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
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.
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.
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 chateau and family home is perfectly situated at one end of the village of La Roque Gageac and overlooks the Dordogne river.
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.
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.
Perched on a cliff, the Hôtel l'Esplanade has a great setting with good rooms and more importantly, a fantastic restaurant.
This traditional farm serves good quality Périgord dishes using locally-sourced ingredients from its own farm and those nearby. It also has a lovely gîte which sleeps up to five people.
A bright restaurant with stone walls, old wooden beams, fireplace and inviting allure, offer up culinary delights from the region. A strong focus is on local local treats and seasonality.
With a terrace set alongside the Vezerie river and within a hotel clad in Virginia Creeper and decorated with heart, warmth and style, the restaurant is hugely inviting.
The young chef at this restaurant, David Beyney, produces creative French cuisine using local products. It is a real gem of a restaurant, located high in the Périgord village of Audrix. There is also a small attractive hotel attached.
With their very own garden, the restaurant has access to the freshest fruit, vegetables, edible flowers and herbs. This is reflected in the menu, which makes the most of the regions famous culinary delights, including foie gras and of course Perigords black diamond, the truffle. You will easily settle into the cosy, contemporary restaurant or get to enjoy your surroundings while dining out on the terrace.
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!
Travel along the valley of the five chateaux on traditional barges and discover some of the most beautiful sites.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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.
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.
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.
Recognised by the Michelin and Gaultmillau guides, the hotels recent renovation has done the place wonders. Warming, yet contemporary decor fills this beautiful building, as well as a pool and spa, restaurant and bar. Modern appliances, sun terrace and English buffet breakfast serve only to enhance your experience.
In the heart of the Black Perigord and a stones throw from the market town of Sarlat, this pale stoned old building is nestled into a 3 acre park. It has a gastronomic restaurant, heated outdoor pool with stunning views over the valley and the comfort that you want from the perfect retreat.
Ideally situated a short distance from the medieval town of Sarlat, this tranquil retreat offers up contemporary rooms with touches of authenticity. The hotel grounds have a wonderful park with a small lake, footbridges and its own private swimming pool.
Offering a magnificent view of one of the most beautiful villages in France, the 19th century Manoir de la Malartrie is beautifully decorated inside, using antique furnishings and sleek wooden finishes.
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.
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
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 property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
This property is located close to the village shops, about 10 minutes from Montignac town and 40 minutes from Brive airport.
Located about 50 minutes away from Bergerac airport, this house has a living space of 265m2 and a garden of 6398m2 of land.