built house owned by an architect and an interior designer who have created a beautifully finished property that evokes the local style yet is thoroughly modern, exuding flair and taste.
A haven of tranquillity, Lou Calvel sits within private woodland in the picturesque Lot region of South West France where the densely forested landscape teems with a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Hedgerows of bluebells, posies and colourful orchids provide both walkers and keen photographers with much to admire while local market stalls always offer a wealth of freshly harvested, seasonal produce including asparagus, herbs and a wide variety of wild mushrooms.
This recently renovated semi-detached stone village house is a delightful addition to our collection of properties in the picturesque Dordogne region. Situated along one of the narrow lanes in the village of Prats-du-Périgord, La Croix is a restoration that blends the traditional with the contemporary to great effect.
Surrounded by a patchwork of fields and forests in the picturesque Perigord Noir area, the charming village of Prats-du-Perigord, with its honey coloured stone buildings topped with pitched roofs of deep red tiles, is most typical of the region.
The undulating countryside north of the River Lot is dotted with chestnut woods and stone villages. In a tiny hamlet, close to the border with the Dordogne (3km), sits La Maison Fleurie, a picturesque stone cottage, adorned with pots of colourful flowers.
Nestling on the side of a hill at the end of a hidden valley, close to the medieval bastide of Najac, the first glimpse of La Sérénité, framed by walnut trees, is its steeply pitched roof atop beautifully restored stone walls. As you arrive along the sweep of drive, the impressive stone façade of this stunning property is revealed in all its glory.
The only hotel in the town in the lovely Auberge de la Fontaine situated right in the heart of the village, overlooking the pretty central square and fountain. The building itself dates to the 18th century and offers a tranquil environment for visitors.
Le Turenne is full of character and features a number of intriguing centrepieces, including a 15th century spiral stone staircase, large arched windows and a sizeable terrace.
Located just a 5 minutes stroll from the riverbanks of the Dordogne and situated in the centre of the picture perfect medieval town, the hotel is the perfect spot from which you can explore or simply enjoy your harmonious surroundings.
Set on the Rivière Espèrance in peaceful Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, you will immediately feel the calm as you hear the water pass and relax on the terrace or in your contemporary styled room.
From the early 11th century, this castle was coveted by several turbulent lords. It then became the summer residence of the bishops of Tulle, and successively had to endure the wars of religion followed by those of the French Revolution.
Brigitte and Pascal will welcome you with open arms into their stunning 15th Century tower, which houses a total of 5 unique guest rooms.
A warm welcome is assured upon arrival at this cosy and pleasingly authentic hotel. With rich red bricks, hanging baskets and unique style, it stands as the ideal base from which you can explore. It is also the only hotel in the centre of town and can only be accessed by foot for the majority of the day.
Situated in the north of the Lot department and close to the Upper Dordogne river the town of Autoire is not far from neighbouring town of Saint-Cére and the well-known pilgrimage site of Rocamadour. A horseshoe of limestone cliffs offer a pleasant backdrop and some delightful countryside to explore.
In a typical environment of the Dordogne, superb set of properties with a mansion with a living room of 68m2 and 6 rooms and a listed 3 bedrooms cottages and private pool, a second holiday 3 bedrooms, large heated pool, in a lovely over 1.8 hectares garden.
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
This property is located close to the village shops, about 10 minutes from Montignac town and 40 minutes from Brive airport.
The property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
Located about 50 minutes away from Bergerac airport, this house has a living space of 265m2 and a garden of 6398m2 of land.
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.