The riverside town of Saint-Céré is a lovely place to base yourself for excursions in the region. The La Bave river winds its way through the centre of the town and its old buildings have been carefully restored, retaining their timber vaulting or Renaissance stonework.
Saint-Céré, Lot
Sitting on the La Bave river, boasting cobbled streets and a Chateau in the east of the Dordogne
The cobbled square of Place du Mercadial with its central fountain is one of the town's most attractive. The towers of the ruined Château de Saint-Laurent-les-Tours look down over the town from above. The château was the studio of Jean Lurçat, whose wonderful tapestries are on display both at the château museum and at the Galerie d'Art Le Casino.
Events in Saint-Céré
One of the most popular events in the area, the Festival de Saint-Céré is a festival of opera, theatre, dance and classical music that is held in Saint-Céré annually over three weeks in July and August. (Programme and booking is not usually available until April each year.)
Events in Saint-Céré
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Saint-Céré
The origins of the town of Saint-Céré date back to 780 with the martyr Spérie. The original chateau of the region was erected in the 6th-century and was known as the Chateau de Sérénus, today it is called Chateau de Saint-Laurent-les-Tours.
To reduce the damage caused by flooding of the river that ran through Saint-Céré, in 1611 a Dutch engineer was commissioned to divide the river into several channels at the entrance to the city. For the following three centuries the town was known as 'Petite Venise Lotoise' - Little Venice of the Lot. All these channels were covered over at the end of the last century.
Having suffered through the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion, the town also came through several epidemics of the plague before a period of tranquility beginning in the latter half of the 17th-century. Located at the crossroads of Auvergne, the Causse and the Dordogne, it became an important centre of trade which contributed to its development.
The current architecture of the city, with its old streets and medieval houses is testament to the economy of the Middle Ages and the rich history of this town.
Sights & Attractions in Saint-Céré
The Jean Lurcat Museum and Workshop is set within the historic Chateau de Saint-Laurent-les-Tours. Towering over the town of Saint-Céré the medieval fortress consists of four towers and the renovated mansion that now houses the museum and was, in fact, once the home of the artist.
Another impressive chateau in the vicinity of Saint-Céré is Chateau Montal. Elegantly situated by the Golf du Montal golf course, this chateau was once the hiding place of the Mona Lisa during World War II.
Not far from the town you will also find the Grottes de Presque, a fine example of the kind of subterranean world that is common across this part of France.
Sights in Saint-Céré
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Chateau de Montal, Saint-Jean-Lespinasse
Hiding place of the Mona Lisa during the Second World War
Part Renaissance palace, part medieval fortress, the original foundations date to the 15th century but were adapted by Jeanne Balzac d'Entraygues.
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Grottes de Presque, Saint-Cere
Enjoy a guided tour of the subterranean world of the Dordogne
These caves were originally discovered in 1825 and house some impressively large stalagmite pillars reaching up to 10 metres in height and varying in colour.
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Eglise Saint-Sperie Church, Saint-Cere
Romanesque church in the heart of the town of Saint-Céré
A catholic church that originates from the 10th or 11th centuries and was once said to contain the remains of the Sainte Spérie.
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Chateau Saint Laurent des Tours & Musee Jean Lurcat Museum, Saint-Cere
French artist, Jean Lurcat, noted for his role in revival of contemporary tapestry
Having lived and worked in the castle itself his death in 1966, the Jean Lurcat Museum is open to the public and displays not only his works of art but his workshop and studio too.
Dining in Saint-Céré
Restaurants in Saint-Céré
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Jehan de Valon Restaurant, Rocamadour
Elegant restaurant with panoramic views
Restaurant within l'Hotel Beau Site located at the heart of the mediaeval village of Rocamadour.
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Le Pont de l'Ouysse Restaurant, Lacave
Restaurant of Le Pont de l'Ouysse Hotel
Michelin star restaurant with 14 immaculate rooms in the Lacave region.
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Saint Jacques de Compostelle Restaurant, Collonges-la-Rouge
Dining bliss at the centre of town
Large bright dining rooms and a flowery terrace set the scene for a delicious meal. In the winter your food can be enjoyed in front of the large open fire place and in the summer, out on the open terrace looking out over town and surrounding countryside.
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La Dinee du Viguier Restaurant, Figeac
Creative cuisine from chef Daniel Authié
This restaurant in the old guard rooms of the Château du Viguier Royal, makes this old mansion-house kitchen alive again. The chef, Daniel Authié, creates cooking art which mixes contemporary and traditional flavours. The sommelier and head waiter, Bernard Badia, offers helpful advice on the food characteristics and complementary wines.
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L'Esplanade Restaurant, Domme
Great truffle specialities
Perched on a cliff, the Hôtel l'Esplanade has a great setting with good rooms and more importantly, a fantastic restaurant.
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Manoir d'Hautegente Restaurant, Saint-Amand-de-Coly
Traditional gastronomy meets modern flair in beautiful location
The restaurant of this excellent 4-star hotel is one of the best in the region. The manor building is set in beautiful grounds, and chef, Ludovic Lavaud, harmoniously matches local products and traditional cuisine with a touch of oriental perfume. The cave is exceptional too.
