Villas in Dordogne, France

The rugged Dordogne terrain makes for one of nature’s best adventure playgrounds. Here you can get in touch with your wild side, whether that’s paddling down the river in a canoe or going for a refreshing swim in a forest-fringed plunge pool. Hikers will love exploring the trails that crisscross the valley, while climbers can scale the gravity-defying gorges for a bird’s-eye view. For an aerial thrill, take to the skies on a sunrise hot air balloon flight and see the countryside and its castles flooded with amber.

Foodies will be in seventh heaven sampling the flavours of this delectable region. Whether you’re picking up fresh, local ingredients and cooking up a storm in your villa’s kitchen, or people watching from quaint cafés, Dordogne’s gastronomy scene is a treat for your tastebuds! Succulent Quercy lamb, juicy strawberries, and black truffles are firm favourites with locals. You can give these tasty morsels your own stamp of approval at restaurants across the area. Don’t miss the creamy Rocamadour goat’s cheese either, paired with a glass of Coteaux de Glanes wine.

This beautiful region isn’t just about divine food and luxury villas. Dordogne is home to hundreds of castles, with Château de Beynac stealing the show thanks to its dramatic position overlooking the river. On the opposite bank, the imperious Château de Castelnaud vies for your attention with its mighty fortress walls and vast armoury collection. Visiting medieval clifftop villages like Beynac-et-Cazenac will be a highlight too, where historical churches and photogenic streets beckon you onwards.

Villas in Dordogne are popular for many reasons, but one of the main draws is the region’s rich history. Prehistoric cave paintings and troglodyte dwellings reveal that humans inhabited the Dordogne 400,000 years ago, while archaeological sites at Périgueux and Montcaret shine a light on the Roman occupation. Meanwhile, in charming towns like Sarlat and Bergerac you can follow in the footsteps of rebel queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, as well as admire the splendid Gothic and Renaissance architecture.

• Your private pool might be difficult to leave, but you could be tempted out with a spot of wild swimming at Magali Plage or Meyraguet.

• Travel through time in the prehistoric caves of the Vézère Valley and admire the rock art that still holds its colour. Lascaux Cave is the most famous, with nearly 600 Palaeolithic paintings discovered here.

• Hire a canoe and paddle down the tranquil Dordogne River, stopping for picnics on the beaches and exploring the gorges from a new angle.

• Eat your way around the Saturday market in the charming town of Sarlat-la-Canéda, where winding alleyways lead you to stalls selling local honey, cheeses, and pastries.

• Visit the enchanting cliffside village of Beynac-et-Cazenac and stroll up the medieval streets to the castle for unbeatable views over the Dordogne River.