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

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...

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.