Droguerie/Quincaillerie

In the nearby village of Beaumont-du-Perigord there is the most fascinating ‘quincaillerie’. It invites the visitor to step back in time when such hardware shops were a part of country life and where people could find all the necessary paraphernalia from brass tacks to rat traps,cleaning products to fishing gear, paints to firewood baskets.

Recently I read about the ‘droguerie’ which is similar in that it was full of bits and pieces but they were geared towards cleaning, either the house,farm or person and used to have some medicines. Now with the requirement to sell medications through pharmacies they no longer exist and have mutated into general hardware stores.

Chateau Monbazillac

As you leave Bergerac airport in the Dordogne for arrival at our self-catering holiday manor you will see a glorious chateau perched on a hill-top. This is Chateau Monbazillac famed for its sweet wine that is delicious accompanying both pates and desserts. The greatest virtue of the terroir surrounding the chateau is its predisposition to ‘noble rot’. The tasting room is definitely worth a visit!

The Monbazillac cooperative has renovated several rooms for viewing within the chateau and provides a permanent setting for exhibiting current artists’ works so that it also provides for a very interesting half-day trip.

Chateau Biron

Chateau Biron is a very interesting chateau to visit when on holiday in the Dorodgne. The chateau dates from the 12th century and can be seen from the top field at Domaine des Faures. A truly imposing chateau it has a fascinating history and is a lovely way to spend a morning before resting by the pool.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to all from the beautiful Dordogne. The countryside looks wonderful and we are looking forward to greeting our guests at our self-catering holiday villa Domaine des Faures .

Cabicou goat cheese

With the festive season truly in full swing preparing food for entertaining is very much part of our day. The Dordogne produces excellent Cabicou goat cheese and combined with spinach in pastry parcels makes a tasty nibble to accompany drinks.

Walnut tart

The Perigord region is famed for various foods among which are walnuts. Drive through the verdant valleys of the Perigord Noir and you cannot help but be struck by the majestic groves of walnut trees that grace the landscape. The walnut has played a prominent role in the local culture and commerce. At this time of year there is the delight of eating the wonderful walnut tart.

The year of the pine cone

This year I have definitely taken to the pine cone theme as there are so many quick and easy ways to use them in Christmas decorations. Yesterday was again beautiful after a misty, frosty start and the woodland was a delight. Les Faures is always peaceful . I never tire of the place.

Preparations at Les Faures

Preparations for Christmas continue at Les Faures. It’s great to wander through the woods collecting pine cones that smell wonderful and are so versatile. We are enjoying the most glorious December

Decorating for Christmas

Now that we are into December thoughts turn to decorating for Christmas. The bright sunny days makes for very enjoyable walks in the Dordogne countryside collecting greenery and berries.