THE REGION

Dordogne – land of the 1,001 castles

Dordogne, also known as Périgord, is one of the most popular regions in France. The landscape is characterised by rolling hills, extensive forests, rivers and farmland. The region has a rich history which is visible in its many castles, historic villages and prehistoric sites. Alongside agriculture, viticulture plays an important role, particularly around Bergerac, where a variety of wines are produced. The temperate climate and varied landscape make the Dordogne suitable for walking, cycling and other outdoor activities.

Sainte-Alvère

Sainte-Alvère, which is part of the municipality of Val de Louyre et Caudeau, is famous for its truffle cultivation. Every winter, from late November to late February, a traditional truffle market is organised. It is one of the most important truffle markets in the Dordogne and attracts food lovers, chefs and traders from all over France.

Although Sainte-Alvère is a small village, it offers surprisingly many amenities. In our village you will find two restaurants, two bakers, a health center, a small supermarket, a post office, a hair salon, a pharmacy, an ATM, a garage, a gas station, charging stations for electric cars, a tobacco bar, a coffee shop, a tourist office, a wine bar, and a tea room. The weekly market is held on Monday mornings. On summer evenings (1 x in July and 1 x in August) gourmet markets are organized in the Place du Château: cozy evening markets where you can enjoy various regional dishes. In July, the annual picnic is also held.

Sainte-Alvère is also an excellent base for excursions in the local area and lovely day trips. For example, in Cendrieux, 7 km away, you will find both Le Maquis de Durestal and the Château de la Pommerie, which houses the Napoleon Museum. In the medieval village of Paunat (8 km away) stands the Saint-Martial church, a 12th-century abbey.

There is so much to see and do in the Dordogne that it is impossible to mention everything. Below you will find a selection of the region's places of interest.

Castles & historic villages

• Château de Beynac – approx. 39 km
  an impressive medieval castle on a rock above the Dordogne river.
  
• Château des Milandes – approx. 41 km
  Elegant Renaissance castle that became best known as the former home of singer and resistance heroine Josephine Baker. The lovely gardens are laid out in the French style.
  
• Château de Castelnaud – approx. 42 km
  Castle with a museum of medieval warfare and a wonderful view.
  
• Château de Biron – approx. 47 km
  An impressive complex with nearly 1,000 years of history that combines elements from the Middle Ages, Renaissance and Classical style.
  
• Limeuil – approx. 13 km
  Beautiful village where the rivers Dordogne and Vézère meet.
  
• La Roque-Gageac – approx. 42 km
  A picturesque village built against a cliff, right on the River Dordogne.
  
• Domme – approx. 48 km
  A bastide village with a panoramic view over the Dordogne valley.
  

Caves & prehistory

• Gouffre de Proumeyssac – approx. 18 km
  Impressive cave known for its enormous dome and beautiful stalactite formations.
  
• Grottes de Maxange – approx. 19 km
  One of the most remarkable caves in the Dordogne and famous for its rare concretions (known as excentriques).
  
• Les Eyzies-de-Tayac – approx. 25 km
  Centre of prehistory, featuring the National Museum of Prehistory and several caves (including the Grotte de Font-de-Gaume).
  
• Les grottes de Lascaux (Montignac) – approx. 46 km
  World-famous prehistoric cave paintings (Lascaux IV – modern replica).
  

Towns and markets

• Périgueux – approx. 38 km
  Capital of the Dordogne, with Roman remains, the Saint-Front cathedral, shops, pavement cafés, museums and restaurants. A guided walk through the medieval part of the city and past Renaissance houses is highly recommended.
  
• Bergerac – approx. 30 km
  Atmospheric town on the Dordogne river, known for its timber-framed houses, charming old centre and, of course, the wine.
  Combine Bergerac with a visit to a wine tasting or the Château de Monbazillac.
  
• Sarlat-la-Canéda – approx. 44 km
  Medieval town with narrow streets, lively squares, restaurants and a large market on Saturday.
  
• Saint-Cyprien – approx. 27 km
  Charming village with a lovely market on Sunday morning featuring a wide range of local produce, crafts and delicacies.
  
• Le Bugue – approx. 14 km
  Small-scale town with shops, restaurants and a weekly market on Tuesday morning.
  
• Lalinde – approx. 18 km
  Historic bastide village situated on the banks of the Dordogne river with a lively weekly market every Thursday morning.
  

Nature and activities

• Rivers Dordogne and Vézère – from approx. 16 km
  Multiple departure points for canoe and kayak trips, including at Limeuil, Beynac and La Roque-Gageac.
  
• Limeuil Panoramic Gardens – approx. 14 km
  Situated at the highest point of the village, the gardens offer a magnificent view of the confluence of the Dordogne and Vézère rivers.
  
• Gardens of Marqueyssac – approx. 41 km
  Romantic gardens on a cliff with stunning views across the valley.
  

Other activities

• Bergerac Wine Route
  Discover the vineyards around Bergerac (Monbazillac, Pécharmant, Saussignac).
  
• Caves de Monbazillac
  A tasting session with views over the valley.
  
• Domaine de la Voie Blanche
  Wine tastings in a charming setting.
  
• Cycling or e-biking along old railway lines (voie verte) in Sarlat-la-Canéda.
  
• La Filature de Belvès
  A former wool mill, now a museum and creative studio.
  
• Glassblowers and potters
  In villages like Limeuil and Meyrals.