Called after the spectacular river that meanders lazily east to west, the Dordogne is one of the most picturesque and inviting of all French ‘departments’. No matter what your interest may be – whether sightseeing, sporting activities, dining out, walking, bird watching or just simply taking a well-earned rest - the Dordogne and its climate will never disappoint you: time and time again.
Domaine de Leygue’s position makes it an ideal base from which to visit many of the region’s famous sights, whether they be medieval towns and villages, vineyards, chateaux perched high above the Dordogne River or caves containing prehistoric art dating back to at least 13,000 BC. Indeed, every town, village and hamlet has something to offer the tourist, and there are always surprises around each turn in the road.
Even our closest small towns – Lalinde and Beaumont (2.5 miles & 5 miles) are reminders from the 100-year war with France, as they are amongst the many fascinating bastide (fortified) towns and villages to been seen throughout the area.
Here we offer a very small example of what is on our doorstep and yours as you enjoy your time at Domaine de Leygue.
Beynac - listed in 'The most beautiful villages of the Dordogne'.
Just a 25 min. drive east from Domaine De Leygue.
The beautiful village of Beynac is spread along the northern bank of the Dordogne River, and then winds up the hill to the chateau perched above.
The highlight of Beynac is certainly the Chateau de Beynac, set on top of a cliff overlooking a bend in the Dordogne River and much of the little village of Beynac itself. The village as a whole is unmissable if you are in the Dordogne region. We believe it is one of the most impressive sights in France. Its current tranquillity standing in stark contrast to the turbulent battles it has known in the past. The restaurants in Beynac offer a high standard of food, and if you choose a table overlooking the river, the waiter crosses the road to serve you, taking waiter service to a whole new level !
Even if you have no interest in the magnificent views across miles of beautiful countryside you will surely want to stand in the same spot as Richard The Lionheart.
To the west, the market town of Bergerac (15 miles) lends its name to the wine produced by the surrounding vineyards where wine can be sampled and bought direct. For the more discerning wine buffs, it is not much further west to reach the great vineyards of St. Emilion.
Bergerac is one of the largest, most important towns in the region. It is found on the northern bank of the Dordogne River, in the western part of the Dordogne department.
The highlight of a trip to Bergerac is the old town. There are some lovely streets and squares to explore, and a surprising selection of boutiques and fascinating shops.
There are numerous restaurants in 'old-town' Bergerac among the attractive medieval half-timbered streets, and some open-air cafes where you can pass a pleasant hour or two people-watching. The National Tobacco Museum is based in Bergerac and when you have explored Bergerac on foot you can take an organised boat trip up the river.
Issigeac is in the southern Dordogne, east of Eymet and Bergerac, a 20 min drive from Domaine de Leygue. Until a few years ago Issigeac was one of the great undiscovered villages of the Dordogne region - truly a village that time forgot. That is no longer the case, and the weekly market (Sunday morning) now attracts very many people.
The village has retained a great deal of its charm despite the arrival of tourism - and outside high season for tourists, the village is still very much a sleepy quiet little town. But it is the medieval houses and streets, half-timbered and often with raised balconies, that are the great pleasure of exploring Issigeac.
A visit to Issigeac is highly recommended!
Molieres is a lovely stroll from Domaine de Leygue, founded in 1284 as an English bastide town. Among the things that were never finished or destroyed in the wars are the castle, and the arcades that should in principle surround the main square (only a small part remains).
Make sure to amble out of the main square and along the beaten tracks that run parallel to the roads, there are lots of glimpses of beautiful Dordogne houses and gardens to enjoy.
The origins of Monpazier date from the 13th century - it was founded in 1284 by King Edward I of England. Monpazier is a remarkable town. Around its paved central square, containing the original market hall, it retains many ancient buildings and the original arcades. Monpazier is usually considered to be the most intact bastide town remaining in France.
The lack of individual monuments is not a criticism or a reason not to visit - more than 30 of the buildings in Monpazier are classified as 'national monuments', and there is little to spoil the impression that all is much as it has been for the last 700 years. It is one of the few places where you can take lots of photos (and you will) and none show any building less than 400 years old!
The most remarkable feature is that many of the houses in the centre are different to each other in architectural style, but still form a perfect whole.
Be sure to venture down the side streets, where houses and occasional shops and cafes sit quietly as they have for many centuries. Also venture out of the town (only about 100 metres from the centre) to see the views that look south across the woodland and valley. Monpazier is an unmissable highlight of a visit to the region.
The Dordogne is said to have over 1000 castles. Many of these are not open to the public as the name 'chateau' can be applied to any house that has been a centre of wine production - so many places that are called 'chateaux' will be distinctly less imposing than others.
Be that as it may, the Dordogne region, and just over the border into the Lot-et-Garonne, has many of the finest castles in France, often in spectacular locations, and frequently surrounded by carefully manicured gardens with far-reaching views over the Perigord countryside.
Many of the castles date from the turbulent times in the 12th-14th centuries and the wars between England and France.