Things to do in Saint-Céré
Things To Do in Saint-Céré
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Carennac Aventure Watersports, Carennac
Canoeing, kayaking and hiking along the Dordogne river
Situated at the foot of Carennac village this watersports centre offers more than just fun on the water! They offer three main activities; canoeing or kayaking, group canoeing with up to six people in the same boat, and adventure trekking with overnight camping out in the wild.
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Rocamadour Aventure, Rocamadour
Aerial adventure course in the forests of the Dordogne
Aerial adventures including treetop ladders, zip lines, cave routes and rocks faces to climb. This adventure park offers a mix of everything to keep the whole family entertained.
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Foret des Singes Wildlife Park, Rocamadour
See the endangered Barbary Macaque roaming in this wildlife park
This wildlife park is dedicated to the Barbary Macaque monkey who roams free in the 20 hectares of woodland.
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Le Petit Train de Rocamadour, Rocamadour
Train tour from the car park to the centre of Rocamadour
In true French style Le Petit Train will take you on your short journey from the bottom of Rocamadour to the town centre above you.
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Durandal Vs Excalibur Equestrian Show, Rocamadour
Historical drama told with amazing equestrian acrobatics
An hour long horse show and theatre production that is based on the rivalry between the English and the French with lively, action-packed fun.
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Le Rocher des Aigles Ecoparc, Rocamadour
Bird park with eagles, vultures, owls & many more winged species
Nestled in the heart of the Quercy region at the very top of the town of Rocamadour this park allows you the chance to meet some wonderful birds.
Watersports in Saint-Céré
Watersports in Saint-Céré
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Carennac Aventure Watersports, Carennac
Canoeing, kayaking and hiking along the Dordogne river
Situated at the foot of Carennac village this watersports centre offers more than just fun on the water! They offer three main activities; canoeing or kayaking, group canoeing with up to six people in the same boat, and adventure trekking with overnight camping out in the wild.
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Canoes Loisirs Watersports, Vitrac
Kayak & canoe rental on the Dordogne river south of Sarlat
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.
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Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Canoe hire on the Dordogne river through the beautiful Perigord
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
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Canoe Dordogne
Enjoy a gentle kayak down the river Dordogne from La Roque Gageac
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.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Canoe holidays on the river Dordogne
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Explore the Vézère valley from the peace & tranquillity of the river
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.
Holiday Rentals in Saint-Céré
Holiday Rentals in Saint-Céré
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Maison La Seguinie Villa, Martel
4 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 10
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.
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Lou Calvel Villa, Cazals
2 bedroom Villa in Cazals. Sleeps 5
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.
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La Maison Fleurie Villa, Frayssinet-le-Gelat
2 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 4
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.
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La Croix Villa, Prats-du-Périgord
3 bedroom Villa in Prats-du-Périgord, South West France. Sleeps 8
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.
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La Cloche Villa, Prats-du-périgor
3 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 8
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.
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La Sérénité Villa, Najac
4 bedroom Villa in Aveyron. Sleeps 8
Nestling on the side of a hill at the end of a hidden valley, close to the medieval bastide of Najac, the first glimpse of La Sérénité, framed by walnut trees, is its steeply pitched roof atop beautifully restored stone walls. As you arrive along the sweep of drive, the impressive stone façade of this stunning property is revealed in all its glory.
Hotels in Saint-Céré
Hotels in Saint-Céré
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Le Turenne Hotel, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
12th Century building on formerly fortified city walls
Le Turenne is full of character and features a number of intriguing centrepieces, including a 15th century spiral stone staircase, large arched windows and a sizeable terrace.
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Les Flots Bleus Hotel, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
'The house full of light...'
Set on the Rivière Espèrance in peaceful Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, you will immediately feel the calm as you hear the water pass and relax on the terrace or in your contemporary styled room.
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Le Beaulieu Hotel, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
Peaceful living in medieval Beaulieu
Located just a 5 minutes stroll from the riverbanks of the Dordogne and situated in the centre of the picture perfect medieval town, the hotel is the perfect spot from which you can explore or simply enjoy your harmonious surroundings.
How to get to Saint-Céré
Situated to the west of the Dordogne region, in the Lot valley, the town is not far from the tourist hub of Rocamadour and some of the best examples of the subterranean world that are open to the public. Only a 15 minute drive from the Gauffre de Padirac and 10 minutes from the Grottes de Presque.
Property For Sale in Saint-Céré
Property for Sale in Saint-Céré
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Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
Manor for sale around Sarlat la Caneda
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.
Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
€1,410,000 -
Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
5 bedroom chateau for sale
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
Chateau Domme, Domme - Ref.MP112594
€967,200 -
Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569
9 bedroom character house for sale
This property is located close to the village shops, about 10 minutes from Montignac town and 40 minutes from Brive airport.
Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569
€700,000 -
Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Magnificent chartreuse north of Les Eyzies for sale
The property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
€3,500,000 -
Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
4 bedroom house for sale
Located about 50 minutes away from Bergerac airport, this house has a living space of 265m2 and a garden of 6398m2 of land.
Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
€465,000 -
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
3 bedroom house for sale
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
€249,000















































