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During your stay in Périgord Inattendu, if you’d like to explore the surrounding area, take your discoveries a little further for a day or a weekend. Just an hour’s drive away, you’ll find some real gems, with listed villages, impressive châteaux and peaceful rivers. At each stop, you’ll be immersed in history, gourmet delights and sometimes even something out of the ordinary.

An enchanting getaway
in the Dronne Valley

This corner of the Périgord Vert, crossed by the River Dronne, offers you a picture-postcard setting, with charming villages, imposing fortresses and bucolic landscapes. And all in just an hour’s drive!

The history and flavours of Bourdeilles

A first stop at Bourdeilles will immediately plunge you into another era. As you look up at its castle perched on a rocky spur, you’ll feel the full force of its history (after all, it’s one of the four baronies of Périgord!). The austere medieval fortress contrasts magnificently with the elegance of the Renaissance palace, where you can take time to admire the perfectly preserved period furniture. Some will quickly become fascinated by the stories of the battles and intrigues that have marked this place, while others will contemplate the splendid view over the valley from the ramparts.

After your visit, we invite you to stroll through the narrow streets of the village, where time seems to stand still. You may be lured by the smell of a dish simmering and push open the door of the local inn. On the menu: mature cabécou, duck breast and sweet tourtière. A real Périgord feast! Settled under a shady arbour, accompanied by the murmur of the river, time stands still.

Brantôme, the Venice of Périgord

As soon as you arrive in Brantôme, you’ll be seduced by the perfect harmony between the town and the river. The stone houses lining the Dronne, the flower-bedecked bridges and the majestic abbey create a peaceful, romantic atmosphere.

There’s no better way to discover this jewel than to hire a canoe. Paddling quietly while admiring the sculpted cliffs and the golden reflections of the facades in the water will be a magical moment. Stretch out in the back and soak up the sun while trying to stay on course!

After this stroll, take a stroll through the narrow streets lined with artisans and galleries, before taking a meditative break in front of thetroglodytic abbey.

From prehistory to the Renaissance in Villars

Another great idea for a walk just an hour from Périgord Inattendu: Villars! Go underground to the village’s incredible decorated cave. As you make your way through the darkness, you’ll discover some fascinating prehistoric paintings, some of the few still visible in Périgord. Just a few metres away, drawings dating back thousands of years tell the story of early man. They’ll send shivers down your spine…

As you emerge into the daylight, head for Puyguilhem, a castle worthy of a fairytale. Its high turrets, elegant mullioned windows and sculpted fireplaces are reminiscent of the finest châteaux in the Loire Valley. Away from the crowds, you can take your time wandering through the vast rooms, imagining the lives of the nobles who once lived here.

A diversion to Saint-Jean-de-Côle, a picture-postcard village

If there’s one village that’s well worth a diversion, it’s Saint-Jean-de-Côle, listed as one of France’s Most Beautiful Villages. When you arrive, you’ll be charmed by its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and medieval stone bridge spanning the river. Thechurch with its octagonal bell tower and flower-filled facades add a touch of softness and authenticity, giving you the impression of stepping back in time.

Enjoy a coffee on the terrace in the small village square, lulled by the surrounding calm and the distant sound of the water flowing under the bridge. A moment suspended in time, perfect for savouring the moment before setting off again to discover new things.

The lovely surprises
of the South Charente

Just a few kilometres from Périgord Inattendu, the southern Charente has some surprising nuggets in store for you. Between heritage and nature, this getaway will allow you to make unexpected discoveries, far from the crowds and at the heart of an authentic region.

The wonders of Aubeterre-sur-Dronne

The first stop is Aubeterre-sur-Dronne, listed as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and a ” Petite cité de caractère”. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be seduced by the steep streets lined with houses with white facades and colourful shutters. But what will impress you most is the underground church of Saint-Jean, an architectural treasure carved directly into the cliff face!

As you enter, you can’t help but be overwhelmed by the immensity of the nave, bathed in subdued light filtering through small openings. The centrepiece of the site is a monumental reliquary carved into the rock. The almost mystical atmosphere of the place will leave a lasting impression on you, and you’ll come away amazed by this architectural feat.

After this fascinating visit, continue your exploration of the village’s lively alleyways, discovering a number of craft shops along the way and a shady square ideal for a short break.

