The chateau is situated in the heart of the Perigord Noir region of the Dordogne. We are near the beautiful villages of Beynac and La Rocque Gageac and 15km from the historic market town of Sarlat.
There is an excellent bakery ,butcher and small organic supermarket all within 10 minute drive, and a hypermarket in Sarlat for stocking up on essentials. Many of the local villages have street markets (you can find one every day), which are a great place to buy fresh local fruit, vegetables and cheeses.
Getting here
We are two hours drive from the airports of Bordeaux and Toulouse, and one hour from Bergerac. There are direct flights from several UK airports to Bergerac with Ryanair and Flybe. Brive airport, also one hour away, offers daily flights to and from London City Airport
By car, it takes about 8 hours to reach the Perigord Noir from the Eurotunnel, and 6 hours from Paris.
You will need a car during your stay. Car hire is available at all the major airports and in the nearby town of Sarlat.
Things to see and do
We are located just a short drive from the Dordogne river and the famous 'Vallee des Cinq Chateaux' - the Valley of The Five Castles'. Whether you love culture, food, outdoor activities, or just relaxing in the sun, there is so much on offer in the area it is hard to know where to start. Here are a few of our favourites, but we wholeheartedly encourage you just to go out and explore; there are beautiful villages and fabulous views around every corner.
Castelnaud
Beautifully restored 13th century chateau with commanding views over the Dordogne river. Now a fascinating museum of medieval warcraft - a 'must do' for school age children
Beynac
Beynac sits in an amazing cliff top location and makes a slighly strenuous, but rewarding walk up from the charming village at its feet. The castle has been painstakingly restored, and parts of the interior can be visited in summer
Sarlat
One of the jewels of South West France, Sarlat is a beautiful, 14th century town built almost entirely from the golden local limestone (as is Goursac). It is an absolutely charming place to stroll around, lots of little art galleries and food shops to poke your head into, and stunning architecture wherever you look.
Marcqueyssac
The grounds of a chateau (not open to the public) with the best views of the Dordogne valley you will find anywhere, and also the most amazing display of boxwood topiary you will ever have seen. Great for kids too - there is a childrens maze (grown-ups keep out!) helpfully located next to a cafe, 2 play areas, and activity sessions in summer.
On the River
You can either take the relaxing approach, and take a river trip on a 'gabarre', a flat bottomed boat, or take the more active option and rent a kayak (the Dordogne is flat and smooth - a very easy paddle). Either way, highly recommended as a great way to see the castles from a completely different perspective.
Other Sports
Horse riding and bicycle hire are available right on the doorstep. For the more adventurous, hot air balloon rides are available locally, and if the thermals are right, you will have a wonderful view of Goursac from the air (you might even be able to land in our meadow)
The Perigord Noir for Foodies
The Perigord Noir region is a foodie paradise. This is the home of the truffle, of locally pressed walnut oil, of fois gras (somewhat controversially). Less than an hour's drive takes you to the vineyards of the Bergerac wine region, where you can find some real gems that give their more prestigious and expensive cousins in Bordeaux a good run for their money.
We have listed a few of our favourite foodie tips below, but there is so much available locally it is hard to know where to start - as always, our recommendation is to get out and explore, and let us know when you find something fantastic.
Markets
For the local market experience, Sarlat is fun, crowded, lively and very very touristy. Belves on Saturday morning is a better bet if you want a more traditional market experience. There is also a very pleasant market at St. Cyprien on Sunday mornings.
Bakery
There is an excellent bakers shop in Castelnaud, which has recently been taken over by a master ‘patissier’ who makes extraordinarily good cakes. The ‘soie rouge’ is a favourite of ours, but you really have to try them all…..
Meals
There is a caterer in a nearby village who provides reasonably priced, good quality meals for you to eat at home. He also makes excellent fois gras.
Wine
There is a shop selling wines from the region just outside La Roque Gageac. Drive through the village, and keep on going until you think you must have gone too far. You will see the Maison Jouvet on your right. The shop sells regional produce on one side, and wine on the other.