The Region

Villefranche Du Perigord

The small town of Villefranche Du Perigord sits almost midway between the river Dordogne to the north and the Lot river to the south.
Both offer spectacular views from hilltop villages and towns, and both offer a great selection of water related activity.
The area is easily negotiated by bicycle, and there are some fabulous hill climbs for the keen cyclist.
The Perigord Noir area of the Dordogne is famous for the gastronomic delicacies of truffles, chestnuts and mushrooms, along with local fine red wine.

Attractions in the region

  • La Foret Villefranche Rocamadour Clifftop village with religious significance (Black Madonna etc). Nearby is La Forêt des Singes
  • La Foret Villefranche St Cirq la Popie Voted one of the most beautiful villages in France
  • La Foret Villefranche Marqueyssac Famous gardens in the Dordogne with topiary
  • La Foret Villefranche Château de Bonaguil 13th century castle - great to wander around the walls

Bastide Towns - Villefranche du Perigord and Monpazier

The area is renowned for its medieval Bastide hilltop towns that were strongholds of both French and English armies in years gone by.
Although La Foret is set in beautiful countryside, we are only 5 a minute drive to Villefranche du Perigord and 20 minutes to Monpazier.
Both are amongst the prettiest bastide towns in the Dordogne, and Monpazier is recognised as the best preserved of these 'Bastide' towns in the whole of France.
The nearby Bastides du Perigord are:

  • Monpazier - 20km
  • Villefranche du Perigord - 5km
  • Beaumont dud Perigord - 36km
  • Beauregard et Bassac - 74km
  • Lalinde- 51km

Other places to visit

In addition to the Bastide towns, there are numerous medieval places to visit, within an hours easy drive.

Towns and markets...

  • La Foret Villefranche - Anthony Bellingan Cahors The Pont Valentré...14th century stone bridge across the Lot
  • La Foret Villefranche - Anthony Bellingan Puy L'Evêque Beautiful riverside town on the Lot river
  • La Foret Villefranche - Anthony Bellingan Markets Village markets (this one in Prayssac) on just about every day of the week
  • La Foret Villefranche - Anthony Bellingan Countryside Sunflowers, vineyards, rivers, forests, gorges...

Domme

The village is perched high on a clifftop with amazing views over the Dordogne valley. Watch the hot air balloons pass below you as you sip a chilled wine on a summer’s evening.

Rocamadour

The town has 7 churches and the whole village is built on the side of a cliff.

Bergerac

This is the nearest big city with an international airport, and some lovely shopping malls. The river Dordogne runs through the centre.

Sarlat le Caneda

Sarlat le Caneda which is about 40 minutes away is probably one of the most popular towns in the area.
It is a beautiful medieval town built in local with stone some wonderful narrow streets, and mouth-watering restaurants. It has a market on Saturdays that is well worth going along to.

Local Markets

Also within 30 minutes of us are several delightful villages, markets, night markets and chateaux.
Market days are held weekly in many of the local villages and provide a great opportunity to see and buy all the local produce including foie gras, walnuts, chestnuts, mushroom, confit duck, sausages, pates, goats cheese, and a huge selection of locally grown vegetables and fruits.

Tourist Information

At La Foret we have a large selection of information on markets, places of interest and activities available locally.