Sauternes and Barsac Chateaux open day wine tasting
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson
On the Upper Dordogne this town sits on the border of the Lot and Correze regions
This medieval town on a bend in the Dordogne grew around its 9th century Benedictine abbey of Saint-Pierre.
Today the abbey church remains a classical example of Romanesque architecture from the 12th century, combined with a tower and belfry in Gothic design. Its southern portal is most impressive for its ornate sculptures.
The town's narrow streets are filled with attractive façades and it's worth wandering down to the lovely church by the river and taking a ride on the gabares boats. In May the whole town comes alive with an annual strawberry festival.
The town is famous for its wonderful strawberry harvest which is celebrated each year on the second Sunday of May. This annual festival brings together producers and consumers aplenty.
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
In the early Middle Ages, Beaulieu was a small fishing village surrounded by farms, on a bend of the Dordogne, called Vellinus. Lord of the family Turenne, Rudolph was riding on his land when he stopped in this small village. According to legend, amazed by the beauty of the place, he renamed the village Bellus Locus (Beau Lieu in altered Latin) and decided to found a Benedictine abbey to attract pilgrims and develop the territory.
The Abbaye Saint-Pierre church that sits in the centre of the town is certainly one of the main attractions. It's a majestic building and enhanced further by a rather special tympanum (decorated area above the doorway). The stone carving depicts the Second Coming of Christ.
The 12th-century Chapelle des Penitents on the river's edge is a popular building to photograph, seen from across the river the reflections in the Dordogne are very beautiful.
The chapel itself houses temporary exhibitions and is open to the public during the busier summer months, from mid-June and mid-September. It also forms part of the guided tour offered by the tourist office.
Situated in the heart of the pretty town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, the Abbaye Saint-Pierre church sits in the Place du Marche and stands high above the surrounding buildings.
One of the best ways to enjoy the Dordogne river and experience the real history of the region is to take a trip onboard a 'gabare' - a traditional flat-bottomed boat that was used to transport goods along the river. Taking around an hour and a half these guided trips with commentary allow you to discover the history of the skippers and the life of the boatmen.
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
This short stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) is perfect for families looking to stretch their legs in the Dordogne countryside, without having to conquer any hills climbs.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
This walk is wonderful and relaxing way to explore the valley of Autoire and the horseshoe shaped cliff band that guards it to the south-west.
Part of a long distance towpath, there is an interesting section cut out of the rocky cliff face between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq Lapopie which was used to drag barges along the river Lot. It's about five kilometres between the two villages and is a stunning section of the river.
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
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.
Camping is particularly popular in this area of the Upper Dordogne. As well as a traditional campsite with good amenities situated by the river Dordogne, you'll also find a holiday village and a particular area dedicated to overnight stays with campervans. Sanitation is provided.
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.
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
This is a small town but there are several decent hotels in the very heart of it. A peaceful town means that you can enjoy a countryside feel wherever you stay and will always be just moments away from the popular Dordogne river.
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.
Situated on the banks of the Upper Dordogne river the town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne sits on the borders of Limousin, Auvergne and Quercy.