The Dordogne is a beautiful region of South West France Between the Loire valley and the High Pyrénées named after the magnificent river that runs through it. However, locally it is known as the Périgord.
The Duke of Dordogne has just launched a new personal website listing some very useful sites that he uses to promote the Dordogne. Any and every Dordogne website owner should take a look and see all the options of advertising yourself on one or more of his sites. The Duke specializes in promoting the Dordogne with more than 30 Dordogne related and high ranking sites that target people interested and looking for information about the Dordogne.
Web design, logo / graphics, web hosting, domain names, database driven websites, site maintenance, Complete SEO, site submiting and lots more.
For Dordogne accommodation advertising, link exchange, article advertising, review advertising, photo gallery advertising, Free advertising, Package advertising, you name it, the Duke will arrange it.
The Vezere valley contains 147 prehistoric sites dating from the Paleolithic and 25 decorated caves. It is particularly interesting from an ethnological and anthropological, as well as an aesthetic point of view because of its cave paintings, especially those of the Lascaux Cave, whose discovery in 1940 was of great importance for the history of prehistoric art. The Vezere Valley is also home to the National Prehistoric Museum, Font de Gaume, Combereilles, Cro Magnon Shelter, The Grand Roc, Lascaux, Eglise St. Martin, Ferme de Tayac and many, many more sites of interest
Dordogne Design has just launched a stunning new site that shows off the Vezere Valley in the Dordogne like you have never seen it before.Beautiful photo’s taken on Walking Dordogne’s famous trips exploring the Vezere Valley.
Dordogne Design have launched yet another Dordogne Web site. http://www.thedordogne.com/ is a web site that will take you on an image tour of the Dordogne.
The Dordogne region of South West France is without doubt the most beautiful and diverse region of France and the world. It is here in the Dordogne, the Vezere Valley that our ancestors chose to settle more than 450.000 years ago. It is here that the link between Prehistoric Man and Modern Man was discovered. But the Dordogne is not just famous for it's Prehistoric treasures such as Lascaux and Font de Gaume, the Dordogne is also famous for Medieval towns and villages, such as Sarlat, Beyac and Domme, Medieval strongholds, cloisters bastides and lots of other amazing attractions. The Dordogne should be on everyones wishlist.
This site was made possible thanks to the dedication of a few people to promote the beautiful Dordogne region. Please take the time to visit their websites.
B&B Ferme de Tayac, for 3 years now, this B&B in a 12th century former farmhouse / monastery in the heart of the Vezere Valley, has been voted the travellers choice of accommodation.http://www.fermedetayac.com/
Dordogne Design has a Dordogne web site portfolio of more than 30 related sites promoting the Dordogne. If you have a Dordogne related buisness, and would like to make full potential use of the web, then Dordogne Design is the place to be.http://www.dordognedesign.com/
Walking Dordogne has been taking the very lucky few visitors to places in the Dordogne we can only dream of. If you want to experience the REAL Dordogne, rather than just visit the Dordogne, the head to their web site, check their trips, and maybe one day you will be one of the lucky ones.http://www.walkingdordogne.com/
Planning a visit to Les Eyzies de Tayac or the Vezere or Dordogne Valley? then leseyzies.info is definitely a site you should take a look at.Find out what and where the main attractions are, when to go, when not to go, history, accommodation, les eyzies and dordogne related articles and lots of other useful info every visitor should know before they visit the area. More than 450.000 years our ancestors chose and settled in the Vezere Valley .. thats correct, Les Eyzies de Tayac is where our ancestors called home, and it was here that in 1868 the link between Prehistoric Man, and Modern Man was discoverd.
The Vézère valley contains 147 prehistoric sites dating from the Palaeolithic and 25 decorated caves. It is particularly interesting from an ethnological and anthropological, as well as an aesthetic point of view because of its cave paintings, especially those of the Lascaux Cave, whose discovery in 1940 was of great importance for the history of prehistoric art. The hunting scenes show some 100 animal figures, which are remarkable for their detail, rich colours and lifelike quality. The Vezere Valley and Les Eyzies should be on everyone's wish list, but it is only the lucky ones that actually make it back to where our ancestors called home.
The Duke of Dordogne suddenly appeared on the web with an excellent web site that lists a whole range of very interesting Dordogne related sites and articles. The Duke also has a nice list of Dordogne related books and dvd's. Anyone with a Dordogne related web site, or articles can send them to the Duke of Dordogne and if appropriate it will be posted. Keep your eye on this site, it's definitely worth a bookmark.
