A holiday rental to visit the Dordogne

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its castles and prehistoric sites, the Dordogne valley is a place that's hard to ignore when on holiday at Castelwood. Rocamadour, Collonges, Sarlat-la-Caneda, Lascaux... Make up your own mind about these French towns you've been hearing about for years - you won't be disappointed!

A major prehistoric site, the Vézère valley also promises some lovely walks along the water, to discover the castles and villages typical of this part of the Dordogne. A beautiful place to visit at all costs during your holidays in the Dordogne.

Less well known than its neighbour, the Périgord Noir, the Périgord Pourpre nevertheless offers some wonderful surprises, to the south of the Dordogne. Travelling through this part of the Dordogne valley, you'll discover the Bergerac region, a land of bastides and vineyards. Monbazillac, Biron, Bergerac, Beaumont-du-Périgord... many magnificent châteaux can be found in the Purple Périgord. But during your holiday on our estate, you can also visit other charming towns such as Issigeac, Monpazier or Port-Sainte-Foy.

Close to your rental in Castelwood, Biron stands out with a castle combining different eras and charming narrow streets. This unique chateau is owned by the Dordogne and is recognised as a Site Majeur d'Aquitaine and classified as a Monument Historique. What's more, Biron boasts incredible views over the Dordogne Valley!

Monpazier is situated in the Bergerac region, in the heart of the Périgord Pourpre and the Dordogne, not far from our holiday gîte. It's one of the most beautiful villages in France. There's a magnificent bastide that's not to be missed! Mostly pedestrianised, this village promises a lovely walk with a lovely view, and, we assure you, you'll fall in love!

A town of art and history, Bergerac is well worth spending at least a day in, to discover its medieval streets and linger in one of its many attractively priced restaurants. Near your rental property on our estate, follow in the footsteps of Cyrano de Bergerac through this charming town, let yourself be charmed by its unique stone walls and take a trip on the Dordogne in a gabarre. You're in for a real treat. A real taste of the Dordogne!

Known for its Sunday morning market, but also for the beauty of its architecture, don't overlook Issigeac, a charming village just half an hour from Castelwood, in the Périgord Pourpre region of the Dordogne. Good to know, the Issigeac market was crowned the most beautiful market in Aquitaine in 2018 and is one of the most beautiful markets in France - you'll have no trouble visiting it after a good night's sleep in your comfortable holiday rental.

Beaumont-du-périgord is another bastide close to our Castelwood gîte, allowing you to continue your architectural journey in the heart of the Dordogne. The village is also the starting point for many walks, which you can enjoy with your family or friends after a good night's sleep in one of our gîtes.

You could also make a diversion to Lot-et-Garonne during your holidays? The Lot-et-Garonne department is adjacent to the Dordogne, just a short drive from your private rental. You can visit Villeréal, one of France's most beautiful villages, just a few kilometres from Castelwood!

Another département close to the Dordogne is the Lot. We can guarantee that you'll fall under the spell of the Lot valley, which also has some not-to-be-missed places to visit: villages, caves, buildings... and river activities.