Le Turenne Hotel, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

A trip on a petit train is the perfect way to see this small bastide town and to learn a little more about the long history of the bastide town.

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 relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.

A relatively small theme park but with a great atmosphere, plenty to do and a good day out for all of the family.

This outdoor park has a tree-top trail, paintball, mountain-biking, canoeing and horse-riding for those seeking a bit more adventure or a change from the pretty villages and vineyard visits.

After discovering the city of Saint Emilion this train tour takes you out into the countryside and surrounding vineyards to discover more about the history and culture of wine in this region.

The dining rooms allow for views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. Drinks can also be enjoyed in the small library or among the chestnut trees.

This elegant and sophisticated two Michelin star restaurant offers creative dishes designed by chef Cédric Béchade, who plays with colours and textures in his cuisine.

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.

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.

At the top of the hills of Monbazillac, surrounded by vineyards, the shady terraces and dining rooms of this restaurant offer an unforgettable panoramic view. The chef, Marie Rougier, produces a fine dining menu from seasonal products.

Part of the successful Edward 1er Hotel, the restaurant has a lot to live up to. Welcoming and professional staff greet you into the small 28 seat dining room and you are sure to be delighted by the experience and attention to detail from start to finish.

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.

Not to be confused with the Château de Castelnaud, this château close to Brenetoux stands as an incredible example of a fortified castle, with a combination of architecture from the 13th-century through to the 17th-century. 

The village of Carennac grew up around a clunian priory founded in the middle of the 11th-century. This beautiful church and cloister are at the centre of the village.

This well-preserved chateau is now home to the Heritage Centre for Art and History of the Dordogne region, with a permanent exhibition that explains the wealth, heritage, art and architecture of this region.

The most famous cave in Europe the Gouffre de Padirac is also considered to be one of the most important and interesting geological sites in France.

Part Renaissance palace, part medieval fortress, the original foundations date to the 15th century but were adapted by Jeanne Balzac d'Entraygues. 

This medieval town on a bend in the Dordogne grew around its 9th century Benedictine abbey of Saint-Pierre.

Carennac has been previously voted 'One of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France' and it's easy to see why. The blonde stone and red-brown roofs of its buildings have tall chimneys and are adorned with creepers that turn red in the autumn.

The riverside town of Saint-Céré is a lovely place to base yourself for excursions in the region. The La Bave river winds its way through the centre of the town and its old buildings have been carefully restored, retaining their timber vaulting or Renaissance stonework. 

Picturesque village typical of Quercy. The traditional houses have corbelled fronts, brown-tiled roofs and pigeon lofts built into their walls.

The town of Martel is not, in fact, famous for the brandy (that's Martell with two ll's) but is well known as the capital of truffles and a great producer of walnuts, two of the region's specialities.

Perched on the side of a cliff, in a gorge above the river Alzou, this medieval town has a breathtaking setting.