Is your Internet Marketing in shambles? Does anyone know how to find your site? Need more targeted traffic? We can help! There are 1000's of buisness owners in the Dordogne trying to run their buisness off the internet.Having a nice web site promoting your business is extremely important, but, unless it is high on the search engines, so that potential customers can actually find your site, it's pretty much useless, a bit like having a nice sports car, but no petrol.The average person will spend on average about 600 Euro for a web site, 200 Euro per year for domain and hosting, 150 on advertising costs, and lot's of free time but most people do not spend any time or money on having their site optimized. Anyone serious about a meaningful online business presence needs Search Engine Optimization Services also referred to as SEO Services . With millions of web sites designed and published everyday in all kind of languages and topics, a long term and sustainable internet marketing strategy is crucial. There is no doubt that the following statement is true: An optimized web site, with SEO web design in mind, generates more internet traffic thus driving more leads, phone calls and sales which translate in revenue. Have your site optimized now, and start making your site work for you, rather than you working for your site.
Dordogne Link Directory is a link directory for all and any Dordogne related links. Add your link 100% FREE, all we ask for is a link back to our site. This directory is a very good way to advertise your business, and get your link seen by potential customers world wide 24 / 7 / 365
For everyone that is serious about having their site completely optimized for the search engines, there is "Premium Dordogne Sites"
Key facts and for the Dordogne figures from 1 March 2007
over 3.1 million tourists
Average length of stay (all accommodation): 10 days
Representing almost 31 million nights' accommodation
A direct turnover of at least 980 million euros
Over 6,000 permanent jobs in tourism (6900 in July & Aug.)
Tourism in the Dordogne represents over 31% of the local economy
More facts and figures.
77% booked part of their vacation online. (airline, ferry, rental car etc)
93% of visitors researched the area online before visiting.
71 % of visitors booked accommodation online
5 years ago, these figures would have all been below 30%, and 10 years ago they would have all been below 3%, however, in 3 year time they will ALL be above 90% These figures show that anyone serious about running a business, must make the most from the internet.
Experts believe that up to half of the prehistoric art in the Lascaux caves is at risk. Efforts to combat a fungal invasion have been unsuccessful
Unesco, the world cultural body, has threatened to humiliate France by placing the Lascaux caves – known as the "Sistine Chapel of prehistory" – on its list of endangered sites of universal importance. The Unesco world heritage committee, meeting this week in Quebec, has given the French government six months to report on the success of its efforts to save the Lascaux cave paintings in Dordogne from an ugly, and potentially destructive, invasion of grey and black fungi.
At the same time, a scientific committee appointed by the French government has conceded that an elaborate treatment with a new fungicide in January failed to stop the mould advancing through one part of the caves.
An independent pressure group of scientists and historians claims that up to half of the startlingly beautiful, 17,000-year-old images of bison, horses, wild cattle and ibex are now threatened by the fungal invasion – the second of its kind in eight years.
The heritage committee warned France this week that it will consider placing Lascaux on its list of imperilled cultural and natural sites of global significance unless progress is made by next February. The committee requested France to open Lascaux – closed to the public since 1963 – to a visit by independent experts. It also advised France to commission an "impact study" of all past, and possible future, actions in the caves since the first fungal invasion in 2001-02.
There are already 31 sites on the Unesco "List of World Heritage in Danger", including such treasures as the ancient Buddha statues of the Bamiyan valley in Afghanistan, partly destroyed by the Taliban. Only one of the existing, officially threatened sites is in western Europe – the architectural heritage of the Dresden-Elbe valley in eastern Germany, site of a planned motorway. A decision by the Unesco committee to list Lascaux as "endangered" would, therefore, be a severe embarrassment to France. Unesco would, in effect, be telling Paris that it can no longer be trusted to manage one of the world's most important historical and cultural treasures.
Officials from the French government's department of historic monuments and experts from all over the world have been quarrelling for years over the best way to preserve the Lascaux paintings. Some experts have accused the French authorities of a series of blunders, including a change in the air-conditioning system in 2000, the use of high-powered lights in the caves and allowing too many "special" visits.
An independent body, the International Committee for the Protection of Lascaux, infuriated Paris by asking Unesco to intervene last September. Laurence Léauté-Beasley, president of the committee, was jubilant yesterday. "The requirements placed upon France [by Unesco] are significant and strong," she said. "France will now have to answer to the world community for actions they have taken in the past and will take in the future. Lascaux's management must now operate in a spirit of transparency."
The French authorities initially denied that the Lascaux paintings themselves had been attacked by the second fungal invasion. They later admitted to some blotching on the paintings but no lasting damage. The independent protection committee, citing information from experts who have visited the caves, insist that some of the images have been irreparably blurred or that their colours have faded.
Mme Léauté-Beasley said: "Upwards of 50 per cent of the caves' ... art is disappearing under an incursion of black spots, some as large as human hands, triggered by the use of high intensity lights and excess human presence inside the cave."
