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Le
Rigal area :
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PLACES TO VISIT
The Dordogne is an area of outstanding natural beauty, one of the most
beautiful in Europe. It is a green land of farms, lovely wooded hillsides
and gentle winding rivers - still unspoilt, it really is rural France at its
best.
It is one of the gastronomic centres of France , famous for foie gras, duck,
truffles, mushrooms and seafood. There are many excellent inexpensive
restaurants in the area using traditional cooking recipes.
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The area is also well known for its wines. The world famous vineyards of
Medoc and St Emilion are close by and the local wines of Bergerac,
Monbazillac, Monpazier and Cahors are also excellent. |
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ST. EMILION |
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The Dordogne is rich in pageantry. The English ruled Aquitaine for 300 years
in the Middle Ages under the Plantaganets and there are many castles,
bastide towns and fortified churches to visit.
The Dordogne and Vezere valleys are world famous for the art of prehistoric
man at the Lascaux caves, known as the 'birthplace of art'.
Le Rigal is ideally situated for touring the region.
Ideas for driving tours are available in the gite, but the following places
are all easily visited on day trips:-
Bergerac, Limeuil, Issigeac, Monpazier, Monbazillac, Sarlat, St. Emilion,
Eymet,
Belves, Beaumont,Tremolat, Lalinde, Domme, Le Roque Gageac, Rocamadour,
Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, Cadouin
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BERGERAC
Bergerac,
the second-largest town in the Dordogne with 30,000 inhabitants, is the
capital of south-west Périgord and only a 15 minute drive away from the Le
Rigal. The district
known as the land of the vineyard or Purple Périgord is vast in it's
diversity. The history of Bergerac since the Middle Ages can be summed up in
three words: the river, the wine and the bridge. Bergerac today is a town
bustling with life and vitality, especially in the pedestrianised area of
the old quarter, where there is an abundance of cafes, restaurants, markets,
boutique and antique shops.
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Statue of
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Bergerac old town from the Dordogne
You will be enchanted by the richness and originality of its museums, the
variety of produce and wonderful aromas of its markets, the exquisite
flavours of the cuisine and wines, and the wonderful warmth and generosity
of its people. The fireworks on Bastille Day are
truly memorable.
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In and around Bergerac the 100,000 acres of vineyards produce 75 % of
Dordogne's wine production. The cellar of every "wine cooperative" is open
for tasting, particularly the Bergerac and Monbazillac cellars which are
very popular with visitors.
Bergerac Bridge over the Dordogne
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Bergerac Picnic area by Dordogne
The wines of AOC Bergerac include, Pécharmant,
one of the most highly appreciated by connoisseurs. the fruity Rose, the
white and red Côtes-de-Bergerac and the mellow white Montravel. To the
south there is the very well known Monbazillac, and, around Sigoulès,
Saussignac. |
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LIMEUIL
This
beautiful old town oozes atmosphere and style with a great location on the
confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers. There is a nice but steep
walk to the top of the old town where there are formal gardens (free to
children).
It is
worth a visit to Limeuil for the scenery and setting alone.
There is canoeing from the river bank.
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Dordogne from the Formal Gardens
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Beach at Limeuil |
Dordogne and
Vézère
the Formal Gardens
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MONPAZIER
In 1991, Monpazier was
awarded National Heritage Site status which has enabled its
architectural heritage and unique town planning to be preserved. It is
situated in southern Périgord, bordering on the Agenais region, and 45km
from Bergerac. |
Monpazier
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Monpazier
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Monpazier
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Saint-Avit-Senieur - a Romanesque abbey church fortified in the
14th century
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SARLAT |
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Chateau de Lanquis |
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Abbey of CADOUIN |
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