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Les Chardonnerets provides the perfect setting to relax in beautiful French countryside - whether by the pool or in your own private garden looking out to the woods.

In addition the landscaped grounds offer a boules pitch and badminton nets as well as large shady trees which are ideal to sit beneath & enjoy a good book !

Local Attractions:

There is no shortage of attractions and activities for all ages within easy reach of the gites. All of the attractions described below are within a half hour drive of the farm house - many much closer.

(Please note that not all attractions are open all year-round. Please check with us to confirm opening times.)

The Perigord Vert is famous for its beautiful Chateaux, which you will see dotted on hillsides as you travel around. Stunning examples like the fairy tale castle at Jumilhac Le Grand (left), the great renaissance Chateau de Puyguilhem and the magnificent restored chateau and gardens at Hautefort (below) are excellent examples.

Very close to the Chateau de Puyguilhem are the "Grottes de Villars", a series of prehistoric caves containing bizarre rock formations and chambers decorated with prehistoric paintings - a popular and fascinating attraction for children and adults alike.

The town of Brantôme which stands as an island on the River Dronne is known as the “Venice Of France”. The magnificient abbey set against hollowed out cliffs is a stunning backdrop. The town hosts a vibrant weekly market and offers canoeing, cliff walks, beautiful parks and some great restaurants.

Périgueux, with its beautiful Saint-Front Cathedral, ancient streets, river cruises, shopping and cafes is the cultural capital of the Dordogne. Twice weekly the streets are filled with market stalls and on Wednesday evenings during the summer night markets are held around the Cathedral along with stunning 'son et lumiere' shows.

Activities

Thiviers provides an excellent base to enjoy the many activities that this region has to offer including , fishing, walking, cycling, canoeing and tennis.

Split by four rivers, canoeing is always a popular activity in the Dordogne with adults and children. A number of canoe stations are within easy reach, perhaps one of the most pleasant being on the river Dronne at Brantôme. If you prefer raquet sports then Thiviers provides a number of outdoor tennis courts available for your use.

Superb fishing is also available nearby in the many rivers or at the twin-laked trout farm just outside of Thiviers. We will be happy to provide fishing maps and information on how to obtain temporary fishing permits.

Many other activities are easily accessible such as karting, horse riding, and golf. All of the other attractions of the Dordogne - including Sarlat and Lascaux - are within easy day-trip distance as are vineyards of Bergerac and neighbouring Bordeaux.

Just 10 minutes from Les Chardonnerets, is the town of St Jean de Côle which holds the accolade of being one of the 'prettiest villages in France'. The main square is lined by an old church, covered market place and the remarkable Chateau de la Marthonie. Cobbled streets run through the village and across the river on an old stone bridge next to the watermill. St Jean de Côle is also home to one of our favourite restaurants in the area - the ‘Hotel St Jean’ which is a great place to experience the gastronomy that this part France os famous for !

Every Spring the streets, castle and church burst into colour with the Internationally famous flower festival ‘Les Floralies’ which attracts visitors from all over the world.

One of the nicest ways to start exploring the area on foot or bicycle is along the tranquil 'Voie Verte' (green path) that follows a disused railway line from Thiviers through St Jean De Côle and on towards Nontron. The walk to St Jean is 7km whilst the full distance for the more adventurous is 30km.

The ‘plan d’eau’ at Rouffiac is a great day out. The lake has an inland beach with water chute and slide. There is boat hire, rock wall climbing even water skiing to be enjoyed. The lake is situated in acres of beautiful woodland, ideal for walking and pic-nics.