On Thursday night, the French authorities admitted a setback. A treatment with fungicide in January appeared to have been successful at first but the black and grey blotches are now spreading once again across one part of the paintings, according to an official statement.
A committee of international experts, appointed by Paris after the first fungal attack in 2001, announced that the new treatment had been "very satisfactory" in one part of the caves, known as the "room of the bulls". The spread of fungal blotches had resumed, however, in the "right-hand part of the caverns".
Marie-Anne Sire, the head curator of Lascaux, told the French news agency AFP that the news was disappointing but progress was being made. Studies had revealed that the air which used to circulate in the caves had become immobile. This might explain the fungal outbreaks – and to offer a possible solution, she said.
The paintings were discovered by chance in September 1940. The 600 images of aurochs, wild horses, bison and ibexes are regarded as among the finest cave paintings in the world.
Visions of the past
The Lascaux paintings are in a cave on the left bank of the river Vézère, a tributary of the Dordogne. They include depictions of ibexes facing off, and a "unicorn" chasing a herd of horses. It is thought that they were painted between 15,000 and 17,000 years ago by hunter-gathering people who crushed minerals to create red, ochre, brown and black paints.
The paintings were discovered accidentally by four teenagers in September 1940. After a visit to the caves, the Cubist artist Pablo Picasso declared: "We have invented nothing." The caverns were closed to the public in 1963 to protect them from just the kind of fungal infections that have appeared over the past eight years. In 1983, a complete life-sized facsimile of the caves and paintings – Lascaux Two – was opened nearby for visitors.
By John Lichfield in Paris Saturday, 12 July 2008
Our recommended accommodation to visit Lascaux
B&B Ferme de Tayac : www.fermedetayac.com Lovely B&B in a 12th Century former farmhouse / monastery opposite the fortified church of St. Martin. Ferme de Tayac is just 25 minutes from Lascaux
Tayac, the tiny but very picturesque village just 10 min. walk from the center of Les Eyzies is often overlooked by the majority of visitors passing through Les Eyzies. Up untill the early 1900's Les Eyzies de Tayac was simply known as "Tayac". Tayac is more than 600 years older than Les Eyzies, and one of the oldest in the Dordogne region. Tayac is historically extremely rich, it was not just the roaming grounds of our Prehistoric ancestors, but the Celts , Romans and Gauls all left their markings on the area.
In the early 12th century 6 Monks from the Monastery of Paunat were travelling between Monasteries when one of the Monks became very ill, they set up camp in Tayac near a water source. The monk was dieing, but miraculously healed after drinking the water from the "Tayac Source". To the Monks of Paunat this was a "Sign" and round about 1123 they started building the magnificent and fortified church of Tayac, they called it "St Martin". At the same time, the Monks of Paunat started working the land in this lush Vezere valley, they built the farmhouse / monastery, which is now "Ferme de Tayac" that has been completely renovated, and is now a lovely B&B opposite the church. For hundreds of years the Monks lived here and worked the lands, bit by bit houses were built against the rock. The water from the "Tayac Source" was taken to other surrounding Monasteries, for it's healing powers, Tayac was thriving. Two centuries later, things took a turn, wars were breaking out, armies were constantly attacking areas and strongholds. Religion and all that went with it lost it's power, and very slowly the life in and around Tayac became what it is today. St. Martin still stands proud, and is without doubt the nicest Fortified Church in the Perigord, the "Tayac Source" is still there, although no longer in use.
During construction for a railroad in 1868, a rock shelter in a limestone cliff was uncovered. Near the back of the shelter, an occupation floor was recognized, and when excavated, it revealed the remains of four adult skeletons, one infant, and some fragmentary bones. The Link between Prehistoric Man and Modern Man had been found in Tayac.
Recommended accommodation in Les Eyzies de Tayac:
B&B Ferme de Tayac : www.fermedetayac.com Lovely B&B in a 12th Century former farmhouse / monastery opposite the fortified church of St. Martin
Why does Walking Dordognehave the most unique, and exciting trips and tours?. It's because YOU decide what you would like to do, see or visit. Again they have listened to their customers, and thanks to all your feedback they have created yet another unique experience. I say experience, because it is just that, it's not a trip or a tour, Walking Dordogne is giving you the chance to experience what it was like to be a Cro Magnon about 35.000 years ago.
You will spend 3 days and 2 nights living as a Cro Magnon, you will sleep in (a) real prehistoric cave(s), you will be dressed in clothes made of hide and fur just like a real Cro Magnon, you will fish using a traditional (made by yourself ) fishing harpoon, you will have to find and prepare your food with tools made by yourself, you will be taught how to make your own fire, and how to survive using the same methods our ancestors used 1000's of years ago. You will hunt and gather food as a team. This is the closest you will ever get to basics, and you will be talking about this experience for the rest of your life... Guaranteed !!
