
Moulin de la Rouzique Papermaking Mill & Museum, Couze-et-Saint-Front
In the paper-making village of Couze-et-Saint-Front, this traditional mill still makes paper by hand.
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
© PWilliamson
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
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.
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.
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.
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.
In the land of truffles, cepes, chateaus and exquisite scenery, La Millasserie stands as the ideal base for your holiday. With wonderful stone walls, red slate roofing, flourishing gardens and outdoor swimming pool, there is little not to love about this charming little place.
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".
Self-titled as the "Unfinished Louvre in Périgord", this château combines medieval fortifications with an incomplete Renaissance palace.
A king-size bedroom with French windows that open up to a private balcony and views of the Dordogne river. There are few things more appealing on a holiday break.
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.
Typical stone house Perigord style dating from 1807 completely renovated.