To do & to visit
CITIES
General advice: don’t visit cities on Mondays as a lot is closed and you’ll miss the vibrant atmosphere.
BERGERAC (30 minutes south-east)
Charming capital of the Purple Périgord, situated at the heart of the Dordogne Valley and surrounded by prestigious vineyards (13 appellations, a.o. Monbazillac and Pécharmant).
A proud town nestling along the banks of the Dordogne (very nice recently restored quays!), with regal “gabarres” (traditional flat-bottomed boats) that enliven the river daily, an outstanding Renaissance-style town center and… the ghost of Cyrano, who actually never even set foot…;-)
During the Middle Ages, the town was very prosperous and vibrant with a flourishing trade providing their resources. Today, “Vieux Bergerac” (the old town of Bergerac) is the pride of the inhabitants. It’s a popular place with tourists visiting the small squares, streets and museums (Maison des Vins de Bergerac, Tobacco Museum) and admiring its restored wood panel and exposed stone houses.
Nice shopping area in the new town.
Traditional market on Wednesday and Saturday (recommended!) around the Notre Dame Church and outside the covered market. Better visit Bergerac on market days, al lot of shops are closed on Sunday and Monday.
Monbazillac is close, you can visit the castle (Chateau Bridoire) and enjoy a sweet wine tasting.
! Bergerac is very nice to combine with a visit to ISSIGEAC, a wonderful medieval village only a 15 minutes’ drive away. Take the time to explore all the streets as many have surprises in the form of lovely architectural details or pretty gardens. Issigeac really is a village not to be missed if you are in this part of the Dordogne.
PÉRIGUEUX (45 minutes east)
Périgueux is located at the centre of the Périgord in the Isle Valley. It’s a city with a rich historical and architectural heritage of great quality. Labeled City of Art and History, the capital of Périgord will surprise you with the beauty that is hidden there in each lane. Admire the perspectives on the Isle River, enjoy the small squares where coffee and good food incite you to stroll...
Discovering Périgueux is like turning the page of a history book. The city hosts the second largest museum of prehistory in France: “The Museum of Art and Archeology”. It offers a tour of the arts from pre-history to the present day, and of local, European, African and Oceanic Origin. It is the only collection of its type in the Dordogne.
Saint Front Cathedral is definitely worth a visit, as well as the Gallo-Roman Museum Vesunna!
Guided city tours organized by the Tourist Office for a couple of Euros.
Information: 0033 5 53 53 10 63
From June to September, and from Monday to Saturday: 10.30am; 2.30pm; 4pm and on Sunday 3pm.
A bit smaller than Bordeaux with 30.000 inhabitants, Périgueux today is a dynamic and pleasant town to visit with its busy and animated town center and many historic quarters.
Traditional markets on Wednesday and Saturday.
Foie Gras market on Wednesday and Saturday mid-November till end of March.
SAINTE FOYE LA GRANDE (15 minutes south)
Attractive small bastide town on the south bank of the Dordogne river. Sainte-Foy-la-Grande also has an added benefit that most of the bastide towns don't: the Dordogne river runs through the town which is unusual because bastide towns are more commonly situated on hilltops. Along with the port there is also a small river beach (the Plage des Bardoulets) where people can paddle and cool their feet on a hot summer day.
The streets of this town are filled with wonderful examples of timbered medieval homes and traditional squares with their original arcades. Perhaps the most impressive building in the town, the tourist office is situated on rue de la Republique and boasts a fine corner tower. Although a small town it is steeped in history at every turn and the main square, place Gambetta is a beautiful place to sit with coffee and enjoy the atmosphere.
It has one of the best markets in the region every Saturday morning. The town center closes to traffic and the region’s biggest market takes over!
SAINT-ÉMILION (30 minutes west)
Saint Émilion village and vineyards are both listed as Unesco World Heritage.
Vineyards and waterways, wooded hills and picturesque roads, the town of Saint-Emilion and its surrounding vineyards cover 75 square kilometers, centered on the particularly well-preserved mediaeval city. According to legend, the city was named after Emilion, a Bréton monk of the eighth century.
The village is more than “wine” with its well conserved medieval center and rich historical patrimonium such as the partly underground monolithic church. Definitely worth a visit, but especially in high season very touristic and crowdie.