More Info:
You will be stripped of ALL modern day mod cons, and will start the experience with only the Cro Magnon clothes we supply you with.
Your "home" for 3 days and 2 nights will be in caves situated in 30 Hectares of (private) rugged land with the Vezere River running through it.
Your "Guide" will teach you everything you will need to know, and more, on how to "become" and survive as a Cro Magnon.
You will hunt, fish and gather food, but the hunting will be symbolic, NO real animals will be killed, all the animals will be fake, but you will still have to find and hunt them, and you will be supplied with the real stuff ( venison, wild boar, rabbit and pigeon) depending on what fake animals you kill. The fish however will be real, but limited to one fish per person per day, thats if you can catch them.
You will be taught everything about our ancestors the Cro Magnon, why and how they settled in this region, and putting an end to the Neanderthal existence.
This experience is ideal for the whole family, but there is a minimum age of 12 for the kids. (younger if you book as a whole group of 6+ ) The groups will be a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8.
This experience is not suitable for vegetarians.
This experience will be for April, May, June, September and October
The Dordogne is without doubt the nicest and most diverse region in France, famous for the stunning scenery, Prehistoric caves and dwellings, Medieval towns & villages, fortified castles and strongholds, Bastides, and list goes on and on.. Ooohhh and let's not forget the friendly people, great food, excellent wine and all the activities you can imagine... the word "bored" does not exist in the Dordogne Dictionary.
Fishing is very popular in France, and there is no better place to fish, relax and enjoy life, than at Sweet Chestnut Lake.
The lake is situated midway between the large towns of Limoges, Perigueux and Angouleme, approximately a 50 minute drive from each. We are just below the Limousin border in the very desirable department of the Dordogne. The lake nestles in attractive woodland, 3 km’s north of Saint Saud Lacoussiere a small and attractive village with a few shops, a couple of bars and 2 character hotels. The towns of Nontron, Cussac, Chalus and Thiviers all have supermarkets and are each only a 15 minute drive
Sweet Chestnut Lake.
A beautiful stream and spring fed mature lake of just under 4 acres, 200 metres long and 70 metres wide. Depths vary from 1 metre, where the stream enters, to up to 5 metres at the dam end.
The lake has a certificate of Private Status awarded by the Department of Agriculture and Forestry, which wwas secured in 2007. This means anglers do not need to buy any form of licence, there are no seasonal restrictions and fishing is permissible 24 hours a day.
Levels are always maintained in the lake by the incoming streams and also by springs that can be seen bubbling from the lake bed. In the severe drought in France, in summer 2006, when many lakes actually dried up, sweet chestnut lake retained it’s full height
The lake bed has a combination of hard areas and silt, and there is no significant weed or snags.
Half of the lake has lovely flat grassed banks, level with the waters edge. The remaining half is left more undisturbed as a wild life haven, but we have created access points for anglers between the trees, ideal for stalking.
The lake is surrounded by native woodland . The predominant tree species being Sweet Chestnut and Oak with Birch, Alder, Poplar and Willow also in abundance. Beneath the tree canopy is a profusion of other native vegetation, including Gorse and Broom, Alder Buckthorn and Bracken. Orchids have been seen growing in the shade of the trees.
It is altogether a very healthy environment.
The Lake
Fish Stocks at Sweet Chestnut Lake.
In November 2006 and early January 2007 the lake was stocked with half a ton of 'Royale' strain Carp, from 20lbs to over 40lb's, supplied by premier french fish dealer Simon Horton. These These big framed fish, mostly mirrors, are gorgeous specimens and have already made huge weight gains in their first year. We now have a good head of mid 30’s and 40’s.
In January 2007 6 catfish were introduced, including 3 x 30lb'ers and one of 42lb.The Cats have settled in very well and have put on 1lb a month since their stocking. The largest in the lake is now over 50lb.
Original Fish Stocks
Sweet Chestnut Lake has not been emptied for over 20 years and currently supports a healthy range of fish species. These include original Carp, Tench, Pike, Zander, Chub, Perch, Roach, Pumpkinseed and wild Trout. The lake is free of Poisson Chat and problem Crayfish.
The lake contains at least 150 original carp, probably quite a few more. These are predominantly commons and some of the specimens may be over 35 years old. In late Spring 2007 we counted 145 originals basking in the sun on the surface of the lake. The biggest carp recorded from the original stock is a 30lb 13oz mirror to a Dutch angler. The majority of these fish are doubles but some long lean 20lb+ mirrors and commons were banked in 2007 by our customers.
With favourable weather conditions and good angling they are very much a ‘Runs Water’with plenty of carp of all sizes.
ACCOMMODATION.
