Local Area, things to do and see
Numerous outdoor activities available around the area, lots of sight-seeing to do, museums to visit, the list is endless!
In the summer months there are lots of night markets to visit, classical evenings, jazz evenings, festivals in the surrounding area. Lots of choice for all the family. There is a folder in the gite where you will find all of the information on places to visit. We live on site so are on hand to help in any way we can to make your holiday a memorable one – from booking restaurants, horse riding & golf, to helping you plan your days out, recommending beaches, places to visit, walks etc
The gite is provided with an information pack in which, as well as describing life in the areas, we have gathered information about the local attractions, markets and recommended restaurants.
Places to visit
Adventure Park - For an energetic family fun day out, you must go to the Adventure Park, where you can swing from trees, walk rope ladders, abseil amongst other thrilling activities set in a natural area. All activities use harnesses and are fully supported by qualified and experienced instructors. Your height has to be 1.45 m or over to allow to use the park. To perform all teens/adults route, it takes about 2 hours on average. Also, remember that for a family you also have access to the entire course for kids! Also note that you are free to make and remake the paths at will!
http://www.aventure-parc.fr/lacs-de-haute-charenteAngouleme
Angouleme
Angouleme is the capital of the Charente area. The old town centre is built on a plateau which overlooks the Charente river. Narrow cobbled streets wind around the 19th century market and are full of atmosphere and include the Mairie, old churches and the Cathedral. The renowned classic/vintage car rally the 'Circuits des Ramparts' is held in September each year in Angoulême The racing of these old vehicles, as they scream around the ancient streets, reminds you of Monaco 50 years ago!
http://www.circuitdesremparts.com/en/
Brantôme
Brantôme is an idyllic village located to the north of Perigueux on the banks of the River Dronne. The town is known locally as the Venice of Perigord. The town also boasts a selection of good restaurants including the Michelin starred Moulin de l'Abbaye. Market day is Friday. Canoeing through Brantome gives you a different perspective on the town and is always a popular way to enjoy the setting and the surrounding countryside.
http://www.perigord-dronne-belle.fr/en/home/
Champniers Reilhac
In July/August you can buy fresh produce and have it barbecued and sit at long trestle tables in the town square and enjoy the evening while listening to the band. This is a truly great French experience.
https://www.guide-du-perigord.com/en/tourism/tasting/local-farmers-markets.html
Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure
Le mémorial de la Résistance de Chasseneuil-sur-Bonnieure, The monument, which is accessed by 60 steps, is 21 meters high and symbolizes the Resistance with its "V" shape for Victory, and the cross of Lorraine.
Chateau de Bourdeilles
Bourdeilles castle is one of four baronies in Périgord with Biron, Beynac and Mareuil.
http://www.semitour.com/site-touristique/ch%C3%A2teau-de-bourdeilles
La forêt de Boubon
La forêt de Boubon was the hideouts of the resistance during the Second World War. Many men, young and old, took to the maquis in the thick forests.
Limoges
Limoges is a city and commune, the capital of the Haute-Vienne department. Limoges is well worth a visit. Known as ‘The City of Porcelain,’ where more than 50% of French porcelain is made. Limoges has a market day in the old city most Sunday mornings. You can take the Tourist Train around Limoges which lasts about an hour. It will drive you through streets and alleys to discover the main sights and monuments of the city.
http://www.limoges-tourisme.com/en
Nontron
Nontron, a town in Upper Périgord situated in the heart of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Nature Park, is famous for its knives. Made in the traditional way since 15th century, Nontron knives are unusual in they have boxwood handles. The Jardins des Arts have various attractive contemporary creations including benches winding around a group of trees and various sculptures.
Oradour Sur Glane
The site of a Second World War massacre, this village has been left as it stood after the tragic events of June 1944. It is a moving experience walking through the village of the martyrs. It is a grim reminder of the tragedies of World War 2.
http://www.oradour.org/
Perigueux
Perigueux is the capital of the Perigord, with lively twice-weekly markets, You will find pretty, narrow streets that run between stone buildings and squares with cafes and restaurants. You will find museums and art galleries, which are well worth a visit. Arriving in Perigueux the first thing to attract your attention is the amazing St Front Cathedral which dominates the town centre. The original church was built in about 1120 and changed in the 19th century by Paul Abadie who used it as a model for the design of the Sacre Coeur church in Montmarte. In the summer there is an annual international mime festival, with players performing in the medieval city streets as well as in the theatre.
