LOCAL AREA

 

Things to do at or from Domaine des Blanches Colombes

 

1. Canoeing

 

This is definitely in the top ten things to do when we listen to our guests- some would even put it at number 1. It’s a great way to have “an adventure” with all the family.

The boats are safe and waterproof containers are provided for your use. Most of the year the river is very shallow which means even the most timid of canoers can feel safe and enjoy the journey. There is no better way to see the sights of the Dordogne valley than from the river itself.

 

There are two ways that canoeing is organised. You drive to the start site of your choice, leave your car and head off downstream – less paddling. When you started you would have chosen how long you wanted to canoe for and been given a map of a suitable landing point. You would then be collected by minibus and driven back to your car. The second option is just the reverse. You leave your car at the point on the river you want to finish at, and are then taken upstream to your chosen start point.

 

Most families recommend canoeing for 2 to 3 hours – this should give enough time to include a picnic on your adventure. Popular places to hire canoes are Limeuil (15 mins) and La Roque-Gageac (50 mins). We have details of other sites where you can start your adventure.

 

Below are links to several Canoe hire businesses

 

Canoe Raid – Canoes Dordogne   - Canoe River

 

There is also a good video of this activity on YouTube at this link    

 

2. Boat Trips

 

If canoeing isn’t for you but you still want to experience the river you can always take a boat trip on replicas of the traditional trading boats called Gabarres. Two popular starting points are the old quay in Bergerac (25 mins) and la Roque-Gageac (50 mins). These boats usually have a recorded commentary in most languages. It’s not uncommon to spot Kingfishers and otters on the river.

 

Click here to visit the boats at Roque-Gageac or here to see the boats at Bergerac.

 

3. Jacquou Parc

 

A mini-farm, little train rides, merry-go-round and water - what more could a small child ask for? A firm favourite with families visiting this part of France.

Why not take a picnic and enjoy it in the picnic area. The park is only about 15 minutes from us and a great day out.

 

Visit the park’s website with this link.

 

4. Castles and Châteaux

 

The Dordogne is a dream come true for those with a passion for castles and châteaux. We have chosen 4 for their distinct differences to give you a taster for what the region has to offer:

 

Château de Bridoire

 

This historic 15th Century private château finally open to the public after several years of ongoing restoration. The château is Located in the heart of the Monbazillac Vineyard offering the opportunity to step in to a fairytale.

A brilliant place to take children who can enjoy the traditional games in the courtyard, which will keep adults and children alike entertained for hours. Occasionally the Château is opened on an evening to let visitors see and experience the magic of the place by candle and torch light. A great afternoon out and really good value for money.

This is a lovely “down to earth“ place and is refreshingly different to the grand châteaux  of the area. Discover how this charming place was saved from ruin over the last ten years.

 

Visit the Château’s website with this link.

 

Château des Milandes 

 

This château has everything you would expect - beautiful stone building and equally beautiful gardens. Add a fantastic bird display and a trip here has the makings of a great day out. Most châteaux have a long history with famous inhabitants going back in time. Milandes is different. The American dancer and singer Josephine Baker made Milandes her home, her life and time at the here add a whole new level of fascination.

If you haven’t heard of Josephine, click the link below to discover more about this fascinating woman.

 

The story of Josephine Baker link

Link to the Château

 

 

Castelnaud

 

This is truly a castle as we all know it. Founded in the 12th Century Castelnaud sits high on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the river, offering breath-taking views from a truly historical setting. 

 

After a number of owner of owners and sieges Castelnaud was finally abandoned after the French Revolution in 1789. A series of restoration programs brought it back to life taking place between 1966 and 2012 with the addition of the “Museum of Medieval Warfare” in 1985, Castelnaud- now listed officially as a Historic Building is well worth a visit.

 

Find out more with this link.

 

Château de Monbazillac

 

This 16th Century château is typical of the area and stands high on a hill overlooking the famous Monbazillac vineyards.

The château has exhibitions of wine making as well as several rooms with permanent art exhibitions.

You can end your visit with a wine tasting. If you like a good desert wine you will taste no better than Monbazilliac.

 

Visit the Chateau’s website by clicking here.

 

5. River beach at Limeuil

 

As well as being a starting point for canoeing, Limeuil (15 min) has a great river beach – well pebbles. The river here is very shallow and a great place for even the youngest of children to have a splash about. Overlooking the “beach” are picnic tables and further back is a café/bar/restaurant – a good place to eat or just enjoy a drink or an ice cream with views of the Vézère and Dordogne rivers meeting. Limeuil is a great place to explore, set on a steep road from the river to the hill top, the village is classified as one of “the most beautiful villages of France”. Click on the link below to discover more about Limeuil

 

Limeuil Tourism link

 

 

6. Le Bournat

 

This reconstructed village, set in the centre of Le Bugue, is based on life in the Dordogne in 1900. There is a working organic farm, crafts men and women at work as well as an old funfair (amazingly rides are free). Try out the “Les Chevaux Galopants”

You can buy flour from the on-site old windmill, freshly baked bread from the bakery, as well as beer from the village brewery. The village also hosts a restaurant and snack-bar or take your own picnic and sit in the pretty grounds watching the boats go round the pond.

 

Visit Le Bournat’s website by clicking here.

 

7. Auberge

 

There are hundreds of good restaurants within a short car journey of Grand Castang but one we always encourage our guests to try the Auberge in Viqu. Viqu is our neighbouring hamlet and is only a ten minute walk along the footpath. The Ferme Auberge de Rebeyrotte (Farm Restaurant de Rebeyrotte) is a small family run business that serves delicious local food – much of which is produced on the farm.

