Dordogne
Dordogne
Dordogne
Our highlights from a week’s holiday in the South West of France, exploring the excellence of the area by e-bike, canoe — and our dinner plates! Jump to the trip details.
Our highlights from a week’s holiday in the South West of France, exploring the excellence of the area by e-bike, canoe — and our dinner plates! Jump to the trip details.
Our highlights from a week’s holiday in the South West of France, exploring the excellence of the area by e-bike, canoe — and our dinner plates! Jump to the trip details.
![The view of the house](https://framerusercontent.com/images/SXVBc7lMybGUvN8hyVqwz30rLxA.jpg)
![The view of the house](https://framerusercontent.com/images/SXVBc7lMybGUvN8hyVqwz30rLxA.jpg)
![The view of the house](https://framerusercontent.com/images/SXVBc7lMybGUvN8hyVqwz30rLxA.jpg)
![A bakery in Paris](https://framerusercontent.com/images/QsnwYnlQPnDoHorMl8ObrHI.jpg)
![The bakery exterior](https://framerusercontent.com/images/L2Cv1W0HV7k0KmbWpqUjj3otQ.jpg)
![A bakery in Paris](https://framerusercontent.com/images/QsnwYnlQPnDoHorMl8ObrHI.jpg)
![The bakery exterior](https://framerusercontent.com/images/L2Cv1W0HV7k0KmbWpqUjj3otQ.jpg)
![A bakery in Paris](https://framerusercontent.com/images/QsnwYnlQPnDoHorMl8ObrHI.jpg)
![The bakery exterior](https://framerusercontent.com/images/L2Cv1W0HV7k0KmbWpqUjj3otQ.jpg)
![Bordeaux station interior image](https://framerusercontent.com/images/B28vFWFrWe2ix55Re3rYIzhrc.jpg)
![Bordeaux station interior image](https://framerusercontent.com/images/B28vFWFrWe2ix55Re3rYIzhrc.jpg)
![Bordeaux station interior image](https://framerusercontent.com/images/B28vFWFrWe2ix55Re3rYIzhrc.jpg)
We stayed in a beautiful gîte, which we discovered through Sawdays. Its relaxed accommodation and extensive outside space, fruit trees and salt water pool were just what we needed. The house was the former home of French Huguenot potter, Bernard Palissy.
We stayed in a beautiful gîte, which we discovered through Sawdays. Its relaxed accommodation and extensive outside space, fruit trees and salt water pool were just what we needed. The house was the former home of French Huguenot potter, Bernard Palissy.
We stayed in a beautiful gîte, which we discovered through Sawdays. Its relaxed accommodation and extensive outside space, fruit trees and salt water pool were just what we needed. The house was the former home of French Huguenot potter, Bernard Palissy.
![The view of the house](https://framerusercontent.com/images/V7I1qOQ21j9VaKPxTaG2L4YDRL8.jpg)
![Fruit trees in the garden](https://framerusercontent.com/images/fbtbr2ngBhCVbkoQfKikxqJ1DEg.jpg)
![The view of the house](https://framerusercontent.com/images/V7I1qOQ21j9VaKPxTaG2L4YDRL8.jpg)
![Fruit trees in the garden](https://framerusercontent.com/images/fbtbr2ngBhCVbkoQfKikxqJ1DEg.jpg)
![The view of the house](https://framerusercontent.com/images/V7I1qOQ21j9VaKPxTaG2L4YDRL8.jpg)
![Fruit trees in the garden](https://framerusercontent.com/images/fbtbr2ngBhCVbkoQfKikxqJ1DEg.jpg)
![The view of the garden](https://framerusercontent.com/images/SE3vT7OSYx36iHcMoVbAKCj8.jpg)
![The view of the garden](https://framerusercontent.com/images/SE3vT7OSYx36iHcMoVbAKCj8.jpg)
![The view of the garden](https://framerusercontent.com/images/SE3vT7OSYx36iHcMoVbAKCj8.jpg)
Château de Biron sits at the heart of the village. Built in stages over hundreds of years, the reddy hues of its stonework give it a warmth and glow. Once inside, visitors are free to explore the castle and enjoy the Dordogne landscape from various viewpoints. Alongside the château, Biron has a well-stocked local store and a restaurant.