The apartment itself is contained within the main house and has recently been refurbished and decorated to a high standard. It is a spacious self-contained, first floor open-plan apartment with a small well equipped kitchen,including a larder fridge, separate bedroom* and en-suite bathroom with English toilet and shower.
The accommodation is situated on the lake side, less that 10 metres from the water’s edge. Access is by way of an external stairway with a small viewing balcony and french doors to the living/dining area.
Outside the apartment exclusive to our guests, there is a lovely area with a stone barbeque, table, chairs and parasol, ideal for sitting out and relaxing. Below this, accessed by natural steps, on the lake’s edge, is a hardstanding which can also be used and you can even fish from here if you like.
The Fishery The fishery is primarily run as a fly and survive or a drive and survive venue with anglers sleeping in the bivvies provided. The lake size ideally lends itself to exclusive use, for parties of 3 to 4 carp anglers fishing at any one time. Rods, Pods, Double-bivvies, Bedchairs, Chairs, Landing-nets, Unhooking-mats, Weigh-slings, Scales, Stoves, Water Container and Insulated Mugs are included in the package. Bait, including boilies, pellets and freshly prepared particles are available on site.
All our guests will have exclusive use of the apartment and facilities and we can on request provide a fully made up double bed in the bedroom of the apartment at an additional charge. A food package is also available if required:
Breakfast: choice of full English or continental Lunch: choice of filled baguettes or sandwiches Evening Meal: two courses - freshly cooked dishes from the menu Coffee, tea and water included All meals can be delivered to your swim or served in the apartment.
For Booking enquiries, and up to date info about Sweet Chestnut Lake Fishing Holidays Please visit the official web site at:
La Combe 24620 Les Eyzies France tel. : +33.(0)5.53.35.56.27 mob. : +33.(0)6.83.29.59.45 e-mail : bvranken@aol.com
0 30.01.1961 St. Amandsberg Belgium
Degrees in Prehistory, History, Art-history and Philosophy (Chicago Art Institute – U.S., Rijksuniversiteit Gent – Belgium, Universite de Bordeaux 1 – France).
“Guide Interprete National” Prehistory, History, Art-history, Licence-card no : G.N. 02.24.09 Archeology, Architecture, Landscapes, Nature. Guide, Interpreter, Lecturer. Independent and autonomous : Nederlands, English, no URSSAF : 240 266393362 Francais, Deutsch. no SIRET : 389 314 360 00022
Duration, means of transport, themes and sites of your excursion can be customized to your wishes.
Ref. :“Finally, my particular thanks to historian Bart Vranken for his invaluable insights, and for his companionship while tramping through little-known and neglected ruins of the Perigord.” Michael Crichton, in “Timeline” : Acknowledgments, p. 446.
We specialize in web sites for the Dordogne region. We know how extremely difficult it is to get your name or business onto the search engines. We do not just design web sites, we help you get your site seen by potential customers from around the world.
Designing a web site is the easiest part, getting people to find your site amongst the more than 92 Billion!! (indexed by google in 2006) sites can be tricky and very expensive. I have designed more than 20 Dordogne related sites to help advertise your web site after it has been launched.
Let Dordogne Design put you on the web, can you afford not to?
Here are some stats that show the importance of a web site:
Key facts and figures from 1 March 2007
Over 3.1 million tourists
Average length of stay (all accommodation): 10 days
Representing almost 31 million nights’ accommodation
A direct turnover of at least 980 million euros
Over 6,000 permanent jobs in tourism (6900 in July & Aug.)
Tourism in the Dordogne represents over 31% of the local economy
More facts and figures.
77% booked part of their vacation online. (airline, ferry, rental car etc)
93% of visitors researched the area online before visiting.
71 % of visitors booked accommodation online
5 years ago, these figures would have all been below 30%, and 10 years ago they would have all been below 3%, however, in 3 year time they will ALL be above 90%
These figures show the importance of a web site, and no one can design, host, advertize and optimize your dordogne related site better than Dordogne Design . Dordogne Design, owned by de Paulus who knows how to put the Dordogne and your site / buisness on the web. With more than 20 Dordogne related web sites that are already high on the mayor Search Engines list are ready to advertise your site. Advertising a site designed by Dordogne Design on all our parent sites is FREE, saving you hundreds of Euro's, and focusing only on the Dordogne which will attract only people that are searching for Dordogne related sites.
Dordogne Design does not design web sites for a living, which means the prices are as low as you will ever find, and your web site is a de Paulus Project, which means he will always be there for you whenever you need help or advice. Get in touch with Dordogne Design and see what they can do for you... Can you afford not to?
