Chateau de Puymartin

This has to be among one of our favourite chateaux to visit. The history is fascinating and the story of the ‘Lady in White’ is very moving. To see the tiny room where Thérèse de Saint-Clar  was  incarcerated, the ceiling trapdoor from where food was lowered and the site within the walls where she is alleged to have been buried is a poignant reminder of the power of the Marquis de Carbonnier de Marzac.

Puymartin 006

 

Monbazillac

Situated on a hill just outside of Bergerac is the famed Chateau Monbazillac. Not only is the building famous but it has given its name to the wonderful sweet dessert Monbazillac wine much prized and enjoyed. A visit to the chateau followed by wine-tasting makes for an excellent afternoon.

monbazillac_400

Troglodyte Caves

 

La Roque Gageac has a most dramatic setting, situated right beside the river, with many of its houses built directly into the face of the huge cliff that overhangs the village. Above this there are steep steps to incredible troglodyte caves with great views as well as a small botanical garden.

Troglodyte caves at Beynac

Vide Grenier

On Sunday morning there was a ‘vide grenier’ or attic sale in Monpazier. It’s great fun rummaging through baskets of ancient ironmongery, looking at ceramics and glassware and appreciating fine linen. We managed to find some antique flower planters, but more of those later when we have finished the necessary renovations.

Vide Grenier Monpazier 008

 

Tour de Dordogne

The ‘Tour de Dordogne’  cycling race started from Monpazier this year. The outer terrace was a hive of activity preparing the bikes, while the square gradually filled with the various club racers, the gendarme outriders and the spectators. As it was a warm day the cyclists sensibly stayed under the arches ready for the start. There was a really good atmosphere.

Tour de Dordogne 2013 012

Market Squares

Market squares still play a large part in the lives of people down here. Each is unique and beautiful. The Tour de Dordogne cycling race starts today from the Monpazier square at 12.00 noon. Great excitement!

village market place

Land of 1001 Chateaux

Driving round the Dordogne you can easily see how it has come to be called the Land of 1001 Chateaux….. though I doubt if any-one has actually counted them. Some are discreetly hidden and only glimpsed between the trees while other stand proudly on view.

chateau

Quirky shops

In addition to having the fabulous view, Domme is a lively and interesting bastide village. The shops are small but quirky and you will be sure to find something that you believe you can’t live without.

Quirky shop Domme

Domme

Guests are really enjoying their trip to Domme. There is a fabulous view of the Dordogne valley from the top terrace and a very good restaurant where you can relax and enjoy a meal while savouring the scene.

View of Dordogne valley

 

Marche nocturne season

July 1st sees the beginning of the ‘Marche Nocturne’ evenings which are not markets in the traditional sense of the word but evenings where caterers and wine merchants set up their stall and locals and visitors arrive with plates and glasses to buy their evening meal. Long tables are set up by the commune committee and musicians arrive to provide entertainment. People sit with old  friends and make new ones as these evenings are very convivial. They occur one evening each week during the summer season with local villages taking a different evening so that you could dine at one every night of the week!

Marche nocturne

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