Biron is nestled between three of France’s most beautiful villages – Monpazier, Monflanquin and Villeréal. Each has a market day worth visiting (our favourite was in Monpazier on a Thursday morning).
Château de Biron sits at the heart of the village. Built in stages over hundreds of years, the reddy hues of its stonework give it a warmth and glow. Once inside, visitors are free to explore the castle and enjoy the Dordogne landscape from various viewpoints. Alongside the château, Biron has a well-stocked local store and a restaurant.
Biron is nestled between three of France’s most beautiful villages – Monpazier, Monflanquin and Villeréal. Each has a market day worth visiting (our favourite was in Monpazier on a Thursday morning).
Château de Biron sits at the heart of the village. Built in stages over hundreds of years, the reddy hues of its stonework give it a warmth and glow. Once inside, visitors are free to explore the castle and enjoy the Dordogne landscape from various viewpoints. Alongside the château, Biron has a well-stocked local store and a restaurant.
Biron is nestled between three of France’s most beautiful villages – Monpazier, Monflanquin and Villeréal. Each has a market day worth visiting (our favourite was in Monpazier on a Thursday morning).
![The chateaux in Biron](https://framerusercontent.com/images/DFTowHEYOnFWIfGZLVTelr3xGO8.jpg)
![Sheep on a hillside](https://framerusercontent.com/images/sHlIVh73bXcQAFerSTnlcKZsG8.jpg)
![The chateaux in Biron](https://framerusercontent.com/images/DFTowHEYOnFWIfGZLVTelr3xGO8.jpg)
![Sheep on a hillside](https://framerusercontent.com/images/sHlIVh73bXcQAFerSTnlcKZsG8.jpg)
![The chateaux in Biron](https://framerusercontent.com/images/DFTowHEYOnFWIfGZLVTelr3xGO8.jpg)
![Sheep on a hillside](https://framerusercontent.com/images/sHlIVh73bXcQAFerSTnlcKZsG8.jpg)
![Pottery inside the chateax](https://framerusercontent.com/images/YGgimf32V6BcGuHhcVVEsdVNW0.jpg)
![The chateaux in Biron](https://framerusercontent.com/images/NqOJ6FLtaboIOrkoJ69SV0Qhs.jpg)
![Pottery inside the chateax](https://framerusercontent.com/images/YGgimf32V6BcGuHhcVVEsdVNW0.jpg)
![The chateaux in Biron](https://framerusercontent.com/images/NqOJ6FLtaboIOrkoJ69SV0Qhs.jpg)
![Pottery inside the chateax](https://framerusercontent.com/images/YGgimf32V6BcGuHhcVVEsdVNW0.jpg)
![The chateaux in Biron](https://framerusercontent.com/images/NqOJ6FLtaboIOrkoJ69SV0Qhs.jpg)
Another highlight was dinner for two at O’Plaisir de Sens in La Roque-Gageac. We savoured white asparagus for starters, plates of pigeon and lamb shoulder for our mains, and desserts of rice milk ice cream and a praline & chocolate pudding. Our outdoor table enabled us to enjoy the ambience and atmosphere of the courtyard. All in all, the food and impeccable service made for a very enjoyable evening.
Another highlight was dinner for two at O’Plaisir de Sens in La Roque-Gageac. We savoured white asparagus for starters, plates of pigeon and lamb shoulder for our mains, and desserts of rice milk ice cream and a praline & chocolate pudding. Our outdoor table enabled us to enjoy the ambience and atmosphere of the courtyard. All in all, the food and impeccable service made for a very enjoyable evening.
