Le Mas de Castel Hotel, Sarlat-la-Caneda

A combination of two renovated villas in the heart of Dordogne.

Property for vacation rental in the Luberon - Le Domaine de Saint Pons

Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.

Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.

A beautiful property owned by a local viticulturist whose vineyards form part of the grounds around the house.

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.

The Hostellerie de Plaisance is an unusual and unique place, offering surprising perspectives on the village’s architecture and the edges of the vineyard landscapes.

The property is set a short distance from the centre of Bergerac, with 360 degree views of the surrounding vineyards. There are 12 hectares of grounds with 12 uniquely decorated rooms to choose from.

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.

The hotel offers the perfect opportunity to escape from the strains of day to day life. With luscious gardens, outdoor terrace, a swimming pool, bar, sauna and even a piano, it would be next to impossible not relax into this contemporary yet comforting environment.

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.

The glass lift with panoramic views, housed within the old Church Sainte-Marie’s bell tower offers a unique experience. Once at the top, the lift, whose walls are made entirely of glass, allows you a 360° view of Sarlat.

The Lanternes des Morts (Lanterns of the dead) are small towers mainly found in the central and western parts of France. Thought to indicate the position of a cemetary.

Taking some three and a half centuries to build, this small cathedral is the centre piece and heart of the community in Sarlat-la-Caneda.

The 16th-century water mill in Sainte-Nathalène on the edge of the small Enéa river still manufactures walnut, hazelnut and almond oils in the traditional way. 

The glass lift with panoramic views, housed within the old Church Sainte-Marie’s bell tower offers a unique experience. Once at the top, the lift, whose walls are made entirely of glass, allows you a 360° view of Sarlat.

With mullioned windows, dark grey stone slate roof (lauze) and the well-known honey-coloured stone of the facade, this is one of the most remarkable buildings in Sarlat.

Set within three hectares the water gardens in Carsac-Aillac offer a new place to walk that will delight young and old, tourists and locals.

Open every day of the year this 9-hole, par 35, course is set in the lush countryside of the Dordogne and the grounds of Chateau les Merles.

Standing out as one of the most charming towns in the region, this medieval dwelling remains much as it was when it was built in the 14th century. 

It's hard to imagine a nicer village than La Roque-Gageac, with its huge limestone cliffs that tower behind the Renaissance-style houses built in creamy stone with burnt red roofs. 

This bastide town, sitting high above the Dordogne river, has an impressive number of its 13th century fortifications still intact, including three of its original gates.

The village of Beynac-et-Cazenac is thought to date back to the 12th century when its imposing cliff top château was constructed.

The town and the surrounding prehistoric sites have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Nearly 150 sites have already been discovered and contain significant finds dating back as far as the Middle Stone Age - about 300,000 to 40,000 years ago.

Sitting proud on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Nauze valley, this fortified town boasts seven bell towers and an 11th century keep that is still standing, despite numerous invasions and wars.