Coast/Beach:

At Arcachon on the coast, about 2 hours away, is the Dune du Pyla, the highest sand dune in Europe.

The beach at Royan is approximately 80 minutes drive.

There is a beautiful man made beach at Aubeterre (about 15 minutes drive), suitable for swimming and there is also canoeing and horse riding.

There is a large lake with beaches at La Jemaye (about 30 minutes drive) which has many attractions, (including pedalos) and restaurants as well as being suitable for swimming.

Travel:

It is approx 80 mins drive from Bordeaux airport, 60 mins drive from Bergerac airport, 2 hrs from Poitiers airport and 2 hrs from Limoges airport (car hire at the airports can be arranged at time of booking your flights). 7 hrs drive from the port of St. Malo. Angoulême is 40mins drive and the TGV (high speed) train from Paris (also departs from Terminal 2, Charles de Gaulle Airport) takes around 3 hrs to Angoulême station (car hire opposite).

Distances:

This property is ideally located close to a rural hamlet in the vicinity of the towns of Verteillac, Ribérac, Villebois Lavalette and Mareuil. It offers a very peaceful holiday and yet has easy access to local amenities. At St. Paul Lizonne (10 mins drive) there is a Mini Golf (18holes). Indoor swimming, cinemas, go-karting and 10 pin bowling at Angouleme, 35 mins drive. Further afield is Futuroscope, situated near Poitiers, 2 hours drive. Also, 2 hrs drive, is Limoges, famous for its porcelain.

Further Details:

There is something to suit everybody's interest in the Dordogne, e.g. close by is the renowned nature reserve of Les Tourbières Site de Vendoire with its nature museum and restaurant. Here you can take leisurely country walks, hire boats or fish. Golf, tennis, horse-riding, canoeing, 10-pin bowling, go-karting and mountain-biking are all within easy reach. Details of various walks and cycle runs in the area can be found in the property. There are numerous splendid restaurants in the vicinity. A good variety of shops, supermarkets and banks are all within easy reach at nearby Verteillac, Ribérac, Aubeterre, St. Severin, Villebois Lavalette and Mareuil. Even the small, tranquil village of Champagne et Fontaine, just a few minutes drive, boasts an excellent small self-service grocer's shop, boulangerie, post office and pub/tabac. Here you can sit outside in the pretty, little square, sample a glass of the local Charente speciality Pineau and absorb the friendly atmosphere. Those who enjoy the bustling French markets will find plenty to choose from, with the renowned Friday market at Riberac being one not to be missed! Also, there are many fêtes, night markets & festivals going on throughout the summer.

The capital of the Dordogne, which is still referred to by the locals by its original name of Périgord, is Perigueux. This, the historical towns of Aubeterre, Nontron, Brantôme and the Charente town of Angoulême are all well worth a visit. There are 1001 châteaux in the Périgord, as well as caves with prehistoric paintings to be visited. Périgordian cuisine is world-renowned for its 'foie gras', truffles and confit de canard.

There are many interesting historical and archaeological sights to see and this property is a perfectly situated base to explore from. Or you can simply relax round the pool with a glass or 2 of the local vin rouge! In any case you will have an enjoyable holiday here in France where you are assured of a warm Scottish welcome from the owners.