Wherever you are in the Dordogne, you will be near a Museum
Atelier Musee des Tisserands et de la Charentaise Contained within the Castle of Varaignes, this working weaving museum and the museum of the Bandiat - Tardoire valleys offers a glimpse of local life in the 19th century. Located at Varaignes. Tel: 05 53 56 35 76
Ateliers Musee A mineral and gem stone museum found at the foot of the Castelnaud Castle. Located in Vezac. Tel: 05 53 28 35 78
Chateau de Beynac et Cazenac The Beynac and Cazenac Castle occupies a dominant position on the rocky cliffs overlooking the Dordogne river. Reconstructed by Lord Beynac it's architecture dates from the 13th century. Tel: 05 53 29 50 40
Chateau de Biron The Biron Castle dates from the 12th century. It was one of the 4 Perigord baronies and owned by the Gontaut-Biron family for 8 centuries. Located in Biron near Monpazier. Tel: 05 53 63 13 39
Chateau de Bourdeilles Features a fortress from the 13th - 15th centuries. Offers an interesting collection of cupboards, carpets, wardrobes from the 16th and 17th centuries. Open throughout the year. Located near Brantome. Tel: 05 53 03 73 36
Chateau de Bruzac The ruins of the Bruzac Castle can be found between st Pierre de Cole and St Jean. Tel: 05 53 03 70 74
Chateau de Castelnaud This reconstructed castle overlooks the Dordogne and faces the Chateau Marqueyssac. Built in the 12th century the Castle experienced British rule from 1259 -1273. See website for more details (in French). Tel: 05 53 31 30 00
Chateau de Chabans The Chabans Castle has been owned by some of the most prominent families of Dordogne. The castle dates back to the 15th century. It played a role in the Resistance movement when Jacques Chaban-Delmas took his "nom de guerre" from the castle. Tel: 05 53 51 70 60
Chateau de Duras Castle dated from the middle age offers an architecture mixing middle-age and the 18th century. Located in Duras, Lot et Garonne (47). Tel: 05 53 83 77 32
Chateau de Fenelon At Ste. Mondain between Sarlat and Soillac (24). An opportunity to visit a furnished Chateaux with it's antique furniture and historical architecture. Pets are not permitted. Tel: 05 53 29 81 45Fax: 05 53 29 88 99
Chateau de Fratteau The Fratteau Castle dominates domain of the new prison. Built in the 12th and 17th century it has preserved chimneys from the 15th and 16th century. Now also home to potters. Located at the exit of Neuvic sur l'Isle. Tel: 05 53 81 11 02
Chateau de Hautefort A classical castle built in the 9th century on a rocky spur. It once belonged to the viscounts of Limoges and features the Long Tower, The Palm Tower and The Prison Tower. Located in Hautefort. See website for more details. Tel: 05 53 50 51 23
Chateau de Jumilhac le Grand The castle was originally built in the 13th century and used to act as a line of defence during many incursions. Well known for its unique roofs that were built around the 1600's. Located at Jumilhac Le Grand. Tel: 05 53 52 42 97
Chateau de L'Herm The Herm Castle was built at the end of the 15th century but was abandoned. Today it is going through a period of restauration. See website for details. Located at Rouffignac Saint Cernin de Reilhac. Tel: 05 53 05 46 61
Chateau de Lanquis A combination of architectural styles from palatial renaissance to a medieval fort created this elegant chateau. Well know for its chimneys. Open all year except from 15 January to 15 February. Tel: 05 53 63 65 00
Chateau de Mareuil The Mareuil Castle formed one of the four baronies of Perigord. Owned by the Talleyrand family, it comprised an effective defensive system. A visit to the castle takes one back to the 100 year war and is an excellent tribute to Napoleon. At Mareuil. Tel: 05 53 60 99 85
Chateau de Monbazillac This 26th century chateau is home to a museum dedicated to wine-making, arts and local traditions, 17th century perigord furniture and protestanism. The 4 ha parc is open to the public. Open throughout the year. Call for times. Tel: 05 53 63 65 00
Chateau de Montfort The Montfort castle has been razed to the ground 4 times. Once in 1254 by Simon of Montfort, once during the 100 year war, once under Louis the 11th and finally under Henry the 4th. Restauration work has been underway since the 19th century. Tel: 05 53 28 57 80
Chateau de Neuvic The Neuvic Castle was built in 1520 along the banks of the Isle. The architecture shows the transiton from Medieval Time to the Renaissance. Located at Neuvic sur l'Isle. Tel: 05 53 80 86 65
Chateau de Puyferrat The Puyferrat Castle was built in the 16th century and features a totally covered walkway that offers a panoramic view onto the neighbouring countryside. A chapel that hosts the family vault was built in 1825. Located near St Astier. Tel: 05 53 07 86 26
Chateau de Puyguilhem The Puyguilhem Castle was built during the First Renaissance and is a fine example of a Francoise 1st castle. See website for more details. Located near the village of Villars.
