This property is situated in the Dordogne (often referred to by its ancient name “The Périgord”), in the heart of south-west France. Although times may have changed over the years the beautiful Dordogne landscape, in one of the most beautiful areas of France, continues to offer something to amaze and delight everyone. This ancient land is perfect holiday country; a magical place that will reward all those who choose to explore it.

The Périgord Noir, where Monribot is located, is the ‘Jewel in the Crown’ of the Dordogne for here, in the triangle formed between the rivers Vézère and Dordogne, you will find the greatest concentration of natural wonders and historic sites, and the loveliest stretches of both rivers. The area is bounded by four famous towns and this property is well situated within this boundary – Sarlat, a medieval treasure house; Périgueux, a thriving and sophisticated small city; Bergerac, shippers of wine since the Middle ages and Monpazier, an extraordinarily well preserved bastide (hill town) built by King Edward I in 1285.

Prehistoric Civilization

The region is famous for some of the earliest prehistoric human settlements. The nearby town of Les Eyzies is the center of all things prehistoric, including a well-regarded museum. However, the entire area is home to caves and grottoes, some of which have remarkable painting. The new interactive installation called Lascaux IV, which is a complete replica of a cave complex considered too fragile for visitors, is less than an hour away. There are literally scores of caves that can be explored without special equipment or expertise. Here are a few of the best known:

Grotte de Rouffignac. Just minutes from Monribot, visitors can ride a narrow gauge train for a narrated tour of an art-filled cave.

Font de Gaume. In Les Eyzies, this is one of the region’s most famous (and most popular) grottoes. Book ahead, especially in Summer!

Gouffre de Proumeyssac. Outside of Le Bugue, and only half an hour by car, this significant cave can be entered the way its discoverers did: by being winched down from the roof of its extraordinary dome.

Gouffre de Padirac. About 100km by car, but well worth the (beautiful) drive. Part of the tour of this magnificent cave complex is a boat ride along an underground river.

Sightseeing

The area roughly defined by the triangle formed by Périgueux, Sarlat and Bergerac encompasses much of what makes the Dordogne special. Sightseeing along the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, whether by car or by canoe, is exceptionally pleasant. Yet there is plenty to see and do away from the river, too.

Castles and Châteaux

Château de Commarque. This intriguing château, not far from Les Éyzies, has been undergoing renovations privately funded by descendants of the original Commarque family. A mix of ruined and restored buildings, it also features recently-discovered artifacts and habitats from the prehistoric era. Visitors who climb the tower are in for some interesting surprises!

Château de Hautefort. Dating from the 17th Century and renovated – twice! – during the 20th, the château is a stunning as it is famous. Its only competition comes from its own gardens, which are laid out in classical style and are immaculately cared for. This spectacular and storied property, which overlooks a broad valley, is less than an hour north of Monribot.

Château de l’Herm. Located in Rouffignac just minutes from Monribot, the Château de l’Herm dates from the early 1500s. Built for a magistrate, not a nobleman, it is not as grand as many of the region’s famous castles, but has several outstanding original architectural features.

Château des Milandes. Most famously owned by Josephine Baker, this château not far from Beynac-et-Cazenac has recently been renovated and opened to the public. With its 1930s decor and Baker-themed exhibits, Château des Milandes is perhaps the most unusual of the region’s many beautiful châteaux.

Towns and Villages

Beynac-et-Cazenac. Rising from the Dordogne and extending up a hill to a majestic château, the village of Beynac offers boutiques, cafes and picturesque scenery. The magnificently preserved Château de Beynac, parts of which date from the 12th century, offers visitors a sense of what feudal life was like at the time of Richard the Lionhearted. Unobstructed views up and down the river serve as reminders of the Château’s strategic importance over hundreds of years.

Domme. Overlooking the Dordogne this hilltop town is a popular destination, not least because of its spectacular views. In addition, there are shops selling local products, quiet residential streets with lovely homes, and a significant cave complex whose entrance is in the center of town. There are “tourist trains” available to take visitors around a town that is larger than it may appear.

Limeuil. Small but striking, the village of Limeuil is where the Dordogne and Vézère converge. There are shops and galleries, but the riverfront is Limeuil’s main attraction: just perfect for a picnic.

Rocamadour. One of the most famous, and most visited, attractions in Southwest France, this Cité Réligieuse perched on the edge of a cliff has attracted pilgrims since the Middle Ages. However, the stark beauty of the setting and the magnificence of the architecture draws secular visitors as well. About an hour and a half from Monribot, Rocamadour should not be missed.

Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère. This exquisite village half an hour from Monribot is routinely voted among France’s most beautiful. A stroll through town reveals lovely architecture in calm settings with the Vézère never far away. Perhaps this serenity explains why a major Tibetan Buddhist center sited its European headquarters in Saint-Léon.

Gardens

Les Jardins de Marqueyssac. Set on a hilltop overlooking the Dordogne, Marqueyssac offers visitors a variety of creatively planted walking paths that lead to views of the river and nearby towns. The gardens near the manor house are formal, but most of the rest looks natural – but perfect. There is even a rope walk for children. The garden for visitors who think they don’t like gardens.

Les Jardins d’Eyrignac. About an hour from Monribot, Eyrignac offers large formal gardens in a variety of styles, and is remarkably photogenic. The gardens extend across a broad hillside, so Eyrignac doesn’t feel crowded even when it’s very busy.