In the Dordogne Region, many villages dating back to the 12th century lie perched on cliffs overlooking the sparkling rivers below. Beautiful sandstone colored houses stand out from the green pastures of the surrounding scenery. History is on every corner with ancient castles, mansions, churches, prehistoric caves, and old villages to explore. Spend time and explore the bustle of the French villages on market day where local tradesmen and farmers trade their wares. The region is filled with many prehistoric treasures where you can sit back and believe time has stood still.
Ancient Caves
Les Eyzies is a quaint village in an area rich in prehistoric remains
situated about 15 miles southwest of the Lascaux caves. There are more
than 100 archaeological sites nearby including the Cro-Magnon cave,
where human skulls dating from the Paleolithic period's Aurignacian
culture were found in 1868; the Combarelles, Grand Roc, and Font-de-Gaume
caverns, where Paleolithic paintings and carvings were discovered in
1901; Le Moustier cave, which yielded a human skeleton and chipped flints;
and La Madeleine rock shelter. Les Eyzies is home to the National Museum
of Prehistory, which contains one of world's the finest collection of
early European artifacts.
Horseback Riding
The Vezere valley, in the heart of the Perigord Noir, has more than
250 UNESCO sites of interest and is the undisputed Prehistoric Capital
of the World. Most of these sites are only accessible on foot or horseback.
Vezere Valley, Lascaux, La Madeleine, Commarque, Font de Gaume, this
is just a very small list of the treasures on our doorstep.
Ferme de Fonluc guarantees horse riding trips and multi-day treks that you will never forget, you will get to see the real Dordogne, and also see places in the Prehistoric Capital of the World that tourists never get to see. Ferme de Fonluc is situated in the heart of the Vezere Valley in Tayac, just 10 minutes walk from Les Eyzies. For more information visit: www.fonluc.com.
Hiking
The Dordogne region is composed of varying landscapes, scenic views,
and rich history. Les Eyzies is known for its major prehistroic sites
which are less than a 2km walk from the Château grounds. There are plenty
of superb walks in and around Les Eyzies, for all levels of experience.
Explore the hills where our ancestors roamed and lived more than 40,000
years ago. For more information visit: www.walkingdordogne.com.
Fine Dining
The region is known for its famous French faire. Truffles, fois gras,
preserved meat confit, and fine wines are delicacies of the Dordogne
region. The wonderful soil and climate also make this region ideal for
growing fruit, and Dordogne is France's highest producing region for
strawberries.
Golfing
There are over 60 golf courses in South West France and the greens and
fairways are permanently green. Many of the courses are adjacent to
the large rivers which flow through the region and the soil base of
varying mixtures of rock, blue clay and sand retains and traps the moisture
creating lush green fairways throughout the year. Most courses have
electric buggies and are playable 52-weeks of the year because of the
excellent temperatures and weather conditions. South West France has
a long tradition of playing golf, the course at PAU-BILLERE is the oldest
club in continental Europe, created for and by the British Army in 1856.
Swimming
The Château is equipped with a private swimming pool and chaise lounge
chairs.
Fishing
Take a couple of hours off at the end of a busy day of sightseeing and
relax. Cast out your line and take in the beauty surrounding you, imagine
your ancestors fishing in the same spot 40,000 years ago.
Hot-Air Balloon Rides
See the breathtaking views of the Dordogne from great heights. Take
in the beauty of the region from new vantage points. For more information
on hot-air balloon adventures visit: http://www.france-balloons.com/balloon-ride,perigord.php.
Canoeing/Kayaking
Canoe trips leave at your convenience and chances are you will spot
deer, wild boar, otters, buzzards, kingfishers, fox and plenty of other
wildlife. You will also pass Châteaux, ancient farmhouses, troglodytes,
and ancient fortresses and small towns clinging to the cliffs. For more
information visit: http://www.canoesvalleevezere.com/gb/accueil.htm.
Shopping
Walking around the streets of these historic old cities you will discover
fantastic shops. There are wonderful apparel shops in Sarlat and Perigueux
and amazing antiques and gift shops all throughout the area.
Markets
Relive the days of old and experience a market day in the Dordogne.
The markets have local produce, artisans, crafts and more, all set in
enchanting towns around the region. Market day in Les Eyzies market
is every Monday. Market day in Sarlat, the capital of the Perigord Noir
and the setting for the market scene in the major motion picture Ever
After, is every Wednesday and Saturday. Market day in Perigueux
is also on every Wednesday and Saturday.
Tennis
The city of Les Eyzies has 4 tennis courts for you to play on and the
courts also have lights so you can play at night.
Bicycling
This region of France is a wonderful location for your French cycling
holiday, with major river valleys clad in green woods and forests surrounding
you. Rent yourself a bicycle and pedal your way around to discover all
this region has to offer. For more information on where to rent a bicycle
visit: htp://www.greendordogne.com/bike
or email the owner of the bike shop Robert
Owensmith.
Painting
The Château offers many picturesque angles for painting so setup an
easel and paint the buildings and landscape that surround you.
Wine Tours
The Dordogne is located in the wine region of France, famous for wonderful
red wines of Cahors and Bergerac. Enjoy an afternoon touring the wineries
of the region and tasting fine French wine.
Sightseeing/Châteaux
There are many splendid sights to see in the region. For a list of local
places to see during your vacation click
here.