Foret des Singes Wildlife Park, Rocamadour
This wildlife park is dedicated to the Barbary Macaque monkey who roams free in the 20 hectares of woodland.
6 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 14
Set within a sleepy hamlet bordering the peaceful village of Mirandol-Bourgnounac, this lovingly restored mid-19th Century manor house enjoys sweeping views across the hills and meadows of the verdant Tarn region.
The owners have carefully preserved the architectural integrity of this beautiful building, retaining original features such as the intricately tiled floors on the ground floor and the painted beams on the upper levels. Inside, the cool, bright interiors, paired with comfortable yet stylish furniture, create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. No detail has been overlooked in ensuring your utmost comfort—from the drinks-making facilities on the second floor to the fully equipped summer kitchen by the swimming pool, offering the perfect space to indulge in both local cuisine and the pleasures of outdoor living.
Ample terraces surround the heated swimming pool, offering plenty of space to relax while taking in the stunning valley views. Beyond the pool, a wisteria and honeysuckle-draped corridor borders a slender garden. Chefs will adore the excellently appointed summer kitchen, complete with a shaded terrace, turning al fresco dining into a true delight.
The village of Mirandol-Bourgnounac (3km) is just a short distance away, offering a small selection of shops for essentials and a couple of restaurants. For more options, Carmaux (12km) has a lively traditional Friday market and additional shopping. Slightly further afield, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Albi (30km) awaits, home to a range of shops, restaurants, and the magnificent cathedral, as well as the Toulouse Lautrec museum - an absolute must for art lovers.
Private heated swimming pool (12m x 5m) with Roman steps.
This wildlife park is dedicated to the Barbary Macaque monkey who roams free in the 20 hectares of woodland.
Also known as the Truffle train, it will take you on a journey of 8 miles (13 Km) round trip, more than 80 meters (260 feet) high cliff, giving a wonderful panorama of the Dordogne Valley.
This traditional wooden barge will take you on a picturesque cruise down the river Dordogne from La Roque-Gageac to the Castelnaud bridge.
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.
Pedal your way through the countryside on this unique and entertaining mode of transport that will give you a bit of exercise as you enjoy the scenery.
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.
The dining rooms allow for views of the surrounding vineyards and rolling hills. Drinks can also be enjoyed in the small library or among the chestnut trees.
This elegant and sophisticated two Michelin star restaurant offers creative dishes designed by chef Cédric Béchade, who plays with colours and textures in his cuisine.
The young chef at this restaurant, David Beyney, produces creative French cuisine using local products. It is a real gem of a restaurant, located high in the Périgord village of Audrix. There is also a small attractive hotel attached.
Located in the world capital of the truffle, at this small hotel, the truffle has become the main feature.
This restaurant is located in the Château Troplong Mondot, a large estate on the top of a hill with a winery that produces a 1er Grand Cru Classé. They serve traditional French cuisine with creative contemporary touches.
Chez Alain is located in the beautiful medieval village of Issigeac, known for its colourful market on Sunday. The chef, Sébastien, offers a refined and colourful cuisine using fresh and seasonal produce. The stone walls and old beams give off a warm atmosphere inside and it has a pretty outdoor area.
The beautiful Abbeye de Beaulieu-en-Rouergue was established in 1144 in the valley of the Seye by the Bishop of Rodez. This Cistercian abbey had a successful existence for many years and was expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries. It went into decline as the monastic discipline was relaxed but was saved from ruin in 1960 when it was subject to extensive renovation and turned into a contemporary arts centre which holds a number of temporary exhibitions each year.
In Cajarc, the George Pompidou arts centre holds a number of significant art exhibitions each year designed at promoting new trends in contemporary art. It was founded in 1989 and named after the former Prime Minister who spent time here.
Originally built by the lords of La Popie from the 9th century onwards, the château was sold to the de Gourdon family in the 12th century where it remained until the 17th century. Significant restoration work was undertaken in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to maintain this Renaissance palace. Today, a number of Renaissance frescoes discovered over the years can be viewed in its rooms.
This prehistoric cave is situated on a limestone plateau in the Lot valley, in an area speckled with prehistoric remains and megalithic monuments. The cave was discovered in 1965 and is a remarkable subterranean museum. Over 400 metres in length, it preserves human footprints, clay quarries, fireplaces, tools, and many bones. Some of the cave network was used as tombs; nearly 30 skeletons have been discovered dating as far back as the Copper Age. There is also a museum with a good archaeological collection.
This museum is dedicated to Figeac-born Egyptologist Jean-François Champollion who was the first person to interpret Egyptian hieroglyphics from the Rosetta Stone in 1822. As well as charting the course of his short life, this museum depicts the history of script from a number of different languages and has a collection of ancient Egyptian relics.
This huge cave , more than two kilometres long, has seven large halls open to the public. Its lower prehistoric chambers were discovered by teenagers in the 1920s. They contain prehistoric paintings and sketches, human footprints and limestone rock formations which include cave pearls. The huge Chapelle des Mammoths is the first stop, which contains impressive art that uses the contours of the rock perfectly. There are literally hundreds of drawings. The museum is good, displaying a diverse collection of artefacts.
Formerly the capital of the old province of Quercy, Cahors is the largest town in the Lot valley. The site was inhabited by the Cadurci tribe in Roman-Gaul times.
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.
Picturesque village typical of Quercy. The traditional houses have corbelled fronts, brown-tiled roofs and pigeon lofts built into their walls.
Perched on the side of a cliff, in a gorge above the river Alzou, this medieval town has a breathtaking setting.
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.
Carennac has been previously voted 'One of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France' and it's easy to see why. The blonde stone and red-brown roofs of its buildings have tall chimneys and are adorned with creepers that turn red in the autumn.