Discover Our Region
Welcome to the heart of France where the Dordogne, Lot, and Corrèze regions meet. Our location offers the perfect base to explore some of France's most beautiful villages, historic châteaux, and renowned gastronomy. Every day brings a new adventure from Michelin-starred restaurants to traditional markets, prehistoric caves to medieval fortresses.
Gastronomy
Our region shines with its exceptional local specialities. Every season brings culinary treasures from the prized black truffles and delicate Rocamadour cheese to our renowned foie gras and duck dishes. Local produce includes sweet strawberries, fresh walnuts and their golden oil, and an abundance of seasonal mushrooms. If you're on the hunt for superb produce and seasonal wonders, you're exploring the perfect region – one where gastronomy isn't just about food, but a way of life.
Michelin-Starred Dining
Le Trois Soleils de Montal - Chef Frederik Bizat creates inventive seasonal cuisine, offering creative interpretations of local ingredients. (40 minutes)
Château de la Treyne - Chef Stéphane Andrieux masterfully celebrates the fundamentals of Quercy and Périgord cuisine in a spectacular riverside setting. (35 minutes)
Cueillette, Altillac - Chef Oscar Garcia crafts exceptional dishes combining modern techniques with local ingredients. (20 minutes)
Traditional Restaurants
L’Auberge du Vieux Port Gagnac (5 Mins) Traditional locally produced family owned.friendly welcome restaurant.
Le Bistro de Bacchus, Saint Cere (20 mins)
Le Bistro Puymule, Saint Cere (20 mins) Beautiful setting, Bistrot style food attention to detail, and lovely owners.
Food Festivals & Markets
Throughout the year, our region celebrates its rich culinary heritage with festivals and markets:
May - Fête de la Fraise in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
Celebrate our famous strawberries with local producers, cooking demonstrations, and the creation of a giant strawberry tart.
June - Fête du Fromage in Rocamadour
A celebration of the renowned Rocamadour cheese and regional dairy products.
October - Fête de la Châtaigne in Beynat
Annual chestnut festival featuring roasted chestnuts and traditional music.
December-February - Marchés aux Truffes
Experience the excitement of truffle season at local markets.
Weekly Markets
• Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (Wednesday & Saturday) - Riverside market known for strawberries and local produce
• Saint-Céré (Saturday & Tuesday) - Large market with regional producers
• Bretenoux (Tuesday & Saturday) - Traditional market in the medieval square
• Argentat (Thursday) - Picturesque market along the river
• Martel (Wednesday & Saturday) - Famous for walnuts and truffles in season
Plus Beaux Villages
Our region boasts some of France's most beautiful villages:
• Collonges-la-Rouge - The "Ruby of Corrèze" with its striking red sandstone buildings
• Turenne - Perched on a limestone cliff with panoramic views
• Carennac - Remarkable Romanesque architecture and riverside setting
• Autoire - Known as the "Little Versailles of Quercy"
• Loubressac - Fortified village with golden stone houses
• Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne - The "Riviera of Corrèze"
Historic Châteaux
Our region is dotted with magnificent castles, each telling its own story:
• Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux (15 min)
Impressive red-brick fortress overlooking the Dordogne Valley, featuring remarkable architecture and furnished period rooms.
• Châteaux de Curemonte (25 min)
Unique village featuring three medieval castles: Saint-Hilaire, Plas, and Johannie, offering a fascinating glimpse into medieval noble life.
• Château de Turenne (30 min)
Once the seat of the powerful Viscounts of Turenne, offering panoramic views over five French departments.
• Château de Saint-Laurent-les-Tours (20 min)
Medieval fortress with four imposing towers, housing Jean Lurçat's studio and tapestry collection.
• Château de Montal (20 min)
Beautiful Renaissance château known for its elegant architecture and sculptural decoration.
Caves & Natural Wonders
Explore the mysterious underground world and natural beauty of our region:
• Gouffre de Padirac (35 min)
France's most spectacular cave system features an underground river and boat journey 103 meters below ground.
• Grottes de Lacave (30 min)
An impressive network of caves accessed by electric trains, showcasing remarkable crystalline formations.
• Grottes de Presque (25 min)
Notable for its unique calcite formations and eccentric stalactites that seem to defy gravity.
Magnificent Waterfalls
• Cascade d'Autoire (20 min)
One of the region's most spectacular waterfalls, plunging 30 meters down dramatic red cliffs. Enjoy the circular hiking trail for stunning viewpoints.
• Cascades de Murel (35 min)
Series of enchanting waterfalls in a lush valley setting, perfect for summer walks.
• Cascade de Vieyres (30 min)
Hidden gem offering peaceful walks and perfect picnic spots.
Summer Cultural Festivals
July and August bring an exceptional program of cultural events:
• Souillac en Jazz (July)
International artists perform in historic venues throughout Souillac.
• Festival de Saint-Céré (July-August)
Prestigious lyric art festival bringing opera and classical music to extraordinary venues.
• Ecaussystème - Gignac (Late July)
Eco-friendly music festival combining contemporary music with environmental awareness.
• Théâtrales de Collonges-la-Rouge (July-August)
Theatre festival against the stunning red stone backdrop.
• Festival de la Vézère (July-August)
Classical music in historic châteaux and churches.
• Festival de Musique Sacrée de Rocamadour (August)
Prestigious sacred music festival in spectacular settings.
Unique Experiences
• Train Vapeur de Martel
Journey on this historic steam train through the spectacular Dordogne Valley. The 13km route offers breathtaking views from viaducts and tunnels.
• Les Jardins Sothys
Contemporary garden paradise in Auriac spanning 4 hectares, featuring themed spaces, water gardens, and sensory experiences.
River Activities
The Dordogne River offers wonderful kayaking opportunities:
• Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne Base (20 min)
Perfect for beginners with calm waters and stunning scenery.
• Argentat Routes (25 min)
Longer adventures downstream past medieval bridges and beautiful villages.
• Carennac-Gluges Section (40 min)
Spectacular paddling past clifftop villages and châteaux.
Planning Your Visit
We're happy to help plan your perfect itinerary and make reservations for restaurants or activities. Each season brings its special character to our region, from spring strawberries to winter truffles. Ask us about seasonal events, festivals, and insider tips to make your stay more memorable.