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

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson
Beautiful village close to the eastern border of Dordogne and the Lot
The village of Beynac-et-Cazenac is thought to date back to the 12th century when its imposing cliff top château was constructed.
Strategically located on the Dordogne river, and held by Richard the Lionheart, Château de Beynac is a classic fortified example of medieval architecture.
The pretty cobbled streets have been immaculately restored to retain its typical honey-coloured stone walls and slate roofs. The narrow streets lead upwards to the château and the walk certainly works up an appetite - more for an ice cream thank anything else and luckily there is a little garden terrace café half way up, one more after that and yet another opposite the castle entrance. Good for staying hydrated as you climb the steep streets in the summer heat.
The approach by river is truly impressive and this is another place where gabare tours are popular. Relaxing on a boat trip certainly makes a nice change from the walk uphill! Lasse Hallström's film, Chocolat, was filmed here and you can certainly imagine the dreamy country life that they enjoyed.
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.
Much of the history centres around the château at its summit and can be discovered in the château itself. The area has been populated since the Bronze age and was much sought after due to its 'naturally' protected location and the claim to it has created many pages in the history books.
Hélie de Beynac, the first known and recorded lord, installed the first fortified presence (Castrum) in 1050. After eight centuries of history, many battles, sieges and rulers through the ages, the line of the Beynacs disappeared in 1811. The last heiress, Marie-Claude, married Christophe de Beaumont in 1761 and upon her death in 1811 all that was left was the village and its château.
The town of Beynac-et-Cazenac is a sight in itself, a beautiful example of a medieval town with cobbled streets and stunning architecture. Part of the Valley of five Chateaux the castle, Chateau de Beynac, is the crowning glory and sits high on the cliff above the town and the river. Part of the ramparts here are being renovated so it will be great to be able walk around them once this work is complete.
This captivating château was built in 1489 in a Renaissance style with magnificent Gothic elements. It has classical turrets, a newel staircase and protruding gargoyle sculptures and large windows decorated with splendid stained glass.
This château is a luxury 18th-century residence built around the time of the French Revolution. Sitting in a magnificent spot, with views over the Dordogne valley, its brickwork is the classical limestone slabs, or lauze, with stone roof tiles.
This fabulously preserved cliff top château overlooks the town of Beynac and the river Dordogne. It was built as a fortress in the 12th century with the cliff on one side and double walls and moats on the other.
This chateau and family home is perfectly situated at one end of the village of La Roque Gageac and overlooks the Dordogne river.
The 12th century Château de Castelnaud stands high over the Dordogne valley, with magnificent views of the Châteaux of Beynac, Jardins de Marqueyssac and the medieval village of La Roque-Gageac.
There are plenty of activities in the area including those on land, on the water and even in the air. This is a beautiful part of the country to explore and taking a leisurely canoe down the river is perhaps one of the best. But if you fancy an extra special treat then a sunrise ride in a hot air balloon is hard to beat!
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.
Shortly before sunset, or at dawn, following the preparation of the flight you can take off with Lionel, a professional balloonist and paraglider who has been working as a guide in Dordogne for more than 15 years.
This traditional wooden barge will take you on a picturesque cruise down the river Dordogne from La Roque-Gageac to the Castelnaud bridge.
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
Come fly over the Dordogne, Perigord, castles, manors, fortresses, the valleys of the Dordogne and Vézère, discover it in all its charm.
Passing under the limestones cliff of Beynac you will travel along the Dordogne valley to Marqueyssac and the hanging gardens, Chateau de Fayrac and Chateau de Castelnaud.
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.
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.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
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).
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
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.
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 is a small village with tight narrow streets that wind ever skywards, so you will find that there aren't too many hotels to choose from. For the full Dordogne experience you might want to consider a rather charming B&B and there are a few of these tucked away in the forest.
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.
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.
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
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.
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.
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.
With parts of the building dating back to the 14th Century, there is no surprise that the building itself acts as a focal point throughout the property. With stone walls and ancient wooden beams being left exposed, the place really feels as though there are stories to be told while sitting out in its large gardens, laced with nut trees and springs.
Located just a 5 minute walk from the centre of Dordogne's capital Sarlat, the hotel has minimalist, comfortable rooms with a large en suit, flat-screen TV and free Wifi. Located in the grounds is also a hugely inviting swimming pool.
Old pale stone walls sit seamlessly alongside modern clean furnishings, outdoor terraces, perfectly pruned garden and intensely inviting swimming pool. With a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside and ease of access to Sarlat and other delights of the Perigord Noir, it is easy to see why this is the perfect location from which you can both explore and revive.
With a magnificent backdrop of the surrounding Dordogne hills, the Chateau with its big halls, stone fireplaces and chandeliers is the perfection location for weddings, events and seminars.
Comfortable and contemporary rooms adorn this fabulous property. With large bedrooms, a terrace with spectacular views over the rolling hills and a spacious swimming pool surrounded by flower packed gardens. The perfect spot to relax just outside the bustling centre of Sarlat.
A truly historical building, the hotel has been meticulously converted into something unique and modern, but doesn't shy away from its heritage with stone walls and masterpiece fireplaces.
Situated in the heart of the Perigord Noir and part of the Valley of Five Châteaux, Beynac is situated on the banks of the Dordogne not far from La Roque-Gageac and only a 10-15 minute drive from Sarlat-la-Caneda.