Nevertheless, you can enjoy a glass of Crémant at the Abbey ruins of Les Cordeliers!
BORDEAUX (50 minutes west)
For many years, Bordeaux was considered a bit of a shady town, where you would stop by on your way to the wine regions in the south of France. In the last decade however, Bordeaux has gone through a massive makeover, making tourism its highest priority and becoming one of the most beautiful and interesting destination in Europe. With its 362 historic monuments (second only to Paris), an extraordinary gastronomic scene and a vibrant city life, it’s no wonder this beautiful town was named the European Best destination in 2015.
It’s a bit of a mix between Ghent, Barcelona and Paris. Small enough for a day trip. You go shopping in the small boutiques in the old town center or in the boulevards, visit museums, see the opera, look for curiosities at the Quartier des Brocanteurs and enjoy the terraces on one of the many charming squares.
Highly recommended to visit!
ARCACHON or CAP FERRET (75 minutes west)
Gorgeous bathing spots. Large natural beaches with the highest dune of Europe: Dune de Pilat! (Arcachon)
There is a unique resto bar on the dune, “La Corniche”.
Head to Cap Ferret Lighthouse for one of the most spectacular views of the holiday! This symbolic and unmissable location is one of the must-sees in the Bay, and is also an opportunity for a spot of exercise as you climb the 258 steps in the Lighthouse!
The view from the top is breath-taking. From here, nearly 35m above the ground, you can enjoy a 360° view of the Ile aux Oiseaux, the Pilat, the access channels or “passes”, oyster farms, etc.
You definitely should visit one of the oyster bars!
Tip: avoid traffic! Leave early and return late. Count 1,5h driving time.
BRANTÔME (45 minutes north)
« Il arrive que la nature et l’homme collaborent pour composer un chef-d’œuvre. C’est le cas de Brantôme, la plus ravissante et la plus féerique petite ville du Périgord », assurait l’écrivain André Maurois.
The Venice of the Dordogne, scenic city at the river Dronne. Charming, historic and picturesque. En route you can spot the fortress of Bourdeilles (nice to visit!) and the castle and caves of Villars.
The city has an outstanding natural setting and a famous Benedictine Abbey which is approximately 1200 years old. If a walk is the perfect way to appreciate the charming tiny streets, the boat ride on the Dronne gives a nice opportunity of discovering another face of Brantôme.
For information on the boat tours: 00 33 (0)5 53 05 80 63.
There’s no shortage of cafés, bars and restaurants for an explorer to enjoy.
RIBERAC (30 minutes north)
Nice when there is a market (Friday) or garage sale but mostly a very quiet place. You pass here when going to Aubeterre.
The city has an interesting architectural heritage due to its former sub-prefecture status, in the heart of a preserved natural environment which makes it an attractive place to stay, not to mention its gastronomic richness...
AUBETERRE (45 minutes north)
5 km from Saint-Privat-des Prés, on the border of the Périgord, in the south of the Charente, the village of Aubeterre was built around a bucklet of the Dronne river. Its little charming streets wind between the houses of white stone and the old buildin. Once an old fortified town, Aubeterre is listed today “One of the Most Beautiful Villages of France”. The most outstanding and impressive monument in Aubeterre is the underground Church of Saint Jean, known as the monolithic church, located on the cliff which overhangs the Dronne. Carved entirely out the rock, the main nave reaches a height of 20m.
En route you can stop by in St. Aulay and Bonnes, small villages with nice scenery to walk.
MARKETS
Markets in general close around noon!
MONDAY
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Castillon la Bataille (till 1pm). You can combine the market with a visit to Saint Émilion or Bordeaux.
TUESDAY
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Libourne (till 1pm). Lots of shops and very nice central market.
Good combination with a visit to Bordeaux or Saint Émilion.
WEDNESDAY
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Montpon
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Bergerac
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Périgueux
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Saint-Emilion
THURSDAY
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Saint-Astier (good combination with Le Moulin de la Veyssière and Neuvic Caviar)
FRIDAY
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Ribérac (till 1pm). Great fun and big market with lots of selfmade things. Nice to combine with a visit to Aubeterre (great food in La Taverna!) or Brantôme.
