Yet another Visit to the Dordogne in France
It really surprises me that I haven't posted anything about previous trips to the Dordogne, of which there have been many. This trip was just one week and the plan was to just relax.
This time, one of the places we visited was an old favourite - a bastille town called Monpazier, not too far south-east of Bergerac. Founded circa 1284AD, with an interesting British-French history, it comprises a very large square surrounded by cloistered builldings.
Nearby is the Château de Biron, another of our favourites. The first time we stumbled across this, it was a shell that was waiting to be renovated and, having visited twice since, we still loved our original discovery as we felt that we were transported back in time. We didn't visit there on this trip, though.
Amongst a plethora of châteux we've been to in the region, we managed to find a couple of new ones! Just north of Bergerac is the Château de Barriere in Villamblard, which is open to the public and, currently, people can just wander around unsupervised.
The other château we came across was the fascinating Maison Forte de Reignac - a 14th century fort/château built into the rock. Inside there are furnished rooms, historical artefacts with information and, adjacent to the gift shop, is a torture exhibition. The views from the 'balconies' are far-reaching, too.
Another of our favourite places to visit is Limeuil, where two rivers meet - the Vezere joins the Dordogne. Plenty of parking on the edge of this small town, plus a large riverside 'picnic' area and raised gardens with a view of the two bridges which span the two rivers. There are so many other noteworthy places that are worthy of a wander, including: Lalinde, Issigeac and Le Bugue.
There are many more chateaux and
caves to see, some of which we've been to over a few decades, but
there is so much to discover in the Dordogne that a few more trips are
necessary! In the past, some of the places we've visited and enjoyed
include: Beynac-et-Cazenac, La Roque St. Christophe, Gouffre de Padirac -
and so many more.
Comments