Local Attractions

Activities at Marouatte
Cheese and Wine evening - bringing the very best of the Dordogne to you - our local experts will select a range of regional wines and cheeses for you to enjoy in the magical surroundings of Chateau Marouatte

Chef for the Evening - we would be delighted to introduce to you a fantastic local chef who can create a meal from the very best local produce. You supply your own wine - we do not charge a corkage fee. Specialises in home made soups, local delicacies such as Foie Gras and whole lamb banquets

Stuffed Whole Pig - we can arrange a whole suckling pig to be baked for the day at the local bakery (after the bread !) and served stuffed with cous cous at the chateau. The meat falls off the bone and is delicious - ideal served with a crispy salad. The feast serves 25 people so if there are less than this in your group we suggest you have it early in your week so you have time to enjoy the leftovers.

shopping
The local village Possac St Vivien is 3km and the larger village of Lisle with its general store, chemist, boulangerie and post office is 7km. Grand Tocane St Apre is 12 km and has a supermarket and many more shops. For hypermarkets, sports shops, gifts, and clothes shopping, Perigueux (the cultural, and gastronomic capital of the Dordogne) is easily accessible - about 20 minutes to the hypermarkets, 10 minutes more into the town centre.

market days
Saturday morning - Thiviers
Friday morning - St. Yriex la Perche, Brantome, and Riberac
Saturday and Wednesday morning - Perigueux - plus a small fresh produce market held every morning.

sightseeing
Brantôme (15 minutes) - known as the Venice of the Dordogne due to the fact that the island on which it stands was formed by the convergence of two rivers. Brantôme market on a Friday is one of the highlights of the week with bustling crowds overlooked by the mediaeval abbey with an 11th century belfry, reputedly the oldest in France.  One of the abbots, Pierre de Bourdeille (1540-1614) was said to include Mary Queen of Scots among his lovers.  There is also canoeing on the river to enjoy and there are many fine restaurants catering for all tastes and pockets.

Bourdeilles (10 minutes) - this local village and chateau are also worth a trip. Stands on both banks of the river Dronne, and boasts an ancient bridge over the river between the two parts of the town with a beautiful watermill right by the bridge.  On the bank of the river where the Chateau is situated, the compound of the medieval castle and Renaissance chateau stands at the highest point, with the village clustering around it.  The Chateau has a large display of remarkable furniture and tapestries, and offers good views of the surrounding area.  For the energetic a climb to the top of the tower is a must to enjoy the full effect of the view.  

Perigeuex (35 minutes) - regional capital of the Perigord and a major centre since Roman times.  The museum built to show the extensive Roman ruins in the town is worth a visit.  The old part of the town dates from the medieval period and is beautifully preserved. You can wander down narrow alleys with bars and cafes, chocolatiers and boutiques, and really enjoy the charm of the city.  Market days on Wednesday and Saturday are especially enjoyable. 

Dordogne River - the Dordogne region is rich in pageantry - the English ruled Aquitaine for 300 years in the Middle Ages under the Plantagenets and there are many castles, bastide towns and fortified churches to visit. See the old town of Bergerac and take a small trip on the Dordogne by boat. Antique market the first Sunday of the month until 12 noon. Rocamadour, Sarlat and Domme are worthy of a full day out.

gardens - there are world class gardens on display at Les Jardins du Château de Hautefort, Les Jardins de Sardy, Gardens of Marqueyssac, Les Jardins de l'Imaginaire, Les Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac, Les Jardins de la Brande and Les Jardins de Cadiot

prehistoric cave art - the Dordogne and Vezere valleys are world famous for the art of prehistoric man and are known as the 'birthplace of art'. The region has over a hundred prehistoric painted caves up to 22,000 years old, the most accessible including Villars, Lascaux II, Fonte-de-Gaume, Rouffignac, Cougnac and Peche Merle in the Lot.

local produce and wine
The Dordogne is one of the gastronomic centres of the world, famous for its foie gras, duck, truffles and mushrooms. There are many excellent, inexpensive restaurants in the area that use traditional cooking recipes. The famous vineyards of Medoc and St Emilion are close by and the local wines of Bergerac, Yquem, Monpazier and Cahors are also excellent. See www.bordeaux.com for details of the vineyards around Bordeaux.

The vineyards of Bergerac - via Bergerac to Montbazillac (see the chateau) and then to Pomport to a wine tasting at Chateau Belingard, Sigoules, Saussignac, Duras and then back via Eymet (eat at Restaurant des Italians).

The vineyards of St Emilion - via Bergerac and Saint Foy Ia Grande to St Emilion, stopping on the way at Velines LFB to buy Limoges porcelain at excellent prices. Lunch at L'Hostellerie de Plaisance in St Emilion or if not on the way back at Port Sainte Foy.

golf & sports
The area has an excellent choice of courses including Chateau des Vigiers at Saussignac (27 holes). There are a variety of other activities to choose from including horse riding, canoeing, bicycling and fishing.