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Libourne
SATURDAY
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Saint Foy la Grande. One of the 100 most beautiful markets in France! Great to visit. You can combine this with a visit to Monbazillac or the Chateau de Bridoire.
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Bergerac (easy to combine with Saint Foy)
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Périgueux
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Coutras
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Mussidan
SUNDAY
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Flea-market day! Places change weekly, we keep you informed.
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Saint Seurin sur l’Isle. Fun market with nice fresh products. Try the oysters, delicious with a baguette and white wine ;-)
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Libourne
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Issigeac (40 min. Fun! To combine with Bergerac, Monbazillac and maybe Sarlat)
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Mussidan: marché gourmand et artisanal in Mussidan. 9h-16h
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Saint-Emilion
Jumble sales: https://vide-greniers.org/24-Dordogne/ and https://vide-greniers.org/33-Gironde .
NIGHT MARKETS ONLY IN JULY/AUGUST
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Tuesday: “Les Festines”, marché gourmand in Le Pizou with good food & live concerts. Better leave early, between 18h-19h.
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Friday: “marché gourmand” in Villefranche de Lonchat. Smaller version of Le Pizou but worth a visit!
RESTAURANTS
It is always best to book restaurants in advance (except in the larger cities), in the small villages you will not easily find an alternative nearby!
◊ LESS THAN 30 MINUTES DRIVE
MONTAZEAU, “Bucket’s Auberge Inn”, www.buckets.fr, good food and not expensive (try their “lunch” formula!), with nice terrace next to vineyard, tel. 0033 (0)9 83 43 14 41
Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
MONTPON, “Ô Petit Gavroche”, tel. 0033 (0)5 53 80 04 01 (cozy interior, very nice kitchen)
No terrace. Closed on Tuesday and Wednesday and on Sunday evening.
MOULIN-NEUF, “École des Gourmands”, nice restaurant in old school building, cosy terrace. Closed on Sunday and Monday. Tel. 0033 (0)6 15 68 03 32
PESSAC SUR DORDOGNE, “Palma Nova”, pop-up restaurant in an idyllic setting on the banks of the Dordogne, open 7/7 for lunch and dinner, tel. 0033 (0)6 22 17 61 54
(ONLY april-september!)
Ideal address for dinner after a kayak trip. The arrival is near Palma Nova.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063504566557
PESSAC SUR DORDOGNE, “The Glass House” at Chateau Carbonneau. Unique surrounding, tapas & wine or cake & tea/coffee. Closed on Wednesday. Tel. 0033 (0)5 57
47 46 46
(April till end of November)
https://www.chateau-carbonneau.com/salon-de-th%C3%A9-et-bar-%C3%A0-vin
SAINTE-RADEGONDE, “Château de Sanse”, very nice restaurant near Saint-Émilion with stunning view. www.chateaudesanse.com. Tel. 0033 (0)5 57 56 41 10
PUISSEGUIN, “Le Bistrot de la Gare”, nice restaurant and terrace, food à la carte as well as menu’s. Tel. 0033 (0)5 57 24 23 63
Closed on Sundays and Mondays.
VILLEFRANCHE DE LONCHAT, “Chateau Puygrenier”, very nice hosts on beautiful domain with garden, you pass it on your way to Saint Émilion, lunch or dinner. Tel.: 0033 6 12 13 30 37
SAINT MÉARD DE GURSON, “Le Pressoir”, classic kitchen but good quality and friendly service, they offer kids menu, only 10 min drive, 0033 (0)5 53 80 56 78
CARSAC DE GURSON, Food Bars at le Lac de Gurson, snacks, only with sunny weather!
---> Every Monday take-away PIZZA in Montpeyroux. Very nice pizza!
“Le Padré”, Tel. 0033 7 81 69 47 17, open from 17h30 – 21h30
◊ 30 – 45 MINUTES DRIVE
BRANNE, “Caffe Cuisine”, excellent food & service, very nice and cosy interior, terrace. Tel. 0033 5 57 24 19 67
Closed on Mondays and Sunday evenings.