Another highlight was dinner for two at O’Plaisir de Sens in La Roque-Gageac. We savoured white asparagus for starters, plates of pigeon and lamb shoulder for our mains, and desserts of rice milk ice cream and a praline & chocolate pudding. Our outdoor table enabled us to enjoy the ambience and atmosphere of the courtyard. All in all, the food and impeccable service made for a very enjoyable evening.
![The exterior of the restaurant](https://framerusercontent.com/images/u6IZBG0XHE4RU3sIdPk0d9B2asc.jpg)
![The restaurant at dusk](https://framerusercontent.com/images/jqbz3Zbzvs64IL3M8LhjB3cqz0.jpg)
![The exterior of the restaurant](https://framerusercontent.com/images/u6IZBG0XHE4RU3sIdPk0d9B2asc.jpg)
![The restaurant at dusk](https://framerusercontent.com/images/jqbz3Zbzvs64IL3M8LhjB3cqz0.jpg)
![The exterior of the restaurant](https://framerusercontent.com/images/u6IZBG0XHE4RU3sIdPk0d9B2asc.jpg)
![The restaurant at dusk](https://framerusercontent.com/images/jqbz3Zbzvs64IL3M8LhjB3cqz0.jpg)
![The starter of white asparagus](https://framerusercontent.com/images/9e49IV2RWcZGCla0mXNHBWs0RRY.jpg)
![Pudding](https://framerusercontent.com/images/gOeOsszPbfIIQGOzbiU6ACgxt4.jpg)
![The starter of white asparagus](https://framerusercontent.com/images/9e49IV2RWcZGCla0mXNHBWs0RRY.jpg)
![Pudding](https://framerusercontent.com/images/gOeOsszPbfIIQGOzbiU6ACgxt4.jpg)
![The starter of white asparagus](https://framerusercontent.com/images/9e49IV2RWcZGCla0mXNHBWs0RRY.jpg)
![Pudding](https://framerusercontent.com/images/gOeOsszPbfIIQGOzbiU6ACgxt4.jpg)
Well rested, we headed out to canoe along the Dordogne – a 16km route that gently winds its way through the landscape from Vitrac to Beynac. There are plenty of spots to stop along the route for a pause and a picnic.
Well rested, we headed out to canoe along the Dordogne – a 16km route that gently winds its way through the landscape from Vitrac to Beynac. There are plenty of spots to stop along the route for a pause and a picnic.
Well rested, we headed out to canoe along the Dordogne – a 16km route that gently winds its way through the landscape from Vitrac to Beynac. There are plenty of spots to stop along the route for a pause and a picnic.
![The view along the Dordogne river](https://framerusercontent.com/images/Re74lbBrCpjpnbx4ubo3eNWqM4U.jpg)
![The view along the Dordogne river](https://framerusercontent.com/images/Re74lbBrCpjpnbx4ubo3eNWqM4U.jpg)
![The view along the Dordogne river](https://framerusercontent.com/images/Re74lbBrCpjpnbx4ubo3eNWqM4U.jpg)
![A view from the river bank](https://framerusercontent.com/images/27kY4MOrqcoujNnZCNKi9GTjek.jpg)
![Oars lent by the cabin](https://framerusercontent.com/images/tH99XwvyDfc3ayHl1hvHK5mVKQ.jpg)
![A view from the river bank](https://framerusercontent.com/images/27kY4MOrqcoujNnZCNKi9GTjek.jpg)
![Oars lent by the cabin](https://framerusercontent.com/images/tH99XwvyDfc3ayHl1hvHK5mVKQ.jpg)
![A view from the river bank](https://framerusercontent.com/images/27kY4MOrqcoujNnZCNKi9GTjek.jpg)
![Oars lent by the cabin](https://framerusercontent.com/images/tH99XwvyDfc3ayHl1hvHK5mVKQ.jpg)
The area is home to two gardens – they’re a short distance apart but with very contrasting terrain. Marqueyssac gardens is positioned 200m above the river Dordogne and provides far-reaching views. In the next village, and at the foot of the valley, is a dense forest of bamboo to explore.