Piegut Pluviers
Piegit Pluviers is a 10 minute drive, with shops, banks, restaurants and bars. A bustling Wednesday market, which is one of the biggest in Dordogne, provides the holidaymakers with all the aromas one associates with life in France.
Saint Jean de Cole
Saint Jean de Cole is a medieval village, classified among “The most beautiful villages in France”. There is a privately owned castle and next to the castle is Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, in Romano-Byzantine style.
Saint Sonrin Winery
Come and discover the wines of St Sornin, where you take a tour of the winery on a Wednesday and Friday morning
St Estephe Lake
A man made lake approx 15 minutes away from the gite, which has an excellent beach with picnic tables and a children's play area. There are lots of activities to do at St Estephe. These include rock climbing, horse riding, walking, fishing, beach volleyball and French boules
Vesone in Perigueux
The best known Roman city of Aquitaine Vesunna is worth a visit, in the heart of archaeological and plants park, it offers a 3000 m2 itinerary of permanent presentation of antique Perigueux. Before the Roman conquest, the current department of the Dordogne was occupied by the Celtic people of Petrucores or Petrocores, known by the writings of Julius Caesar for having participated around Vercingetorix at the headquarters of Alesia in 52 BC. AD When Emperor Augustus created the province Aquitaine around 16 BC. AD, he divided it into 21 cities, including the City of Petrucores (Civitas petrucoriorum) which was endowed with a chief town called Vesone (Vesunna in Latin) named after a Protestant native deity.http://www.perigueux-vesunna.fr/a-city-under-the-city/
Restaurants and Take-aways
Moulin de la Tardoire - 05 45 66 41 46 - restaurant in Montbron, Charente, offer a gourmet and gourmet cuisine combining French classics with the most modern techniques for the realisation of dishes prepared with precision.
Le Moulin de l'Abbaye in Brantome - 05 53 05 80 22 - is a 1 star in the Michelin Guide. Each table will make you discover a breathtaking view of the river; the opportunity to admire the "Venice of Périgord" while tasting refined and tasty local cuisine.
Le Saint-Jacques - 05 53 56 97 21 - The Hotelerie Saint-Jacques invites you to enjoy a cuisine in which innovative subtlety and tradition blend.
Le Grand Hotel Pelisson in Nontron - 05 53 56 11 22 - The chef offers traditional Périgord house cuisine, refined and adapted to the seasons.
Presbytery Inn in Saint Barthélémy de Bussierè - 05 53 56 51 29 - The food is all prepared in house with local produce.
La Baleine à Bascule - in Piegut Pluviers - 05 53 56 02 91 - https://www.labaleineabascule.fr/
Lorenzo Pizza - in Piegut Pluviers - 07 69 68 24 29
Piegut Kebab - in Piegut Pluviers - 07 83 12 84 85
Kreyol - in Piegut Pluviers - 06 23 02 99 83 - Restaurant and tea room, Lunch: soups, sandwiches, gratins, Evening: West Indian dishes. All day: tea room (pastries, special coffee, etc.). Possibility of takeaway meals.
Open Monday to Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm Close on Sunday.
Le Moulin du Grand Etang in Saint Estephe 05 53 60 41 69 - The Chef works his creations by favouring local products, and by sourcing preferably from local producers who keep the love of the "beautiful product". The menu is always in line with seasonal products in order to respect what our region offers us.
Hollywood Cafe in Nontron - 09 81 80 85 93 - Pub - Grill - Tapas-Salle jeux enfants
Markets
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Piegut-Pluviers: market Wednesday morning
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Chalus: market Friday
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La Rochefoucauld: market Wednesday & Saturday
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Mareuil: market Tuesday
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Brantome: market Monday - seasonal market only
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Brantome: market Friday
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Nontron: market Saturday
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La Coquille: market Thursday morning
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Perigueux: market Wednesday
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Thiviers: market Saturday morning