Domaine de la Valette boasts an ideal location between Gironde, Périgord Noir and Périgord Pourpre, within easy reach of Bergerac, Périgueux, Sarlat and Lascaux. The Domain is within 30-50 minutes of the most remarkable sites, while Bordeaux city centre is about an hour and a half away . Whether you prefer town or country, there is plenty to do and see within a short distance.
The natural surroundings, gastronomy and cultural attractions are exceptional. A trip to the market, a round of golf or a wine-tasting session – what will you do today?
Towns and villages
The cliff-face village of La Roque Gageac, the mediaeval town of Sarlat (a town of art and history), Paunat abbey church, Cadouin gothic cloister, the medieval towns of Issigeac and Saint Emilion, and the regional capital of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bordeaux: towns and villages that will enchant you with their richness and beauty. Ten of our villages are considered to be among the “most beautiful villages in France”.
Castles
Legend has it that there are no fewer than one thousand castles in Périgord! Some are mediaeval, others Renaissance, and many tower high above the Dordogne, but all are in remarkable condition.
Caves in the cradle of humanity
Vézère Valley has a wealth of caves, bearing witness to ancient times and early forms of life. Some of the most famous include:
Lascaux cave – www.lascaux.fr
Travel back in time to see ancestral art and technological innovation brought together at the International Centre for Cave Art (Lascaux IV).
Proumeyssac cave – www.gouffre-proumeyssac.com
This “cathedral of crystal” is the largest developed cave in the Dordogne.
Maxange cave – www.maxange.com
Captivating concretions. Named a two-star site by the Michelin guide.
Museums
If you are looking for something a little older, dating back to the beginnings of humanity for example, then you can explore the region’s outstanding prehistoric heritage, including 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites:
Les Eyzies and its International Prehistory Museum
Périgueux: Périgord Museum of Art and Archaeology
More unusual:
The Napoleon Museum at Château de la Pommerie: an exceptional collection of keepsakes from the imperial family – www.musée-napoleon.fr
Gastronomy and Vineyards
Delight your taste buds with our top-quality local produce that has made Périgord the global capital of gastronomy: truffles, honey, Périgord IGP lamb, foie gras, duck specialities, chestnuts, strawberries and even caviar.
Our neighbours will be delighted to introduce you to their outstanding products.
We also produce organic meat on our farm.
Markets
The lively markets of the Dordogne have plenty for the most demanding food lovers: foie gras, preserves, duck breast, truffles, walnut cake, chestnut specialities and more. They are a ritual place of meetings and encounters for fans of the finer things in life.
Wine routes
Here in the region there are vines wherever you look, making it ideal for wine lovers. You can take their time to follow the Bergerac wine routes and taste wines along the way, or to discover the world-renowned wine regions of Bordeaux: Saint-Emilion, Pomerol, Médoc, Entre-Deux-Mers, etc.
Restaurants
Discover the must-see destinations of local cuisine with an eye for detail and the south-west’s typically warm welcome.
Recreation and adventure
Activities at the Domain – click here (link to onsite activities)
Nearby
Golf: 4 courses are open to golfers all year round
10 minutes away – 9 holes at Château les Merles – www.lesmerles.com
20 minutes away – 18 holes at Golf de la Marterie – www.marterie.bluegreen.com
40 minutes away – 27 holes at Château des Vigiers – www.vigiers.com
45 minutes away – 18 holes at Domaine de Saltgourde – www.golfdeperigueux.com
Canoeing
On the Dordogne – Canoe River in Buisson-de-Cadouin – www.canoe-river.com
On the Vézère – AVCK Les Eyzies – www.vezere-canoe.com
Via Ferrata – www.viaferrata-marqueyssac.com
The via ferrata in the gardens of Marqueyssac offers a unique panoramic view of the Dordogne valley
The Dordogne has a wide variety of remarkable sites and exciting activities to offer. Take your pick!
The treasures of the Dordogne Valley
Around an hour west of Domaine de la Valette, discover the remarkable castles and gardens of the Dordogne Valley.
Beynac-et-Cazenac – www.sarlat-tourisme.com/beynac-et-cazenac
River, village and castle: a winning trio for this village recognised as one of the most beautiful in France.
The gardens of Marqueyssac – www.marqueyssac.com
Overlooking the Dordogne, the hanging boxwood gardens of Marqueyssac offer unique views of the river.
Château de Castelnaud – www.castelnaud.com
This imposing 12th-century castle, once at the heart of the Hundred Years’ War, is now home to the exciting Museum of Medieval Warfare.
Château des Milandes – www.milandes.com
World-famous thanks to Josephine Baker, the castle is also popular for its birds of prey show.
Sarlat – www.sarlat.fr
The capital of Périgord Noir, Sarlat is a town of art and history with a well-known historic and gastronomic heritage.
Bastide country
Bastide country begins 30 minutes south of Domaine de la Valette. Some examples to discover:
Le Buisson-de-Cadouin – www.abbaye-de-cadouin.com
A must-see thanks to its Cistercian abbey and cloister, the village of Cadouin is the gateway to bastide country.
Beaumont-du-Périgord – www.beaumontois-en-perigord.fr
The architecture of this 13th-century village is typical of the region’s bastides. One of its gems is the Bariat ironmongery (espritdepays.com/dordogne/des-hommes/la-maison-bariat-un-siecle-de-quincaillerie-a-beaumont-du-perigord)
Château de Biron – les-grands-sites-du-perigord.com/les-grands-sites/chateau-de-biron
A major Périgord site and a remarkable fortress, the Château de Biron houses modern art exhibitions.
Issigeac – www.issigeac.fr
An exception in bastide country, the medieval town of Issigeac is particularly famous for its Sunday market.
