Holiday rentals and lettings in Dordogne

This is a very attractive region with a hilly countryside and there is a lot to see in Dordogne. From castles to fortresses, villages and medieval troglodyte shelters, the heritage of the Dordogne valley is extraordinarily rich. If you are looking for busy and medieval places head to Sarlat-la-Caneda or Bergerac. If you are searching for a less crowded place, further into the hills, is very much "off the beaten track" and the area of the Vezère valley is the perfect spot. Exposed stone walls, french window shutters, wooden beams and the popular dovecotes to enjoy a dream-like holiday in a fantastic valley. And if wanting to enjoy the gastronomy, find a holiday rental heading north towards Brantome, Perigueux or Thiviers.

From small little properties ideal for couples searching for romance and tranquility to spacious countryside lettings with indoor and outdoor heated pools to enjoy a swim whenever you like. These rentals can host from 2 to 6 people in comfortable rooms, large kitchens and green areas for you to breath the fresh air of the French countryside but still connected to the outside world as the properties offer free Wifi. A barbecue by the pool, a family gathering or a quiet and romantic weekend is on offer here.

In the southwest corner of France, within the Aquitaine region, Dordogne will allow you to admire the magnificent castles, mansions and the medieval heritage side of this region. Visit the Towers of Merle, Castelnaud, Commarque or Rocamadour. Explore the caves of Lacave and Wonders as well as the ornate caves and prehistoric shelters of Lascaux, Combarelles or Cap-Blanc.But above all, one of its major attractions is Sarlat-laCanéda with its popular market on Saturdays and well known for being the place with more listed buildings in the whole of Europe! On the way stop for a nibble and taste the exquisite French cuisine and specialties such as wine, foie-gras, strawberries and truffles all washed down with a delicious Bourdeaux wine.

When in Dordogne, some places cannot be missed. A visit to the stunning little medieval village of Limueil, the cliff-perched Domme with its double-towered entrance or Saint Cyprien, a quaint village overlooking the River Dordogne will make of your day an unforgettable experience. Stone house, timber-framed cottages, weekly markets, breathtaking valley vistas and delicious cafè cremes at the best cosy and cute cafès you have ever seen. A rental car is the best option to move around the area and visit the villages at your own pace. Get on wheels and start your tour!

Gourmets and gourmands will feel in a paradise full of local products such as porcini, mushrooms, chestnuts or duck breast used in ancestral recipes and culinary traditions. Thrill your palate with strawberries and apples from this region which have a protected destination of origin. And as the centre of the diet, a bit of Rocamadour cheese together with local wines like Coteaux de Glanes or a bit of magret de canard with a local sweet wine called Vin de Branceilles.

With 150.000 box trees cut in a curious way, these gardens are the most visited ones in Vézac. They host several events every season and during the summer you can have climbing lessons, DIY workshops, playgrounds for children and musical evenings. Enjoy looking at the peacocks walking freely around the gardens.

These caves are world famous for their marvellous cave paintings. The original cave has been closed to the public for its preservations but you can enjoy a replica of these works at Lascaux II.

The silhouette of this castle has been the image of many portraits and postcards. Erected on a rocky outcrop it’s one of the most beautiful medieval fortresses of Périgord. A complex architectural structure and history very well explained by the tour guides available on site. There are also workshops for the children: archery, stone carving, medieval calligraphy and geometry or parietal layout.

A visit to this village is sure to impress you. Located in Le Bugue it’s ideal for a relaxing day out with the family with wooden games for the little ones and “rickshaw” chain rides. The ecomuseum reconstructs a village of 1900 where the key daily places are reproduced: craft workshops, the school, the mill...

If you want to keep this place in your memory forever you need to visit the first underground site in France, Le Gouffre de Padirac. A 100-meter-deep cavity you have to descent and a boat trip on the underground river. Very easy to access, the chasm is less than an hour drive by the county roads. On your way back you also visit the ornate cave of Rouffignac, also known as the 100 mammoth cave.