Gurat and its little-known underground church

Curious to discover other hidden treasures? We invite you to take the road to Gurat, a discreet village but home to a site as surprising as it is fascinating: its underground church. Carved into the heart of a small valley, this cave church exudes absolute serenity . The finely sculpted rock walls and the remains of ancient frescoes bear witness to the religious fervour of the monks who once occupied it. Away from the hustle and bustle of tourism, you can enjoy a moment of calm and contemplation, absorbed in the raw beauty of this troglodytic site.

Nature and adventure at the Poltrot base

After all that architectural exploration, it’s time for a breath of fresh air. The Poltrot leisure centre at Nabinaud is perfect! It’s the perfect setting for an energising break from the h ustle and bustle.

There’s a tree-climbing course where you can climb from tree to tree, sometimes with disconcerting ease. Then have fun losing your friends and family in the plant maze. A much more complex challenge than you might think! After these few exhilarating hours, take a break by the river, enjoying the coolness of the site and thefriendly atmosphere. Before setting off again, you can enjoy a meal at the on-site guinguette, where the simple but tasty dishes were the perfect end to a day out in the fresh air.

Journey through
through the ages in Périgueux

For a day out or a weekend near the Périgord Inattendu, Périgueux is also a destination to keep in your diary. For us, it was impossible to miss! Every time we visit, we fall under the spell of its medieval streets, town houses and lively squares. You can visit the Vesunna museum, where you can discover the incredibly well-preserved remains of the Gallo-Roman city, and discover a passion for ancient mosaics.

Continuing your walk, you’ll reach Saint-Front cathedral, whose white domes stand out against the blue sky. Its Byzantine architecture never ceases to amaze. It’s a unique style for a French cathedral!

After a gourmet break on the shady terraces of the old town, you can set off again for the unexpected Périgord, with a diversion to Chancelade. Nestling in a green setting, its thousand-year-old abbey will offer you a moment of tranquillity, perfect to round off a day rich in discoveries. Stroll through its cloister and gardens, bathed in the soft late afternoon light, and enjoy this delightful moment before returning to your rental accommodation.

From the forest of the Double
to the banks of the Isle

Close to the Périgord Inattendu lies the mysterious forest of the Double, a wild expanse where ponds follow one another among oaks and pines. This region, shaped by history and rural traditions, boasts an authentic heritage of traditional trades, collective memory and local delicacies.

Farming traditions and monastic flavours at Échourgnac

The first stop is the Ferme du Parcot, a real window on the rural life of yesteryear. This typical wooden and cob farmhouse will introduce you to the world of the tenant farmers who once lived in the Double. Farming tools, preserved buildings and demonstrations of skills will give you a captivating insight into the daily lives of these inhabitants.

Not far away, theAbbaye Notre-Dame de Bonne-Espérance, inhabited by a community of Trappist nuns, will welcome you in a peaceful atmosphere. The monastic shop is full of products made on site, including the famous cheese matured in walnut liqueur, which you can of course take away with you. A pure delight! With its subtle woody flavour… Mmm… It’s sure to remind you of your escapade when you get home!

Memory and crafts in the Isle Valley

During your stay in Périgord Inattendu, we also recommend a visit to Saint-Étienne-de-Puycorbier, where the Resistance Memorial offers an emotional experience. Perched in the heart of a wooded area, this site pays tribute to the maquisards of Périgord, recounting their involvement in the Second World War. As you explore the explanatory panels and poignant testimonies, you’ll feel the strength and courage of these men and women who left their mark on local history.

Further south, in Beauronne, other emotions await you with… pottery! At the Maison des Potiers, you can learn the ancient techniques of modelling and firing clay. The potters on hand will share their precise gestures and their passion for the craft. You’ll even be able to watch pieces still hot from a traditional kiln.

To finish off this heritage immersion, head for Saint-Martial-d’Artenset, where the perfectly restored Moulin de Duellas offers a gentle interlude along the water. After admiring the gears and mechanism in perfect working order, climb aboard a gabarre for a peaceful ride on the Isle. Gliding down the river, lulled by the lapping sound of the water, will be the perfect way to end this exploration of unspoilt nature and living traditions.

For a day or a weekend, there’s always an exciting destination to discover near the Périgord Inattendu. Whether you’re looking for an escape into history, heritage or nature, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for. We hope this will inspire you to return to Périgord Inattendu. There are so many treasures to discover, whether in the heart of the region or right next door!