Can't quite decide whether to visit the Dordogne and stay at Maisons La Boissiere? Here are ten simple reasons why you should holiday in this gorgeous Perigord region. Once convinced, make our gites, La Boulangerie, La Périgordine or La Vieille Grange, your base from which to explore the heart of the Dordogne.
- Ancient caves
The Vezere Valley is home to the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites in Europe. Travel east of Les Eyzies and visit the Grotte de Font-de Gaume and the Abri due Cap Blanc. Without overdoing it La Roque St-Christophe is also fascinating showing cave dwellings inhabited from the Upper Paelolithic Age onwards. Closer to home and less touristy, visit Le Bugue and the Grotte de Sorcier and Grotte de Bara-Bahau. - Jazz in Bergerac
During July and August, there are free jazz concerts by French artists on Wednesday evenings on Place de la Myrpe. - Food, glorious food
Foie gras and all things duck and goose, black diamonds (truffles), fish and seafood, cheese and puddings abound in this Perigord region. Robust flavours and textures form the basis of this delicious fare. - Wine and more wine
There is evidence of wine production in and around Bergerac since Roman times but in the 1870's the vines were destroyed by phylloxera. Today however, Bergerac wines are back with perhaps the best known wine being Monbazzillac. - Markets
There are markets almost daily in various villages within ½ an hour's drive of us. Sarlat-la-Canada, St Cyprien, La Bugue, Tremolat, Lalinde, Bergerac, the list is endless. During the summer months these markets open in the evenings too offering food and entertainment – a must... - 1000 Chateaux
Surrounded by chateaux, there are many in our immediate vicinity, one of the most famous being Les Milandes, which used to be owned by Josephine Baker. This renaissance chateau sits up above the Dordogne river and is breathtakingly romantic; all towers, balustrades, gargoyles, ornate windows and shady gardens. Another is Chateau de Castelnaud with commanding views of the Dordogne Valley - Canoeing
Drifting along the Dordogne or Vezere Rivers is a wonderful way to do some sightseeing. On the Dordogne, float beneath some of the area's most dramatic castles and on the Vezere stop off to visit the valley's prehistoric sites. - Artists of the Dordogne
Visit the charming village of Meyrals between Sarlat and Saint Cyprien and wander around many fabulous art studios. Browse or buy and take away a piece of the Dordogne and with it memories. - Walking and Hiking
This is a wonderful way to experience the Perigord region. Walks can be as short as an hour, leaving from Maisons la Boissiere or as long as 6 - 8 hours and take in the sites of Beynac, Les Eyzies, Saint- Cyprien, and Belves to name a few. - Bastide Towns
These historic towns date back to the 1100's and the 100 years war between England and France. Many are within 20 minutes drive of Maisons La Boissiere, but if there is one to visit, it should be Monpazier, arguably the most pristine of them all.
