Our peaceful setting is a nature lover's dream,
but shops and sites are close by. We are on the south side of the
Dordogne River, mid-way between Sarlat and Bergerac, busy market
towns with beautiful medieval hearts.
 The
Dordogne, known as Périgord since Medieval times, is a land
of green valleys, charming honey colored villages perching on forested
hillsides, lazy meandering rivers - a feast for the eye. Ancient
doorways and archways abound, guarding their secrets. The countryside
is dotted with dovecots & drystone huts crowned with "lauzes",
the famous dry stone roofs.
This is Eleanor of Aquitaine
country where troubadours sang in feudal castles. Later, for a century,
site of bitter warfare between English and French Kings. Legacies
of this era are everywhere: vast fortified churches, over 1000 castles
& chateaux, the 'Bastides' - walled towns built by the Kings
to attract settlers.
In these peaceful times,
summer evenings offer a medley of concerts & festivals in the
ancient churches and chateaux. Antique fairs and flea markets are
held under the ancient arcades. Lovely just for a leisurely stroll!
Périgord, with a
pleasant climate and abundant wildlife, became a center of human
culture already in pre-history. Early man has left the region with
some of Europe's oldest art treasures, the 20,000-year-old cave
paintings of Lascaux near Montignac, Font de Gaume near Les Eyzies
and many others. Spectacular caverns such as the 'Gouffre de Proumeyssac'
and 'Grotte du Grand Roc' contain stunning natural rock formations
formed over millions of years in a seemingly infinite variety.
 Who
could pass up the local cuisine and wine?! Rich 'paté de
Foie Gras', the famous 'Confit' of duck or goose and the 'black
diamonds' of Périgord, truffles, are among the local culinary
traditions. Lively country markets offer fresh produce, cheeses,
wine, homemade specialties. The world-renowned St. Emilion and Bordeaux
vineyards are a short drive away. The Bergerac area next door has
tasty red, white and rosé wines. Monbazillac is a luscious
sweet wine alternative to Sauternes.
For outdoor enthusiasts,
there is canoeing, biking, horseback riding, tennis and golf, hiking,
jogging. A major walking path goes right past our house. ULM and
balloon rides are becoming more popular.
The perfect place for the vacation of your dreams!
contact info@cantegrive.com
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