Chateau de Puymartin The Puymartin Castle is be found between Sarlat and Les Eyzies. Occupied by the English in 1358 the castle has managed to preserve its furniture, carpets, paintings and other works for over 5 centuries. Tel: 05 53 59 29 97
Chateau de Sanxet Located 3km west of Monbazillac, they offer a prestige car museum. They also rent rooms for receptions. Tel: 05 53 58 37 46
Chateau de Sauveboeuf 16th Century castle, classified as a national monument. Displays a Louis the 18th style. Located in Aubas near Montignac. Tel: 05 53 51 89 46
Chateau des Bernadiers Built on the side of a rocky slope around a high tower with views dominating Nizonne. This castle was no stranger to the 100 year war. The counts d'Aydie increased the castle and built terraces. Located at Champeaux et la Chapelle Pommier. Tel: 05 53 60 38 59
Chateau des Bories Constructed on the banks of a river, the Bories Castle is an example of pure classical Perigourdian architecture. The castle dates from the 15th century. Located at Antonne et Trigonant near Perigueux. Tel: 05 53 06 00 01
Chateau des Milandes At Castlenaud-la-Chapelle. A French chateau located in the heart of the Dordogne countryside with an exhibition relating to the life of Josephine Baker. There is also wildlife to discover on the castle grounds. Tel: 05 53 59 31 21Fax: 05 53 29 17 33
Chateau et Jardins de Losse At Thonac (24). An opportunity to discover this 15th century castle and gardens of Losse.Take a tour around the moat and renaissance hall, which exhibit fine 16th & 17th century tapestries. Tel: 05 53 50 80 08Fax: 05 53 50 80 08
Chateau l'Eveque Located on the D939 north of Perigueux. The Bishops Castle was where Saint Vincent de Paul was ordained priest in the 1600's. Tel: 05 53 04 66 84
Chateau Saint Michel de Montaigne The Montaigne Castle dates back to the 15th century. This is where Saint Michael wrote his famous essays from. Located at Saint Michel de Montaigne. Tel: 05 53 58 63 69Fax: 05 53 58 63 93
Chateau Varaignes It's facade boasts a mix of Medieval and Renaissance styles from the 13th and 16th century. The village bought the castle in 1965 and won an award for the restoration of the castel. Located in Varaignes. Tel: 05 53 56 35 76
Cloiture des Recollets The House of Wine on Quai Salvette in Bergerac. This 17th century "Cloiture" exhibits the historical link between Bergerac wine and the history of Bergerac. Open June to September. Tel: 05 53 63 57 55
Ecomusee de la Noix Walnut farm and museum located in the heart of the Perigord noir region. Documentary film in English shown. There is also a shop selling the local farm produce from walnut cakes to walnut wine. Tel: 05 53 59 69 63Fax: 05 53 28 59 34
Ecomusee de la Truffe Contains plenty of information regarding truffles. Located at Sorges. Tel: 05 53 05 90 11
Institute du Tabac A tobacco research institute that has an extensive collection of different types of tobacco products. The institute opens its doors to the public in the summer. Located at Domaine de la Tour on route de Sainte-Alvére in Bergerac. Tel: 05 53 63 66 00
Le Musee Costi A collection of works by the Greek sculptor Constantin Papachristopolous. Exhibited in a 12th century crypt in the Saint Jacques presbytery in Bergerac. Ask at the Mayor's office for more details. Tel: 05 53 74 66 66.
