The Most Beautiful Villages in France
There are 10 villages in Dordogne, and 2 villages in Lot et Garonne which have been given the prestigious award of the most beautiful villages in France 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France'. We are lucky enough to be situated within easy drive of nine of them. Whether you couple up a day visiting the villages, castles and other attractions or just do a tour of the villages, they are all very special.
There is a group of these villages by the side of the River Dordogne and 50 minutes from the cottage. Following the loops of the Dordogne river, you arrive at Beynac-et-Cazenac first, and if you follow the same road it leads straight through to Castelnaud la Chapelle. Continue through to La Roque-Gageac and take a climb up the tiny streets to a troglodyte fort and the exotic gardens. This is one of the most photographed villages in the Dordogne, so beware of the crowds in the heart of summer. You will finish up at the fortified village of Domme perched up on the cliff top and looking over the other three villages.
Belvès boasts seven bell towers in the village perching on a rocky outcrop, and is an excellent village to stop over on the way to Beynac-et-Cazenac for a coffee and croissant.
Limeuil is a little jewel of a village and worth a day out on its own or combined with other attractions in the area, such as the Aquarium and Theme Park at Le Bugue. There is a river beach at Limeuil, beside the River Dordogne and the River Vezere, and a large picnic area under the ancient trees. Up the narrow medieval cobbled streets the village climbs past beautiful honey coloured houses to the panoramic gardens at the highest point.
The bastide towns of South West France are the largest collection of well-preserved medieval towns anywhere in Europe. The bastide towns were built between 13th and 14th century, and each is based on the same structure of a central square surrounded by arcades where the markets would have been held over the centuries.
If you would prefer to stay closer to home, the village of Monpazier is only 20 minutes from Mon Coeur, and is considered to be the finest bastide town in France as well as one of the most beautiful villages. There are plenty of interesting shops, restaurants and cafes within the cobbled streets and central square. Monflanquin is also just 20 minutes from the cottage, and is a beautiful relaxed bastide town with a classic square, restaurants under the
Villereal just 5 minutes from the cottage, was founded in 1269 and is known for its 14th century market hall with half-timbered first floor. The town is full of real shops rather than tourist ones, so is bustling throughout the year, but particularly during the market held every Saturday morning.
Beaumont du Perigord, 10 minutes north of the cottage, has a pretty square with bars and restaurants, and an excellent pizzeria cooking over a wood-fire. The square and arcades are most beautiful during the summer festival when paper flowers are strung up all around the square.
Eymet is most famous as part of the 'Little England' series on UK TV showing the Dordogne and the most picturesque places that UK expats have settled. It is a typical Bastide town founded in 1270, set on the river with an excellent Italian Restaurant in the square. There is also a large lake just outside of Eymet, perfect for a late afternoon walk to work off the Italian delights.