The Area

The Dordogne is one of the most beautiful areas of France, and the Périgord Vert region, with the huge Perigord Limousin natural park, is one of the brightest jewels in its crown.

Mareuil-sur-Belle, often referred to as the gateway to the Périgord, is a traditional French market town with a selection of food shops, boulangeries, restaurants and other essentials such as banks, pharmacy, garage, doctors and a dentist. There is an attractive market on Tuesdays and Mareuil also houses the 14th century Chateau Talleyrand - just two of the interesting places to visit locally. Mareuil is 5 minutes by car from Beaugarie, or 20 minutes on foot.

The city of Angoulême lies 30 minutes to the north of Mareuil. With its wide range of shops and restaurants, thriving markets and a beautiful old town quarter at its heart, Angouléme is well worth a visit.

Brantôme, a 15 minute drive south from Beaugarie, is known as the Venice of the Périgord. It sits upon the lovely river Dronne and is a delight to visit, with its Abbey dating back to the 11th Century. There are a host of shops, bars and restaurants including the legendary Moulin de l’Abbaye and the nearby Moulin du Roc both of which boast a Michelin rosette. The town offers fishing, canoeing, cycle hire or just people-watching at a café in the square. Market day is Friday and is a lively and social event enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. Local produce is in abundance and occasionally you may pick up a seasonal bargain at one of the many stalls.

The nearby village of Villars offers three attrations; the Chateau de Puyguilhem, the Abbaye de Boschaud and the prehistoric caves at the Grotte de Villars.

Bourdeilles just further downstream from Brantôme, has a 16th Century Renaissance Chateau which was built alongside the earlier 12th Century Fortress with its stunning tower offering a bird’s eye view of the town.

Périgueux is the departmental capital of the Périgord Vert and in its winding streets has much to offer in the way of sophisticated shopping and fine dining to suit all tastes and pockets. The markets on Wednesday and Saturday are an absolute must and a visit to the magnificent Cathedral de St. Front is highly recommended, particularly in the heat of the afternoon! Périgueux also boasts Leclerc and Auchan supermarkets, which will cater for your every household need from wheelbarrows to wines and socks to salads!