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

© PWilliamson
The most famous town of the region, just north of the Dordogne river
Standing out as one of the most charming towns in the region, this medieval dwelling remains much as it was when it was built in the 14th century.
At its centre is a Carolingian Benedictine Abbey, whose church became the Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos de Sarlat. Look out for the Maison de La Boétie which was the birthplace of the 16th century poet Etienne de La Boétie. The region is known for its gastronomic delights; sample the walnut oil produced at the Moulin de la Tour or try the foie gras from the local factories in one of Sarlat's restaurants. Much of the centre of Sarlat is pedestrianised in summer giving it a pleasant and vibrant feel.
The weekly market in Sarlat-la-Canéda is one of the biggest draws to the town. Each Saturday the town transforms into one huge market selling everything from gifts and souvenirs to fresh fruit and veg, and fashion, accessories and household items. Everything you could possibly need or want, all in one great big fun shopping experience.
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 city of Sarlat itself is one big attraction. The medieval streets, narrow passageways and stunning honey-coloured buildings are a pleasure to wander round. All roads seem to lead to the main church so you can't escape visiting the Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos. This beautiful small cathedral offers a wonderful insight into the heart of the community here in Sarlat, and opens its doors each day to bring history to life.
The countryside, towns and villages that surround Sarlat also have a lot to offer and you shouldn't miss taking advantage of this. A visit to the beautiful fairytale-style Chateau de Puymartin or to the stunning grounds of Chateau des Milandes will not leave you disappointed. The nearby town of Les Eyzies-de-Tayac plays host to a variety of prehistoric ruins, and the immaculate gardens of Manoir d'Eyrignac are situated just to the north-east of Sarlat.
With mullioned windows, dark grey stone slate roof (lauze) and the well-known honey-coloured stone of the facade, this is one of the most remarkable buildings in Sarlat.
The Lanternes des Morts (Lanterns of the dead) are small towers mainly found in the central and western parts of France. Thought to indicate the position of a cemetary.
Taking some three and a half centuries to build, this small cathedral is the centre piece and heart of the community in Sarlat-la-Caneda.
The glass lift with panoramic views, housed within the old Church Sainte-Marie’s bell tower offers a unique experience. Once at the top, the lift, whose walls are made entirely of glass, allows you a 360° view of Sarlat.
The 16th-century water mill in Sainte-Nathalène on the edge of the small Enéa river still manufactures walnut, hazelnut and almond oils in the traditional way.
There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Sarlat. Those which line the main square are often popular at around 17:00 and 18:00, when people come out for a drink before dinner and to enjoy the late summer evenings and change of light. You will find small cosy restaurants down the narrow side streets and lanes of the old town, offering local specialities and interesting twists on typical dishes...expect duck gizzards to be available with any meal. Whatever our preference you will be sure to find a restaurant that you enjoy in Sarlat, after all this town is probably the best place in the Dordogne for shopping and eating.
Being just 8km to the north of the river Dordogne watersports are high on the agenda here. Kayaking along the gentle flowing river is a popular past time, and combining this with camping makes it even more of a great outdoor experience. Several companies offer itineraries and camping equipment or accommodation so that you can cruise the Dordogne for up to six days.
Another way to enjoy the Dordogne is to take a boat trip on a 'gabare'; a traditional boat used to transport goods along the river. These boat trips have commentary to help you understand the importance of the river in the culture and heritage of the region.
Hot air ballooning is another popular activity in the Dordogne. Starting early in the morning to watch the sun rise as you rise high above the towns, villages and forests below is a magical experience.
The glass lift with panoramic views, housed within the old Church Sainte-Marie’s bell tower offers a unique experience. Once at the top, the lift, whose walls are made entirely of glass, allows you a 360° view of Sarlat.
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.
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).
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
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.
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.
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
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.
Being one of the largest and certainly the most central town in the Perigord Noir, you will find a good selection of hotels. From the charming B&B to the delightful boutique hotel, there are hotels to suit any budget.
Located just a 5 minute walk from the centre of Dordogne's capital Sarlat, the hotel has minimalist, comfortable rooms with a large en suit, flat-screen TV and free Wifi. Located in the grounds is also a hugely inviting swimming pool.
With parts of the building dating back to the 14th Century, there is no surprise that the building itself acts as a focal point throughout the property. With stone walls and ancient wooden beams being left exposed, the place really feels as though there are stories to be told while sitting out in its large gardens, laced with nut trees and springs.
Old pale stone walls sit seamlessly alongside modern clean furnishings, outdoor terraces, perfectly pruned garden and intensely inviting swimming pool. With a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside and ease of access to Sarlat and other delights of the Perigord Noir, it is easy to see why this is the perfect location from which you can both explore and revive.
Set in a 30-hectare park, with luscious green and floral gardens, wooded walks and a 9-hole golf course, the hotel has a great deal to offer. Spacious, warm and appropriately furnished rooms, suites and apartments adorn the property and are all fitted with modern appliances.
With a magnificent backdrop of the surrounding Dordogne hills, the Chateau with its big halls, stone fireplaces and chandeliers is the perfection location for weddings, events and seminars.
In the heart of the Black Perigord and a stones throw from the market town of Sarlat, this pale stoned old building is nestled into a 3 acre park. It has a gastronomic restaurant, heated outdoor pool with stunning views over the valley and the comfort that you want from the perfect retreat.
Situated in the heart of the Perigord Noir region, Sarlat-la-Canéda is only a few kilometres north of the river Dordogne. Surrounded by tourist attractions and pretty villages this is a great base to explore the towns of Domme, La Roque-Gageac, Beynac-et-Cazenac, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac Montignac, Souillac and Gourdon.
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.