Autumn & Winter
Autumn
Although Autumn officially starts in September it still feels like Summer in the Dordogne. The temperatures stay in the high 20s, early 30s right the way through September and into October. The rainy season doesn't usually start until November, so the early Autumn can be the most special part of the year. Many of the tourists have gone and it is easier to see some of the larger tourist attractions like the amazing architecture in Sarlat, Domme etc.
It is a time of harvest, with the plums being gathered and the grapes being picked, and all manner of machinery and men line the rows of trees and vines.
The trees are starting to turn colour, and with the many maples growing in the region, the reds and oranges are spectacular.
The local markets fill up with this harvest, huge cepe mushrooms, freshly picked walnuts, truffles and squash fill the stalls.
In many of the tourist areas, the local villages and towns simply close up through Autumn and Winter. However we are situated between two bustling all year round villages, just 5 minutes from Villereal and 10 minutes from Beaumont. It means that our Autumn and Winter guests still have plenty of bars and restaurants to visit, large supermarkets for food and supplies and even weekly markets all through the winter for fresh fruit, veg and regional delicacies.
Winter
Winter does bring cold weather to the Dordogne, often intense cold for short periods down to -15 degrees, so we can offer our Winter guests the red-cheeked delights of snow and cold sunny mornings.
If you want to make the most of these frosty mornings, we have a file of 'randonnées' which are local hiking trails - anything from 4km to 24km round trips, lasting from 40 minutes to a full day. There are also cycling trails along the Canal du Midi, and through the local villages.
The cottage is particularly cosy in the winter with the blazing logburner which can be run with the doors open, so that you can get the full atmosphere of an open fire.
The air source heating will keep the house at a constant heat, and little luxuries like the warmed towels will make a long hot soak in the rolltop bath that much more luxurious.
A large range cooker and fully equipped kitchen mean that you can quite easily cook up a hearty Sunday lunch if you don't fancy stepping out to a restaurant, or even a full Christmas Dinner.