Travel Around The Clock

Located on a hill, on the border between Périgord and Agenais, the castle of Biron is the seat of one of the four baronies of the Périgord (together with Bourdeilles , Beynac and Mareuil). Over the years, this primitive fortress has undergone multiple changes. Each century has left its mark there, giving a particular appeal to this exceptional architectural ensemble.  Chateau de Biron But the Biron Castle is a must-see site in more than one way: not only it is stunningly beautiful in its impressive structure, but it has a long history! It belonged for 8 centuries to the Gontaut-Biron family, which was also one of the 4 baronies of the Périgord. Indeed, the first lord of the castle was called Vital 1er de Gontaut (12th century) and participated in the construction of the building. Many lords and barons have succeeded, but Gaston VI de Gontaut (15th century) and his sons Pons and Armand de Gontaut (15th-16th century) were the most important figures. Chateau de Biron Gaston VI was th...

From rustic cuisine to gourmet meals, the Dordogne is renowned for its tasty traditional cuisine, typical of South-West France, widely appreciated for its simplicity and the great quality of local products. Fruity sweets, natural treasures and good agricultural production colour the weekly markets, delight gourmets and celebrate the richness of this exceptional terroir. Here are some of the most delicious specialties of the Dordogne, that you should absolutely taste while visiting the region! Foie gras Absolute reference in the gastronomy of Périgord, foie gras, both from goose and duck, pan-fried or semi-cooked, is always a delicious temptation. An IGP (French acronym for PGI meaning Protected Geographical Indication) that guarantees and protect the local production, has been obtained in 1992. The majority of the production is carried out from duck, the goose having unfortunately been a little neglected in the years 80's-90's, even if the demand for goose has been slowly maki...

The Chateau de Puyguilhem is located in the northern part of the Dordogne department, near the town of Villars (north-east of Brantome and west of Saint-Jean-de-Cole). The castle is set in an enchanting landscape, with an open valley in front and oak woods, typical of the Perigord region, in the back. Unfortunately, the lake that was once in the valley below the castle, no longer exists, but the view remains very picturesque. Chateau de Puyguilhem Chateau de Puyguilhem It was Pierre Mondot de la Marthonie , a wealthy magistrate from the region and first president of the Parliament of Paris, that acquired the stronghold of Puyguilhem, around 1510. The house was to be the family's second home, as well as a hunting lodge. Thus, he transformed it into a Renaissance residence by deploying a decor of great finesse on popular themes. Abandoned and looted in the 19th century, at the beginning of the 20th century the castle began to fall into ruins. It was then acquired by the State in 19...

Beynac In the heart of the Périgord Noir, in the Dordogne Valley, Beynac-et-Cazenac is one of the “most beautiful villages in France”.  Built on limestone cliffs, it has a unique character, surely more defensive than La Roque Gageac but more open than Domme , with its castle clinging to the cliff and overlooking the entire valley.  Beynac The “magic trio” of Beynac, namely the river, the village and the castle, is somewhat a trademark, which contributes to the reputation of this charming village of just over 500 inhabitants. Beynac The small medieval village of Beynac-et-Cazenac enchants the visitors with its old cobbled streets and squares, its stately chapel which has become the Church of Sainte Marie, its Calvary overlooking the Dordogne and its views of exceptional beauty. Beynac Beynac Beynac Beynac Beynac Walking through the narrow and steep alleys, amidst houses with lauze roofs and blond facades, you can reach the top of the village, from where the imposing Beynac cas...

Domme is one of the prettiest villages in France . Perched on a breathtakingly high cliff overlooking the Dordogne , this Medieval “bastide” or fortified village, is a perfect combination of architectural, natural and gastronomic heritage, typical of the Périgord Noir .  Domme It was the French king Philippe III , called the Bold, who had the idea to found Domme in 1283, in order to gain a strategic position over the Dordogne valley and to thwart the English inclinations.  Endowed with important privileges (it had for example its own currency), Domme played a major role during the Franco-English wars and was the seat of the Sénéchaussée of Périgord Quercy since the 14th century. Still very prosperous, going through the troubles of the reform, Domme resisted the Huguenots and it was not until 1588 that the bastide fell into the hands of Geoffroi de Vivans. The latter will not leave it, driven out by the Catholics, until 1592! Unusually for a bastide town, the village reta...

La Roque-Gageac is one of the most recognizable (and Instagrammed) villages in the Dordogne . Located on the side of a cliff, it seems to have been placed on the edge of the Dordogne by the benevolent hand of a giant.  La Roque Gageac La Roque Gageac With its brimming charm, La Roque Gageac, labeled " most beautiful village in France ", is bathed in a soft light from dawn to dusk and benefits from a peculiar micro-climate. On top of the cliff, the troglodyte fort dominates the village: built in the 12th century to resist invaders from northern France , the fort was then dismantled in the early 18th century to serve as a stone quarry. La Roque Gageac The riches of La Roque-Gageac date back to the Middle Ages, when the impregnable city became the place of refuge for the bishops of Sarlat . Their residence, as well as other vestiges of the same period, are still there, ready to be discovered. Although, the most imposing of them, the castle and its majestic turret, unfortunately,...