About the Perigord (also known as the Dordogne)

This ancient land deep in the heart of sunny south west of France is perfect holiday country; a magic place that will reward all those who choose to explore it.

The Perigord - the official French name for this province of France which has been affectionately named after its main river the 'Dordogne' by tourists - was the center of the hundred years war. Legacies of this era are everywhere. Vast fortified churches, over 1000 castles and chateaux, 'Bastille', the fortified towns built on the French and English front lines. The best of these being Dome and Monpazier, which was built by King Edward 1st in 1285.

More recently the Perigord has become famous as being one of the principal centers of pre-historic history. Early man has left the region with some of Europe’s earliest art treasures, the twenty-tthousand–year-old cave paintings of Lescaux near Montignac, the Font de Gaume near Les Eyzies and many others. Spectacular caverns such a the Gouffre de Proumeyssac and the Grotte du Grand Roc, contain stunning rock formations formed over millions of years in a seemingly infinite variety.

The traditionally rural architecture has created charming honey colored villages in a landscape so pretty and varied as to offer a feast for the eye. Ancient doorways and archways aboud, guarding their secrets, and the countryside is dotted with dove-cots and dry-stone huts crowned with the famous roofs of the Perigord.

Who could pass by the local cuisine. Rich paté de Foie-Gras, the famous Confit de Canard (duck) or goose and the black diamonds of the Perigord, …..truffles, being among the most famous……. and just as well known are the Wild Boar who also love this special delicacy.

Owing to its natural beauty and its hilly countryside the area is ideally suited for the more active and sporty guests. Walking , cycling , swimming , canoeing, horse riding and golf are popular activities and there are plenty of locations where some active time can be spent. Local organizations that can organize such activities are abundant and bookings can be made daily.

Our property is located in an area surrounded by famous towns like Sarlat, Bergerac and Perigeux, and some picturesque villages close-by like: le Bugue, St Cyprien, Le Buisson and Siorac. Plenty of small shops are available with local produce and art/artifacts. Daily markets are held in each of these towns and villages. In the evenings it is worth while to visit the 'nocturnes' (evening markets) and the frequent displays of fireworks that are organized by the village councils and merchants.

 

Walking or cycling around and along the Dordogne

Or select one of at least 4 different walks through forests and fields directly accessible from the house.

For cyclist fanatics there are a lot of different tours that can be made. Trips of 60-70 km per day are easily achievable, but one needs to be fit as its hilly country. The abundance of villages and small towns along these route are an open invitation to visit the numerous museums and local product makers of the area.

Castles, castles and more castles!......often open for a lovely lunch to be used as mid-route stop. We are happy to assist you in planning of such a trip.

Or you can use one of the mountain bikes available and have fun in the neighbourhood by following the bridal paths and other off-road tracks.

Horse riding

Horse riding is possible from the Poney Club at 5 minutes from Les Constancies. The area has a selection of dedicated bridal paths that are fully segregated from the roads, and lead through the nicest spots.

 

 

Swimming in the Dordogne and lakes

There are beaches along the Dordogne where one can swim in the river.......

Wateractivity park.....(more information soon)

 

 

 

Canoeing

More information soon........

 

 

 

 

Golf

There are two golf courses close by in Siorac and another beautiful one on the road between Le Bugue and Perigeux about 30 minutes drive form Constancies.

Golf de la Forge
Route de Belves, 24170 Siorac
Tel: +33 5 53 31 99 76,
email: asgolfeurs24@aol.com

Golf Le Lolivarie
Pessat, 24170 Saint-Germain-de-Belvès,
Tel: +33 5 53 30 22 69

Golf De La Marterie
24260 Saint-Felix-de-Reillac-et-Mortemart,
Tel: +33 5 53 05 61 00

 

Trampoline

At Les Constancies there is a large trampoline (3 meter diameter) available for the childeren to play on!

The trampoline is dug into the grond and therefore very safe for childeren (and grown ups) of all ages!

 

 

 

What to do in the evening?

Eat: Of course we have a beautiful and well equipped kitchen, where you can test you skills and prepare your favourite dish for your family. Or are you already daring to try some local game with a rich sauce of cepes freshly picked from the forest ?

If you visit with a group and are out most of the day it may be nice to come home a not have to bother with shopping and cooking. We can also make a special arrangement for you and prepare a full serviced dinner to your liking. This will of-course require pre-booking and can be subject to personnel availability.

But if you prefer to eat out there is an abundance of restaurants in the immediate neighbourhood. Most restaurants are still open in this time of the year. There is usually no need for bookings, but it can never harm to check. The most popular ones will always need pre-booking.

Drink: It is a must to try the local wines!
Visit one of the many caves in the surrounding villages and have a wine tasting experience. There is a nice wine shop in the village of Coux and the owner will advise you in proper Irish of the best choices.

If you wish all drinks to be pre-ordered, please let us know in advance. If you have a large group of people, we can make available a bar tender with your choice of beer.

Go out: Of course this is not the Quartier Latin of Paris, but there are some pubs and disco’s around. And taxi services available for the real die-hards to get home. Go to the larger towns like Sarlat or Perigeux for a wider choice.

There are many festivals in the area and even some evening markets here and there. Best is to visit the tourist office in St Cyprien or le Bugue to find out what’s happening.

 

Markets

There are markets each day in the following villages:

• Sunday: St Cyprien (5 km)
• Monday: Les Eysies (10 km)
• Tuesday: Le Bugue (5 km)
• Wednesday: Siorac (3 km) / Perigeux (30 km) / Bergerac (30 km)
• Thursday: Lalinde (20km )
• Friday: Le Buisson (5 km)
• Saturday: Sarlat (30 km) / Perigeux (30 km)

Nocturnes:
(these are evening market events including local food stalls and dinner at the market place.)

• Monday: Cadouin - this is well know and highly recommended (10 km - just past le Buisson)
• Thursday: St Cyrpien
• Friday: Le Buisson

 

Relax!

In the summer, lounge outside! There are various deck chairs and comfortable seats available. In colder seasons lounge in front of the open fire and roast Chesnuts!

The house is fitted with a multitude of TV sets as well as cable tv, and there is a selection of DVD’s that can be enjoyed.

Internet is available and a wifi signal should be available in most locations.

Try a game of table-tennis or football in the barn (please ask for the key).

We have a wide selection of games and cards available.

 

design website: Kymia Kazemi (dilect grafisch ontwerpen)