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.

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson

© PWilliamson
Sitting on the La Bave river, boasting cobbled streets and a Chateau in the east of the Dordogne
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.
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.
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.)
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 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.
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.
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.
Part Renaissance palace, part medieval fortress, the original foundations date to the 15th century but were adapted by Jeanne Balzac d'Entraygues.
A catholic church that originates from the 10th or 11th centuries and was once said to contain the remains of the Sainte Spérie.
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.
Restaurant within l'Hotel Beau Site located at the heart of the mediaeval village of Rocamadour.
Michelin star restaurant with 14 immaculate rooms in the Lacave region.
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.
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.
Perched on a cliff, the Hôtel l'Esplanade has a great setting with good rooms and more importantly, a fantastic restaurant.
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.
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.
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.
This wildlife park is dedicated to the Barbary Macaque monkey who roams free in the 20 hectares of woodland.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The chateau is located in a calm area close to the shops, 45 minutes from Brive airport and 75 minutes for Bergerac airport.
This property is located close to the village shops, about 10 minutes from Montignac town and 40 minutes from Brive airport.
The property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
Located about 50 minutes away from Bergerac airport, this house has a living space of 265m2 and a garden of 6398m2 of land.
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.