Our French Cottage
Our holiday home in the DordognePérigord
Location & Activities
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Perigord Tourist Office information Brochure (Online)
Tourist Office Walking Tour of Excideuil (English)
EXCIDEUIL, DORDOGNE - TRAVEL GUIDE
The house is adjacent to the 13th century Knights Templar Commandery in Excideuil France. Dating back to the 1700’s, this tranquil residence offers a wealth of features including shuttered doors and windows, exposed beams and stonework. Stone built under a tiled roof the residence has been renovated. A custom designed upgraded kitchen will be installed in May of 2016. The home also features a modern fitted bathroom, a renovated half bath, central heating and double glazing to bedrooms floor. An extra bonus is the pretty walled garden; a rare feature for this centrally located residence and two impressive double bedrooms one containing an adjacent office/lounge suite.
Excideuil is in the northern part of the Dordogne region, about 30
kilometres south of Jumilhac and 15 kilometres from Hautefort. It is a
small and interesting medieval market town, with good road links. Ideal
for exploring The Dordogne and its neighbouring regions of South and Mid
France. With easy travel from the UK, the nearest airport is Limoges; a
50 minute drive South to Excideuil. Alternative airports are Bergerac or
Bordeaux then by train or road to Excideuil.
The central location means easy walking to all amenities, restaurants, post office, banks, bakery, cafés, butcher, newsagent, Catholic church and schools. The vibrant market on a Thursday provides a variety of local produce and attracts many visitors.
Parking is easily available to the immediate rear and in the main town square, with its impressive 12th century gothic church of St. Thomas and fountain, just feet away from the property. A short walk beyond the local hotel, Hostellerie Du Fin Chapon, the impressive Chateau d’Excideuil is found. This castle is famous for repelling King Richard the Lionheart during the 100 years war. The hospital in the town, once a convent, is reputed to be one of the oldest buildings in the Dordogne dating from the 12th century.
AttractionsCootage Brochu
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BRANTOME
This city is known as the "Venice of the Dordogne" - Brantome has a excellent mix of medieval and renaissance architecture to admire and is classed as one of 'les Plus Beaux Detours' in France. The Benedictine Abbey on the river's edge is superb along with the old stone bridge.
Canoes can be hired at Brantome for a relaxing glide along the river (a favourite with adults and children). Brantôme market day is Friday.
HAUTEFORT
Forty kilometers east of Périgueux, Hautefort has one of the most prestigious châteaux in Dordogne and indeed South-West France. Overlooking the Auvézère Valley and Hautefort village it is a truly grand chateau with two wings each terminating in a round tower. The chateau is surrounded by impressive French style formal gardens. The Chateau de Hautefort contains an impressive collection of 17th century paintings and tapestries.
JUMILHAC
Not far from Thiviers, you will find the beautiful castle of Chateau de Jumilhac. Jumilhac is found in a lovely picturesque setting. The especially noteworthy feature here is the roofs - an extravaganza of towers and turrets that has led Jumilhac to be described as having the most romantic roofs in France. The interior of the building follows much the same romantic theme, and features some ornately decorated rooms.
MONTIGNAC
This very pretty village on the Vézère River is most famous for being home to the Lascaux Caves (and Lascaux II caves). The Lascaux Caves really are worth a visit, the paintings are absolutely fabulous.
As well as the caves Montignac itself is well worth a visit. At at the end of July the town is host to the Festival of Folklore de Montignac.
The villages of Saint Amand de Coly and Saint Leon sur Vezere are two of France's classified most beautiful villages and the charming Chateau de Losse are not far.
PERIGUEUX
Perigueux - the 'capital' of the Dordogne is centrally located in the Dordogne. Many miles from the Dordogne River, it is actually found on the Isle River.
The rich history of the city has certainly left its mark. From Roman times, you can see the Vesone Tower and the remains of the amphitheatre, and the Chateau Barrière dates from the early middle ages. Saint-Etienne church (once a cathedral) dates largely from the 16th century when it was reconstructed, although parts of the earlier church on the same site can still be seen.
ST JEAN DE COLE
St Jean de Cole has been officially classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France (les plus beaux villages de France). A charming village with ochre coloured half-timbered houses and lovely tiled roofs. The river Cole runs along one edge of the town and you can stop and admire it from the lovely little humpbacked bridge or the small river beach below.
The village square is flanked on one side by the XVth century Chateau de la Marthonie and on the other side by the Romanesque Byzantine church of St Jean Baptist built in the XIIth century and with a quite unusual rounded shape.
THIVIERS
Thiviers is a pretty, active town that has seemingly remained unchanged with the passing years. Above all, Thiviers prides itself on its local speciality - foie gras - and the other local products such as walnuts and truffles.
Thiviers has a lively market which takes place on a Saturday morning. This town also is has a railroad station.
CASTELNAUD-LA-CHAPELLE
The Chateau de Castelnaud, officially listed as a Historic Building in 1966, stands high over the Dordorgne valley, with magnificant views of the chateaux of Beynac and Marqueyssac and the medieval village of La Roque-Gageac. Find out more about this special place at http://www.castelnaud.com/uk/
LIMEUIL
At the confluence of the Dordogne and Vezere Rivers, Limeuil offers canoeing, a river beach, and a pretty little village that is well worth exploring. Indeed the village is classified as one of "the most beautiful villages of France".
These are just some of the special towns & villages to visit. A little further afield you will find the beautiful towns of SARLAT, Les Eyzies, La Roque Gageac and Le Bugue.
Restaurants
Excideuil
Hostellerie Fin Chapon. A variety of menus from light meals to four course ‘a la carte’.
LePatio Cafe. Offering a variety of items on their menu. Ourdoor patio in the back. Look out for their specials.
Gaillard Gourmand. A friendly stop for a great cup of coffee along with a pastry.
La Roulotte a Pizzas - Anlhiac - About 10 minutes from Excideuil
Climate
The Dordogne is a transitional area with regard to climate. The winters are usually mild and the summer temperaturesare on average 7 degrees higher compared to northern Europe. Temperatures differ by region. The position of the valleys, the rimpeling of the valleys, the profile and the sun's altitude towards the hills, the open environments, woods and lakes create specific areas with different weather. The best months for a visit are May and June, because the days can be then already deliciously warm. But also September and October are excellent months for a visit. If it is in the morning still misty and it brightens up later you see the surroundings on its best! Recently summers have been relatively warm: 30-35 degrees. Thunderstorms are common, especially in the Vézère valley and the south west of the province. From time to time showers occur which disappear just as rapidly as they appeared.
* Selected photos provided by Karen Morgan