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.
The first English bastide town and an important historical military site
Founded in 1261, Lalinde was the first English bastide. Situated on the banks of the Dorgdogne, the town is also crossed by the Canal de Lalinde, constructed to bypass the dangerous rapids of Grand Thoret.
The town suffered various sieges during the Hundred Years' War and again in 1562 and 1572 during the Wars of Religion, and now not much remains of the original medieval town. The canal's aqueduct and Tuilerie de Villeneuve weir bridge are worth looking out for if you take a walk along its banks.
The weekly markets are a popular affair, with the main market being held on Thursday morning and a smaller farmers market on a Saturday morning.
During the summer months the Thursday market becomes so large that it virtually takes over the entire town...a great time to visit.
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.
According to legend, there was a dragon living in a cave on the south banks of the Dordogne who carried off inhabitants of Lalinde and devoured them. Saint-Front destroyed the dragon in a bonfire and the town of Lalinde built a small chapel on top of the hill dedicated to him.
The town is bordered to the south by the Dordogne river and by a canal on the north. The Lalinde Canal was dug between 1838 and 1843, between Mauzac and Tulieres as this stretch of the river was very difficult to navigate. However, with the arrival of the railway and roads, freight transport declined by river and the canal became obsolete. It is now a popular fishing area and walking path.
With several châteaux certified as historical monuments you'll find no lack of beautiful buildings in the area. Many of them also double up as accommodation, either in the form of luxury hotels or simple B&B's.
The church across the Dordogne river from Lalinde has an interesting history and is worth the short walk over to enjoy the church and the views from its situation.
In the paper-making village of Couze-et-Saint-Front, this traditional mill still makes paper by hand.
Although it is believed to have dated back to the eighth century, Father Goustat wrote in 1883 that this building could date back to VIII, XI or even the fourteenth century. It has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt in part or in whole over the years.
Set in the hotel's 19th Century building, the dining room has wonderful stone walls and comforting, traditional table settings. Weather permitting, you may be able to relish your meal outside on the flowery terrace overlooking the lush garden or even down by the pool.
Stone walls, high ceilings, charming surroundings and elegant table settings lure you into the restaurant, with precise modern day interpretations of classic regional food, made from the finest local produce.
Located 50 yards from the Vieux Logis Hotel, the Bistrot de la Place has exposed wooden beams, simple yet effective place settings and makes you feel immediately comfortable in the fuss free, cosy setting in the centre of Trèmolat.
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.
The restaurant boasts an innovative menu with a focus on fine local fare and seemless service. The very word Les Merles stands for honesty and delightfulness, which is reflected throughout the dining experience.
Chez Alain is located in the beautiful medieval village of Issigeac, known for its colourful market on Sunday. The chef, Sébastien, offers a refined and colourful cuisine using fresh and seasonal produce. The stone walls and old beams give off a warm atmosphere inside and it has a pretty outdoor area.
The former lock on the Lalinde Canal is the starting point for mountain biking and hiking on nearly 200km of marked trails. The trails allow you to discover the Lindois Country.
There are also some lovely walks on the other bank of the river that will take you past several interesting historical monuments.
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.
With family, in a group, with friends and at any age, you can explore at your own pace two of the most beautiful rivers of Périgord.
Easy canoeing for everybody. You can navigate with family or friends in peace. You’ll be given a solid equipment, stable canoes and buoyancy aids.
A great place for a family day out and to escape the pre-historic world of the Dordogne...instead, enjoy the family atmosphere and displays of this fresh water aquarium.
A living museum that offers much more than your ordinary museum or theme park. A great day out that will take you and your family back in time to an era long ago.
Take this opportunity to drive the electric replicas of real boats: tug, trawler, ferry, steam Mississippi barges...The small port has everything for those who want to go out there and play sailor "for real".
With family, in a group, with friends and at any age, you can explore at your own pace two of the most beautiful rivers of Périgord.
Easy canoeing for everybody. You can navigate with family or friends in peace. You’ll be given a solid equipment, stable canoes and buoyancy aids.
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
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.
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
Enjoy French country living at La Castille, a beautifully restored 18th Century stone bastide which offers charm and style in abundance, in an area renowned for delicious food and wine. La Castille is the sister property to La Perigourdine and La Petite Maison.
Decorated in chic but subtle style this pretty cream coloured stone cottage is the epitome of a charming rural retreat yet is within walking distance of the impressive bastide of Castillonnes.
A beautiful property owned by a local viticulturist whose vineyards form part of the grounds around the house.
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.
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.
Laurence and Stèphanie will welcome you with open arms to La Rolandie Haute, situated in the heart of the Pèrigord Noir in "one of the most beautiful villages in France".
Just 300m from the Cadouin Abbey and in the heart of the Pèrigord Noir, the Villa is in the ideal location to explore the surrounding area and region. Decorated with charming antique furniture, a tasteful touch and with exposed stone walls, the B&B is a place you cannot help but embrace.
Set in a picturesque 19th Century house, the hotel offers the perfect release from the stresses and strains of day to day life. The exposed beams add real character the building and the extensive grounds offer a great opportunity to explore or find a peaceful spot to relax.
This luxury hotel has large rustic-style bedrooms, a magnificent park, a sunny terrace and an outside pool made from local yellow stones typical of the Périgord region. The estate includes a manor house, tenanted farm, outbuildings, a tobacco drying room which houses a lounge and smoking room, and two restaurant dining rooms. This Relais & Châteaux hotel is an excellent choice with great food and superb surroundings.
This château has been now transformed into a contemporary, stylish and modern comfort hotel with 12 rooms, two suites and a spacious apartment. The contrast with the original architecture and the modern touch makes Les Merles a luxurious, charming and attractive hotel whilst still retaining an intimate, friendly and cosy atmosphere. Within the grounds, there is a spa, golf course, tennis courts and a swimming pool.
Typical stone house Perigord style dating from 1807 completely renovated.