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

© PWilliamson
Relaxed market town situated in the heart of one of the most visited areas in France
The relaxed town of Le Bugue sits on the river Vézère where it's joined by the Doux. A more tranquil base for exploring the region, it has some pretty, narrow streets and a bustling market twice a week.
This town is a good base if you want to explore the Perigord Noir area. Not only because it's close to some of the most popular and interesting pre-historic sights, but also because you can also escape all the 'pre-history' sightseeing for a while - you can sometimes have too much of a good thing.
There are plenty of other attractions in this pretty market town, not least the Tuesday market itself, but also the popular Aquarium du Perigord Noir, several theme parks and some great canoeing on the river.
The town itself sits on the banks of the river and is very pretty in its own right, with narrow winding streets and some beautiful traditional architecture to be seen.
One of the most important dates in the town's history was in November 1319, when the King of France, ordered by deed that the market be permanently held on a Tuesday. This is still the case today, and the market of Le Bugue has become one of the best in the region.
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.
Inhabited since prehistoric times, Le Bugue enjoyed a period of prosperity until 1154, when the province of Périgord came under English control. The town was often a source of disputes between British troops and those of the King of France, and therefore it suffered greatly.
Maintaining itself as a quiet commercial town it was only in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway line that ran between Perigueux and Agen, and the construction of the bridge, that the town became better known.
There are a number of prehistoric sites in and around Le Bugue which are open to the public.
The Grotte de Bara Bahau is on the north west edge of Le Bugue and contains a number of engravings made by prehistoric man. Also on the edge of town is the Gouffre de Proumeyssac with its cavernous interior and wonderful collection of stalactites.
About 4km away in Saint-Cirq you'll find the Grotte de Sorcier, beautiful on both the inside and the outside as the pretty village of Saint-Cirq seems to escape from the cliff face.
If you decided to venture further into the town of Le Bugue itself then you will find that these streets are often very quiet and your only companions may be the neighbourhood cats.
The church in le Bugue is rather unusual in that it looks quite British, rather than the usual chapels, cathedrals and abbeys that we're used to seeing in this part of France.
The largest cave in the Périgord region, close to the pretty and tranquil town of Le Bugue. Proumeyssac has a vast subterranean grotto reaching 40 metres in height.
The southernmost of all the caves of the Vézère valley, Bara-Bahau was classified as an historic monument in 1961.
The church at Saint-Martin is distinguished for its original frescoes, which can be foudn inside, and its dedication stone.
A great family destination due to the number of child-friendly activities that are available right on your doorstep, Le Bugue offers theme parks, open-air museums, animal parks and canoeing on the gentle Vézère river.
If you do visit Le Bugue on market day then be prepared for the crowds. It's only a small market but people flock to it - especially the locals. The downside of this market is that it sits right on the main intersection through town. But cross the river here and you have plenty of parking and a calm environment, perfect for walking along the river banks or having a picnic.
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.
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.
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.
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
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.
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.
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.
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
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.
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
A combination of two renovated villas in the heart of 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.
Designed to make you feel immediately at home, the tastefully decorated rooms, luscious gardens and gently meandering stream are all you need to relax into a well earned break.
In the heart of the Pèrigord, just a short distance from prehistoric sites and a short drive to Medieval Sarlat, Domaine des Eymaries is a serene spot to base yourself. With its large heated pool, jacuzzi, large garden with pond, a bar and wonderful breakfast, there is plenty to be enjoyed.
Previously a farm house, Le Noyer was lovingly renovated into a B&B in the 20th Century. Now a charming retreat with exposed stone walls, elegant furnishings and modern comforts.
Previously a farmhouse and monastery dating back to the 12th Century, with oak beams and rooms carved from local stone, Ferme de Tayac is perfectly in fitting as a base from which you can explore the Vezere Valley.
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.
In an area famed for its chateaus, prehistoric sites and postcard medieval villages, this contemporary converted 19th Century coach house has it all. A spa, 2 restaurants, panoramic views , large terrace and outdoor pool.