Situated at the confluence of the rivers Garonne and Tarn at the Canal de Garonne
The main town of the area between 1800 and 1926, it was all but destroyed during the floods of 1930, which caused devastation across the entire south west of France and counted as a 100 year flood.
Fortunately, the Romanesque architectural gem of a church that is the Abbaye Saint-Pierre survived. With its incredible sculptures, it was the inspiration for many of the region's churches, is cited on the route to Santiago de Compostela, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Long Night of Museums is an annual event where museums across Europe remain open late into the night, and Dordogne is no exception.
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.
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
There is legend and then there are historical records, both of which tell a different story of the foundation of the abbey. Legend tells it was founded by the Frankish King Clovish in 506 when he threw his javelin from the top of the hill to mark the spot where the "abbey of a thousand monks" was to be built. However, historical records show it was founded by Saint Didier, bishop of Cahors in the middle of the 7th century.
Since its establishment it's been raided by Moors from the south and west, and the Norsement of the north, sacked by the Arabs of al-Andulas twice around 732, and in the 9th century it was looted by Norman pirates and then by the Hungarians in the 10th century. So you could say it's had its fair share of drama to contend with.
It was extended, had Papal visits and various ruling abbots throughout the 11th, 12th and 15th centuries, with the French Revolution in 1793 putting an end to the monastic life in Moissac. In 1808 Napoleon decreed the town be attached to the new department of Tarn et Garonne.
Today the abbey church is relatively in tact and functions as an active church, but the outlying buildings have suffered. Since 1998 the church and cloisters have had international protection as part of a World Heritage Site "Routes de Santiago de Compostela in France".
Founded by Saint Didier in the 7th century, this abbey really didn't flourish until the 11th century when the town was linked to the Anney of Cluny.
At this Michelin-starred restaurant, the chef, Jean-Baptiste Fabre, will introduce you to authentic cuisine based on the taste and flavours of seasonal produce. The restaurant has an exceptional position, offering a panoramic view of the 18th century medieval village of Pujols.
In a dining room graced with elegance and class, you can savour a meal while looking out to the surrounding Lay Valley, vineyards and Chateau gardens. Internationally renowned, the 1 michelin star restaurant serves up refined cuisine based on the superior produce of the region.
Located in an old kindergarten in the heart of the enchanting village of Saint-Medard, on a hillside overlooking the Vallee du vert, with a beautiful terrace for dining in warm weather or taking refuge by the fire on chillier days.
In conjunction with the Hôtel Edward 1er, you would expect the restaurant to maintain the high standards and quality that the hotel upholds. That it certainly does, with twists on French classics in a spacious and friendly dining area, set inside an historical stone building, typical of the Monpazier village and surrounding region.
Converted mill located in a small village typical of the area. Set on the banks of the Aveyron, sit back and watch the heron fish whilst you enjoy your meal.
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.
Just 5 minutes from Cahors, in Pradines, there are a multitude of activities on offer from acrobatic courses in the trees, to paintball, kayaking, hiking, orienteering and much much more.
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.
The limestone plateaus of the Causses du Quercy are well known for their rich biodiversity, culture and history. Here you will find plenty of outdoor activities for all the family to enjoy.
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.
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
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 restorative, rural retreat is the most befitting way to describe Tourondel. Tucked away on a hillside in the glorious Lot countryside, it is a bolthole for those wishing to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life, an open invitation to relax, drink in the views and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.
A sparkling retreat which offers something for everyone, Pech Marty will delight all who stay there. Set in spacious grounds with views over the surrounding countryside towards the 'bastide' town of Monflanquin, this lovely stone building has been sympathetically restored to become a most relaxing and comfortable 'home from home'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Just a 5 minute walk to the centre of Cahors and with stunning views of the river and countryside, this is an ideal spot from which to explore. The hotel features a large outdoor pool and restaurant, along with 50 bedrooms which were recently refurbished in 2011.
The Chateau has unbeatable views of the surrounding Lot valley and vineyards. The bedrooms throughout are lavishly decorated with style, class and comfort in mind. A beautiful park surrounds the property and contains a swimming pool, two tennis courts and stunning cedar trees.
Originally built in 1673, the manor house has been lovingly restored using traditional techniques. With pale stone walls and light green shutters, the house is now a comfortable and inviting abode with many modern conveniences. It is situated on its own 100 organic acre farm and has fabulous views of the countryside and Monpazier.
Located just a short distance from the centre of Monpazier, the cottage serves as an ideal spot to explore one of the regions many treasures. Some of the finest vineyards in the world can be visited, a trip to one of the many Chateaus or a simple stroll around a farmers or antique fair.
This splendid château in Monpazier has been built using the classic honey stone brick and slate roofing of the region. The hotel is excellently run, has an appreciated quiet location and tastefully decorated rooms.
In the heart of Monpazier, Les Hortensias offers a comfortable well furnished retreat. In the land of a '1001 Cheateus' and in a region famous for its gastronomic pleasures and fine wines, it is ideally situated to explore the surrounding Périgord.
Near a tourist village with all amenities and 10 km from Villeneuve sur Lot Beautiful stone fortified Manor of the XV century developing almost 450m2 of living space with panoramic views of its 10 hectares of land.
Farm of the 18-19th century, this high-quality restoration lies in the heart of the Lot et Garonne, near Casseneuil village with shops and services, 10 minutes from Villeneuve sur Lot.
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
Typical stone house Perigord style dating from 1807 completely renovated.
In a typical environment of the Dordogne, superb set of properties with a mansion with a living room of 68m2 and 6 rooms and a listed 3 bedrooms cottages and private pool, a second holiday 3 bedrooms, large heated pool, in a lovely over 1.8 hectares garden.
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
