The Area

The ‘Périgord Vert’

The Périgord region of Aquitaine, generally known simply as ‘The Dordogne’, needs little introduction. A region of infinite variety, it offers every form of attraction. There are fascinating châteaux to visit, Romanesque churches, beautiful towns and villages, markets, pre-historic caves; golf, tennis, kayaking; the list is extensive! Of course, there are wonderful restaurants and regional wines (Bergerac, Montbazillac), and produce – after all, this is the centre of truffle and foie gras production!

The north-west area (Périgord Vert), where Le Tilleul is situated, is the lushest region; and the least crowded!

Pretty St Jean de Côle, with its fine Romanesque church and château, is nearby; while enchanting Brantôme (elegantly straddling the River Dronne, hence known as the ‘Venice of the Dordogne’), with its ancient abbey, its restaurants and antique shops, is reached in about twenty minutes. Among many local attractions are the châteaux of Puyguilhem, Bourdeilles, Jumilhac-le-Grand and Hautefort; and the amazing, pre-historic wall paintings of the Grotte de Villars. A little further afield, visit the spiraling towns of Aubeterre and Uzerche, the châteaux of Villebois-Lavallette (nice restaurant in the town!) and Coussac-Bonneval; the hill-top plateau of Mont Gargan, with stunning panoramic views, and the château and National Stud at Pompadour. Wherever you go, you are surrounded by beautiful and varied countryside.

The local area

Le Tilleul lies 3 km from the village of Sorges (featuring noted suppliers of foie gras and truffles), where there is a small supermarket, restaurants, church, doctor, post office and excellent baker / pâtissier, repair garage (no fuel), car wash, Sunday market. The local town of Thiviers has a wider range of amenities, including banks (with cash dispensers) restaurants, a variety of shops and supermarkets (Lidl included!) and petrol stations; and an extensive Saturday market.

30 minutes to the south lies the city of Périgueux, with its winding mediaeval streets, striking Byzantine cathedral, the fascinating restoration of the Roman settlement of Vesunna; and of course, shops and restaurants.

Among many, there are excellent restaurants in Sorges & Thiviers, and another, in a wonderful riverside setting, at Champagnac-de-Belair (30 mins). We are happy to help with recommendations.

There is tennis at Négrondes, riding stables ten minutes away, kayaking at Brantôme. Bike hire can be arranged (advance notice required).