The area is home to two gardens – they’re a short distance apart but with very contrasting terrain. Marqueyssac gardens is positioned 200m above the river Dordogne and provides far-reaching views. In the next village, and at the foot of the valley, is a dense forest of bamboo to explore.
The area is home to two gardens – they’re a short distance apart but with very contrasting terrain. Marqueyssac gardens is positioned 200m above the river Dordogne and provides far-reaching views. In the next village, and at the foot of the valley, is a dense forest of bamboo to explore.
![The gardens](https://framerusercontent.com/images/f0GOe1Y9k8muYGCPxN0tcyqSy44.jpg)
![The gardens](https://framerusercontent.com/images/f0GOe1Y9k8muYGCPxN0tcyqSy44.jpg)
![The gardens](https://framerusercontent.com/images/f0GOe1Y9k8muYGCPxN0tcyqSy44.jpg)
![People exploring the gardens](https://framerusercontent.com/images/1YEfgbxRlCd9YXUEUkbYfv0U1PU.jpg)
![A person holding a map](https://framerusercontent.com/images/YMAjKigp55CQ2qndqsIPnHjaW4.jpg)
![People exploring the gardens](https://framerusercontent.com/images/1YEfgbxRlCd9YXUEUkbYfv0U1PU.jpg)
![A person holding a map](https://framerusercontent.com/images/YMAjKigp55CQ2qndqsIPnHjaW4.jpg)
![People exploring the gardens](https://framerusercontent.com/images/1YEfgbxRlCd9YXUEUkbYfv0U1PU.jpg)
![A person holding a map](https://framerusercontent.com/images/YMAjKigp55CQ2qndqsIPnHjaW4.jpg)
![A place within the gardens](https://framerusercontent.com/images/7LRV3ePYu4W17plxXe7XAgh8.jpg)
![A place within the gardens](https://framerusercontent.com/images/7LRV3ePYu4W17plxXe7XAgh8.jpg)
![A place within the gardens](https://framerusercontent.com/images/7LRV3ePYu4W17plxXe7XAgh8.jpg)
![Bamboo gardens in the Dordogne](https://framerusercontent.com/images/K7vGjxMa0htpxYRY2BqmroNK0.jpg)
![Bamboo gardens in the Dordogne](https://framerusercontent.com/images/K7vGjxMa0htpxYRY2BqmroNK0.jpg)
![Bamboo gardens in the Dordogne](https://framerusercontent.com/images/K7vGjxMa0htpxYRY2BqmroNK0.jpg)
Starting out from Villeréal, we hired e-bikes and covered a 60km route over three hours one afternoon. Many of the roads and tracks were car-free and wound their way through fields and forest. There’s even the Domain de a Tuque vineyard en route for a wine tasting.
Starting out from Villeréal, we hired e-bikes and covered a 60km route over three hours one afternoon. Many of the roads and tracks were car-free and wound their way through fields and forest. There’s even the Domain de a Tuque vineyard en route for a wine tasting.
Starting out from Villeréal, we hired e-bikes and covered a 60km route over three hours one afternoon. Many of the roads and tracks were car-free and wound their way through fields and forest. There’s even the Domain de a Tuque vineyard en route for a wine tasting.
![A vineyard](https://framerusercontent.com/images/K3DVcJgx3O21rArFYArN19OIK0.jpg)
![Chateaux de Biron](https://framerusercontent.com/images/1SwhIRLc6mq28TcnbSXMIhzbB0.jpg)
![A vineyard](https://framerusercontent.com/images/K3DVcJgx3O21rArFYArN19OIK0.jpg)
![Chateaux de Biron](https://framerusercontent.com/images/1SwhIRLc6mq28TcnbSXMIhzbB0.jpg)
![A vineyard](https://framerusercontent.com/images/K3DVcJgx3O21rArFYArN19OIK0.jpg)
![Chateaux de Biron](https://framerusercontent.com/images/1SwhIRLc6mq28TcnbSXMIhzbB0.jpg)