Wondering about the area? Have a look at this Telegraph article about the Dordogne. This article only scratches the surface. Every place mentioned is within 10 minutes to about an hour from us. We are situated in the middle of the map. What could be better?
There is so much to do – many visitors come back to this area, as we did, time and again.
The Dordogne offers something for everyone!
For the energetic
Boundless opportunities for walking, horse riding, cycling, canoeing and fishing or simply relaxing by the pool or on the shores of the many lakes and rivers.
Canoeing – 20 mins – is a must do activity on either the Dordogne or Vezere rivers
Superb walking country, with detailed maps available from Tourist Information Office showing marked routes.
Golf – 30 mins (27 kms) from 18 hole golf courses at Golf de la Marterie at Saint Felix de Reilhac. We describe it as “millionaires golf” as there is hardly anyone on the course. With another 18 hole course in Perigueux, Golf de Perigueux (35 kms). www.guidesdesgolfs.fr
Fishing – 5 mins Day ticket and half day ticket fishing available at several local lakes. For example, Château Lanquais is a lovely place with a lake offering fishing and supervised swimming from sandy beaches, together with catering and toilet facilities. A day out for the whole family. You’ll be amazed to see what we’ve seen caught in the local lakes and rivers.
Beach – 20mins – a supervised beach, with canoe hire and a restaurant and ice-cream kiosk. There are two water-sports centres, both less than 30 minutes away.
Pony trekking – 15mins (15kms)
Quad bikes – 25 mins
Air parks – 50mins – zip through the trees and test your head for heights www.appel-de-la-foret.com
Beautiful gardens – too numerous to mention in detail they include: Gardens of Eyrignac and the Hanging Gardens of Marqueyssac.
Hundreds of years of history – Prehistoric caves, châteaux, vineyards, fortified villages.
Excellent shopping – Enjoy shopping the local way at one of the many local markets held every day of the week throughout the summer. There are also many night markets which combine shopping and eating. For your day-to-day requirements, there also numerous shopping opportunities in Le Bugue, Vergt, Bergerac and the regional capital Perigueux.
Perigord Noir is the heart of the Dordogne offering a variety of landscapes, flamboyant châteaux and the centre of prehistoric history. All the main attractions are within easy reach – this is just a taster:
Sarlat – capital of the Perigord Noir, the classic Dordogne. A beautiful medieval town.
Perigueux – in Perigord Blanc, the departmental capital has a beautiful old town, roman remains, shopping, daily market and fine dining.
La Roque-Gageac – considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in France.
Beynac and Castelnaud Castles – fine examples originally dating back to the 100 years war between France and England.
Les Eyzies – commonly known as the world’s prehistoric capital, with numerous painted caves and a World Heritage site.
Lascaux Caves (near Montignac) – the world famous caves discovered in 1940.
Le Bugue – there is an aquarium, a re-created village, canoeing, several caves.
Limeuil – confluence of the Dordogne and Vezere rivers, overlooked by a beautiful village. Considered along with La Roque to be one of the most beautiful villages in France. Only 20 minutes from St Laurent des Batons! We have 8 of the 150 most beautiful villages in France on our doorstep. See Les plus Beaux Villages de France.
Bastide towns – Vergt, Lalinde, Monpazier, Eymet. Lalinde offers numerous evening activities during August. Lanquais – château and lake offering swimming and fishing (see above).
Food and Wine
The Dordogne is famed for it’s cuisine – truffles, foie gras, duck, walnuts and strawberries. There are many restaurants within 20 minutes of St Laurent des Baton, ranging from a humble auberge right through to Michelin Star dining. We’re happy to make recommendations and bookings for you.
Night markets, known as “marche nocturne”, occur on most evenings of the week during high season and are located in some of the most picturesque locations. A marche nocture is an evening of food, drink and often live music.
Vineyards
The vineyards of Bergerac, Bordeaux and St Emilion are within easy reach. The Perigord Purple is on our doorstep, known as the purple region because of the vast number of vineyards.
Bergerac vineyards, including Pecharmant and Montbazillac, have a very good and often inexpensive selection of local wines.
We can direct you towards what we consider (after much research) some of the finest wines in the area, for tastings and buying direct.
Other information and where to find more
These websites may be of interest in helping you plan your stay:
www.guide-du-perigord.com (English)
www.dordogne-perigord-tourisme.fr (French, but very detailed, including links to websites for attractions)
uk.france.fr/en/vallee-de-la-dordogne (English link from above site,)
www.sites-en-perigord.com (English option – giving details of some of the top tourist attractions)
www.perigorddecouverte.com (English)
www.sarlat-tourisme.com (English)
www.tourisme-perigueux.fr (English)
www.bergerac-tourisme.com (English)
Local tourist office
Information:
Service Municipal du Tourisme de Sainte Alvère (located on the main street through Sainte Alvère)
Tel: 05.53.73.55.85
Fax: 05.53.73.55.99
Email : office-tourisme@ville-sainte-alvere.fr