As promised, I’ve finally had the time to put together a little piece about last weeks mini mini break to The Dordogne, France. Due to work and Covid it was literally a whistle stop tour with a difference – we thought we would try house hunting! But in my true Blondie Abroad style I managed to slip in a few tourist sights, because it’s not a holiday with sightseeing is it!
How To Get There?
Get yourself a ticket for Europes amazing network of railways. Not only are they very reasonably priced, they actually run on time!
Perigueux
This is where we based ourselves as we had heard not only was it very pretty but there would be plenty of places to eat. And I love eating out when we go abroad! Say no to cooking, especially when your apartment was over 30 degrees with broken aircon!
Walking along the pretty cobbled streets in the old quarter you will come across markets, local shops selling cheese, bread, meats and lovely squares to sit in. The river is just stunning to look at and I found a restaurant boat which looked amazing but sadly we didn’t have time to try it. Maybe next time! There are quirky cafes, a Cathedral, and an abundance of outdoor restaurants (perfect for Covid!) to eat & try the lush wine! Test your French too, mine was a little sketchy as it’s been a while but at least I had a go.
Brantome & La Dronne
This is locally known as France’s Venice, Brantome didn’t disappoint. There is free parking (in the white spaces, not the blue) for up to an hour and half. This is right next to the park with the famous Abbey that leads to the grotto in the cliff. People were really enjoying themselves, some kayaking on the river, others enjoying an ice cream on the lawn. We wandered around the river which literally circles the little town like an island. There are lovely shops in the cobbled streets and numerous places to enjoy a bite to eat or a refreshment. A gem of a last minute find by moi!
Riberac
This is somewhere we were driving through and thought we would stop for a bit. We ended up having lunch in the main square. Every Friday we found out turns in to the biggest local market around and had a fabulous buzz. Obviously there is a pretty Marie, a Town Hall and a Church, staples of every European town.
Chateau Hautefort
I said that I couldn’t possible go to France, (especially not the Dordogne) and not visit at least one Chatea. Therefore I found the nearest one and off we went! The grounds, Chateau and view were magnificent, you could see for miles! See here for more details.
The Beautiful Scenery In Between
Mr C is a patient man, and he had to dig deep on this trip when I was the passenger! Every time he drove I kept asking him to pull over so I could take photographs, I couldn’t stop myself! Here are a few of the views around the Dordogne we passed just driving around! What a beautiful place!
