ideas of what to do in the region (see photos & links below):

Châteaux & Bastides:  There are plenty of châteaux and bastide villages to visit while you are here, including Monflanquin, Biron, Gavaudan, Bonaguil, and a little further out you’ll find Duras and Château des Milandes (formerly owned by Josephine Baker).

Vineyards:  Montbazillac, Bergerac, Cahors, & the many estates of Bordeaux.

Bergerac:  visit the charming village itself that sits on the Dordogne river.

Gourmet Activities:  Visit nearby outdoor markets for locally grown produce, or to various farms (for foie gras, cheese making, walnut oil production, etc), and try other local specialties (gâteau tourtière).

Outdoor activities:

  • Hiking, biking and such
  • Kayaking and other boat trips on the Dordogne, Garonne or the Lot River
  • Horseback riding
  • Hot-air balloon rides
  • Golf

Brocantes : flea market visits, in search of the perfect French country piece!  Includes trips to local shops and if possible, to the larger “vides greniers” that are organized sporadically throughout the year.

Day Excursions:

  • Sarlat and other villages in the Dordogne region, especially on Wednesdays or Saturdays for the open air market in Sarlat. 
  • Saint Emilion of the Bordeaux wine region – this is a real treat and worthwhile the trip.
  • Bordeaux itself, Albi and other patrimondiale d’UNESCO (world heritage sites) are beautiful towns to explore.  A two-hour drive each way.
  •  A drive in the countryside, which has as its objective simply to enjoy the ride…visit a few picturesque villages and stop for a beautiful lunch!