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
Nestled between a cliff face and the north bank of the Dordogne river
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.
As you approach the town you will find that the houses are built in the traditional honey-coloured stone that is common of the Dordogne region. At the west entrance to the village, the 18th-century Château de la Malartrie stands out for its grandeur, whilst the village's elegant central tower belongs to the Manoir de Tarde.
Being right on the river Dordogne you can access canoe hire and boat trips on one side of the main street, whilst enjoying the history and buildings built into the cliffside on the other. High above the village, there are remains of inhabited troglodyte caves. The narrow streets closer to the cliffside are slightly higher up and run parallel to the main road, and bring you past some of the most beautiful houses that you can imagine.
Make sure your camera battery is charged for this one, you'll be taking endless photos of canoes, gabarres and troglodyte dwellings here. Most definitely one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France'.
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.
The area of La Roque-Gageac, along with the neighbouring towns of Vézac, Beynac-et-Cazenac and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle is known as the vallée des cinq châteaux - the valley of five castles.
There is certainly plenty to explore in this area although not all of them are open to the public. Château de la Malartrie at the west end of the village is now in fact a residence that you can rent. If you've always imagined staying in a country château with friends then this could well be the one for you.
In the distance you can look over to the magnificent Château de Castelnaud that sits high on the cliff above the river at Castelnaud-la-Chapelle. This 12th-century castle is especially interesting due to its display of warfare from the Middle Ages. It also offers spectacular views that stretch over the Dordogne to the Château of Beynac and the Jardins de Marqueyssac.
Tucked away in a tiny village you will find the fairytale-style castle of Château des Milandes. Once belonging to the American star Josephine Baker, you can enjoy an audio tour of the interior that houses a collection of dresses, furniture and memorabilia from the WWII. The gardens here are also stunning and during the summer months your ticket includes a bird of prey show in the grounds.
The fifth castle is the Château de Fayrac, situated between Château Les Milandes and Château de Castelnaud on the south bank of the river Dordogne. Built in the 15th-century, and remodelled during the following centuries. It's not open to the public, but you can admire the exterior of the castle when you take the D54 along the river.
A 450m long cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites and colonnades, deep underground, under the bastide town of Domme in the Perigord Noir.
This chateau and family home is perfectly situated at one end of the village of La Roque Gageac and overlooks the Dordogne river.
One of the most beautiful and well-preserved examples of a town gate in the Perigord, the Porte des Tours in Domme is flanked by two large round towers from the 13th-century.
A simple church that offers a refreshing cool interior on a hot summer day.
Perched on a cliff, the Hôtel l'Esplanade has a great setting with good rooms and more importantly, a fantastic restaurant.
The best way to discover the village is from the river.
These traditional cargo barges, known as 'gabarres' are flat-bottomed boats that were once used to transport merchandise along the Dordogne. There are several companies that offer tourist trips so that you can see the beauty of this village from the water.
If you prefer a little more solitude on your river trip then canoes are also available to hire and offer and wonderful day or half day out. A leisurely paddle past the town to the Château de la Malartrie, and further still down the river towards Castelnaud-la-Chapelle lets you enjoy the region without crowds.
Another great way to see this region is to see it from above. A hot air balloon flight is a once in a lifetime opportunity and here you have some of the best scenery in France to enjoy during your ride. The flights tend to be early morning, a little breakfast treat, but during the high-season you can take flights in the afternoon as well.
Travel along the valley of the five chateaux on traditional barges and discover some of the most beautiful sites.
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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.
With a fleet of five hot air balloons this company can take groups of 2 or 3 passengers up into the air above La Roque Gageac and the Dordogne river to enjoy a birds-eye view of this beautiful area.
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.
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
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 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).
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
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.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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.
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 relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
For a touch of history during your stay in the Dordogne, one of the beautiful château-style hotels in La Roque Gageac will suit you well. This central town is situated right on the banks of the Dordogne so most rooms in the local hotels will have great views over the river.
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.
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.
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Set in a 30-hectare park, with luscious green and floral gardens, wooded walks and a 9-hole golf course, the hotel has a great deal to offer. Spacious, warm and appropriately furnished rooms, suites and apartments adorn the property and are all fitted with modern appliances.
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.
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.
Situated in the Perigord noir area of Dordogne to the east of Bergerac. Roughly 75km away the journey from Bergerac should take about an hour to drive, and if you prefer public transport then it is 1h30 by train.
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.