 

They serve a great “menu du jour” – menu of the day for the princely sum of €13 (2015). The meal usually includes soup, starter, main course and desert. The price also includes wine. The menu du jour is a set menu that changes each day. This is a great way of trying local food. There is, of course, always an a la carte menu.

 

Find out more by clicking here.

 

8. Pool

 

One of the most popular ways our guests spend their time is in our pool. Often they have a leisurely breakfast, go off to explore the area then return mid to late afternoon to spend the rest of the day around the pool.

The pool is heated to about 26 to 28 degrees and is fully fenced for safety (a requirement under Franch law).  The pool opens from 10:00 am and closes at 8:00 pm.

 

 

9. Games Room/Play Barn

 

Our games room is a good place to find some shade and keep the children happy. As well as a climbing frame and ballpool we have a great selection of toys to suit most young children.

 

For older children and parents we have a full size table tennis table (all gîtes have their own set of bats and balls) and a pool table.

The Games Room/Play Barn is open from 10:00 am until 10:00pm every day and is a great way to keep entertained if you don’t want to travel far.

 

10. Old Bergerac

 

Although not covering a huge area, Old Bergerac is well worth a visit with its old port area and small medieval streets full of bars and restaurants. The restaurants just off the main streets offer excellent value for money. It boasts a spectacular cathedral which is surrounded by stalls on market days – see section on markets. The cloisters of the wine museum are also worth a visit being a good way to learn the history of wine making in the area. You can also use this area as a starting point for a boat trip – see our boating section.

 

Click here for more information on Bergerac.

 

Port Miniature

The picture says it all. We haven’t had first-hand experience of this place but it sounds great fun if you happen to be in the Bergerac area. Approximately 25 minutes away.

 

Link to Port Miniature

 

11. Markets

 

There are two types of markets to visit …

 

Day markets – these are traditional markets and are usually centred around the village church or, in the larger towns, the town square. There’s nothing better than bringing home fresh bread and other delicacies, not forgetting the wine, to eat for lunch.

Most days of the week there are at least a couple of markets taking place in the area. Bergerac has two markets a week. We have a list and times of our local markets. Markets start quite early and usually finish by late lunchtime.

 

We particularly like Lalinde (10 mins) market where you can sit and relax at one of the many cafes or pavement restaurants and watch the rest of the world do its shopping.

 

Night Markets or Marché Gourmand Nocturne – these are becoming more popular every year and now even the smallest village seems to organise at least one Marché Gourmand Nocturne a year. Many villages have them on a set night of the week throughout July and August.

 

The basic idea is that the village is decked out with tables and chairs. Around the seating area are stalls selling all kinds of delicious food and drink. You select and buy your food, find a table, take a seat and enjoy the atmosphere.  We take our own plates, glasses and cutlery as well as our own wine.  There is often entertainment, anything from a disco playing popular French music to live bands. Many of our guests join forces and head off to sample the local food at a night market. We have details of when and where these take place, they are an experience not to be missed.

 

Two of our favourites are Tremolat (10 mins) and Beaumont (30 mins).

 

12. Wine Tasting

 

If you head towards Bergerac you soon find yourself within the Pécharmant wine area. Contiue driving and you’ll pass the vineyards of Monbazillac, Saussignac and Rosette. The roadsides are lined with signs beckoning you to taste the wine (and hopefully buy).

We have tourist maps designed especially for wine lovers.

 

Click here for more information.

 

13. Gardens

 

Marqueyssac

This garden is perched high on a plateau overlooking the Dordogne river. From its terraces you can see the castles of Castelnaud and Beynac, as well as spectacular views of the Dordogne valley. Don’t expect huge flower beds or ornamental shrubs – the gardens here are formed by acres of amazing topiary that has to be seen to be believed.

 

If the beauty of the gardens wasn’t enough, during the summer the gardens open one night a week and are lit by thousands of candles. During these evenings there is live music in various parts of the garden and activities to entertain children. The café area is a great place to enjoy an ice-cream and watch the sunset. Marqueyssac is about 45-50 minutes from us.

 

Click here to visit the website

 

Les Jardins Panoramiques de Limeuil

These gardens (15 mins) are being developed by the nearby village of Limeuil and although not as grand as Marqueyssac, are still worth a visit. You can combine your visit with exploring the village itself. Park by the river and make your way up the steep road that winds to the top of the hill. The village is made up of traditional Perigordian style houses. On your way up you pass the Mairie (town hall) with its beautiful garden – an ideal spot to sit and admire the river or perhaps have a picnic.

 

On your way up to the top of the village you will also pass a couple of restaurants that are worth a try. At the top of the hill you can enter the gardens. The view of the two rivers, the Dordogne and Vézere meeting in front of the village is worth the climb.

When you return to the bottom of the hill treat yourself to an ice cream.

Here is a link to the gardens.

 

14. Walking and Cycling

 

Our area has a network on walks and cycle routes and they are all details in a local guide which we can supply. We can also suggest a cycle hire shop. The routes can, in some cases, be covered in a car for the less energetic.

 

We also have a 9 acre walnut orchard which is pretty much left to its own devices – it’s full of butterflies, grasshoppers and, in the evening, the odd deer or two.

We cut a path through the orchard to let our guests take a leisurely stroll or, if they have children, go on a bug hunt (we have nets and jam jars on string for you to borrow).

 

 

These are just a few of the things to do in and around Domaine des Blanches Colombes. We have details of many more activities and hope everyone can find their ideal way of spending their time with us.