Le Musee du Perigord On Cours Tourny, Perigueux. An interesting presentation of fine arts and french archeology. There is also a zoological section. Tel: 05 53 06 40 70Fax: 05 53 06 40 71
Le Musee du Thot The Thot Museum comprises an animal park and an exhibition centre. In the park one can see species of animal that closely resemble those that historically could be found there. Located at Thonac. Tel: 05 53 50 70 44
Musee Atelier du Trompe-L'Oeil et du Decor Paint The Trompe-L'Oeil and Decorative Paint Museum is unique in Europe. It is possible to see demonstrations of work in progress. Located at 5 rue Emile Combes in Perigueux. Tel: 05 53 09 84 40
Musee d'Histoire Locale The local history museum in Villefranche de Lonchat contains portraits, costumes and more. Located at Villefranche de Lonchat near Saint Michel de Montaigne. Tel: 05 53 81 21 39
Musee de Cognac A museum dedicated to manufacturing Cognac. The process is clearly explained and the tools clearly displayed. Located in St Aulaye. Tel: 05 53 90 81 33
Musee de l'Or Located in the basement of the Castle of Jumilhac le Grand. The museum takes one back to Gaul times when gold was mined in the region. Tel: 05 53 52 55 43
Musee de la Carte Postale Ancienne du Perigord The Historical Postcards Museum of Perigord offers more than 33 000 exhibits. Founded by Henry Brives. Located at Saint Pardoux la Riviere. Tel: 05 53 60 76 10
Musee de la Ferblanterie Offers more than 1000 white & galvanised iron exhibits dating from the 18th century till today. At La Tour Blanche near Riberac. Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
Musee de la Medicine This medical museum in Hautefort, is housed in what was known as a poorhouse that housed local destitutes. The building was finished in 1740 and now hosts the tourist office, a weavers workshop and the medicam museum. See website for more details. Tel: 05 53 50 40 27
Musee de la Paleontologie et de la Vie Sauvage Includes 3000 articles of paleonthology covering 700 million years. The Musee de la Vie Sauvage boasts more than 1000 stuffed exhibits. Open June to September. Located at 9 rue de la Republic in La Bugue sur Vezere. Tel: 05 53 08 28 10
Musee de la Pierre Taillee This sculptured stone museum displays stomes from the Paleothique and Neolithique periods. Tel: 05 53 60 99 85
Musee de la Prehistoire. Offres visitors an original projection room amongst the rocks. Offer various examples of sculptured rocks and Magdalenian art. Located at Teyjat. Tel: 05 53 56 30 29
Musee de la Speleologie The museum of potholing features a display of potholing tools, the history of potholing and information about the way caves are formed. Open June to September. Located at Tayac near Les Eyzies. Tel: 05 53 06 97 15
Musee des Arts et Traditions Populaires The Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions in Mussidan assembled this collection of artifacts from yesteryear including furniture and other objects. Tel: 05 53 81 23 55
Musee des Records Situated in the "salle polyvalent", it offers a light hearted history of the songs that featured for the town's annual August festival. Located at La Tour Blanche near Riberac. Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
Musee des Records Situated in the "salle polyvalent", it offers a light hearted history of the songs that featured for the town's annual August festival. Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
Musee des Rois d'Araucanie The Museum of the King of Araucanie celebrates Antoine de Tounens who left for Patagonia in 1860 where he declared himself king. He was expelled by the Chilean police in 1860. Medals and official documentation are on show. Located in Chourgnac near Sorge Tel: 05 53 51 12 76
Musee du Foie Gras Discover how geese and ducks are raised, how "Foie Gras" is processed and learn about how to prepare it. At place de Marechal Foch, Thiviers, Dordogne (24). Tel: 05 53 55 12 50
Musee du Suaire The relic of St Suaire is to be found in the Cadouin Abbey. Built in 1115, the abbey has recently been declared a world heritage site. Located in Cadouin. Tel: 05 53 63 36 28
Musee du Tabac A tobacco museum located at Place du Feu in Bergerac. Displays a large selection of tobacco paraphernalia. Open in season. Tel: 05 53 63 04 13
Musee du Ver a Soie An interesting and educational silkworm museum. Located at Saint Just near Riberac. Tel: 05 53 90 73 60
Musee du Vin de la Tonnellerie et de la Batellerie A museum dedicated to the making of wine barrels and related objects. Located at 5 rue des Conferences in Bergerac. Tel: 05 53 57 80 92
Musee Eugene le Roy To be found in the old Saint Jean l'Evangeliste Hospital. It is dedicated to the writings of Eugene Le Roy who died in the city in 1907. Displays his writings, photos, clothing and other souvenirs. Located in Montignac. Tel: 05 53 51 82 60
Musee Fossiles The Fossil Museum features a 5.5m high and 11m long metalique sculpture of a Tyrannosaurus-Rex amongst other exhibits. Located in Peyzac le Moustier near Montignac. Tel: 05 53 50 81 02
Musee Gallo Romain Vesunna At Rue 26eme RI, Perigueux. Conceived by Jean Nouvel, this museum presents one of the most significant archeological remains in Aquitaine. Tel: 05 53 53 00 92
Musee Militaire du Perigord The Perigord Military Museum is at 32 Rue des Farges, Perigueux. Presents over 13000 pieces on French military history. Tel: 05 53 53 47 36
Musee Napoleon An opportunity to visit the Museum of Napoleon and to view his family history. Situated within the grounds of Chateau de la Pommerie in the heart of Cendrieux, Dordogne (24). Tel: 05 53 03 24 03Fax: 05 53 03 22 39
Musee National de Prehistoire Offers an extremelly comprehensive and chronologically ordered exhibition covering the Paleolithic period. Located at Les Eyzies. Tel: 05 53 06 45 45Fax: 05 53 06 45 55
B&B Ferme de Tayac. Lovely B&B in a 12th Century former farmhouse / monastery situated ideally in the hart of the Vezere Valley and just 5 minutes from Les Eyzies, the Prehistoric Capital of the World http://www.fermedetayac.com/