SAINT EMILION - watch out for tourist traps! Here some good addresses (although all a little more expensive since you’re in Saint Émilion ;-) :
“Les terrasses rouges”, Château La Dominique Grand Cru Classé Saint Émilion, classy/fancy, a little more expensive (but worth it), during daylight impressive view over the vines, 0033 (0)5 57 24 47 05
“L’envers de Décor”, great kitchen in nice surrounding near the church, delicious wines à la carte but ask for the price first! tel. 0033 (0)5 57 74 48 31
“Hostellerie de Plaisance” Michelin star, expensive but worth it. Tel. 0033 (0)5 57 55 07 55
“Comptoir des Arts”, picturesque terrace ideal for a rest in the heart of Saint Emilion. Delicious tea, pastries, salads etc. Pleasant place to stay!
“Les Cordeliers (Cloître des Cordeliers)”, two gourmet set-meals are available: the cold picnic basket filled with your selection from a variety of sweet and savoury options and full set-meal baskets for adults and children. These are served quickly, and you can taste this authentic country cooking, prepared using French-style barbecues, in our lush gardens and shaded pathways as a romantic couple, amongst friends or family.
MONTAGNE SAINTE ÉMILION, “Le Clos Mirande”, for gastronomes, superbe spot inside and out (magnificent view) with a bistro and fancy restaurant. Tel. 0033 (0)5 57 74 50 16
BERGERAC
“Le Saint Jacques”, nice decoration (tropical terrace) and inventive kitchen. Tel. 0033 (0)5 53 23 38 08
“Côté Noix”, simple but good food (salads, homemade pies,…), enjoyable and cosy at the fountain. Tel. 0033 (0)5 53 57 71 38
“L’esplanade”, open 7/7 with view on the Dorgdogne and delicious food, tel. 0033 (0)5 53 24 00 54
“La Table du Marché”, close to the covered market, great food. Closed on Sunday and Monday. Tel. 0033 (0)5 53 22 49 46
◊ Childproof
LA FERME DE JAVERZAC, in Saint Martial d’Artenset: Ice Cream farm with corn labyrinth and Go-carts. Tuesday to Sunday 14.00-19.00 (milking between 18.00-19.00)
Tel. 0033 (0)6 69 91 00 11
CARSAC DE GURSON, le Lac de Gurson: you can eat all day long at ”Le Petit Oasis” (2 restaurants attached, choose the one the most far from the beach) – only between 15th of June and 15th of September!
MONTAZEAU, “Bucket’s Auberge Inn”
PESSAC SUR DORDOGNE, “Palma Nova” and “The Glass House”
MOULIN-NEUF, “L’école des Gourmands”
VILLEFRANCHE DE LONCHAT, “Chateau Puygrenier”, they offer kids menu and have a beautiful garden.
SAINTE-RADEGONDE, “Château de Sanse”
MONTPEYROUX, take-away pizza on Monday
WINE CHATEAUX
There are over 1000 wine chateaux in the direct vicinity, so we list you some good ones nearby:
VIGNOBLE EXPERIENCE
Very nice domaine to visit nearby, at Villefranche de Lonchat.
For 15€/adult you get a very interesting, guided tour + degustation + a selection of charcuterie, cheese and paté (ca 2h). Highly recommended!
Inscription: villemianeb@hotmail.fr
LE PRIORAT
Just outside the center of Saint Martin de Gurson. At the church take the right, at the T go left and you’ll see it a couple of meters at your left.
It’s a family vineyard a couple of generations old. They produce good wine for an acceptable price. Authentic without fringes.
LES GRIMARDS
Small scale local producer in Montazeau (after the restaurant to your left). Generations of wine makers. They were rewarded several times. A warm and welcoming family who’ll guide you around and provide you a tasting.
LE MOULIN (Bio)
Follow the road direction Villefranche de Lonchat. Right before the village it’s on your right. The owner is very passionate about his profession and loves to share his passion. Small vineyard with good quality wine.
CHATEAU DE GURSON
At the ruins of Gurson. From father to son. Try their white and red wine on barrels.
LA FAYROLLE (Bio)
Dutch couple, Rita and Maarten van Kempen. They produce delicious wines.
LE RAZ
Direction of Montazeau, right before the village on the mountain take a left (at the corner there is a small castle), direction of “Le Jard”, continue for a while and then you take a left. Top wines! The discovery of the underestimated “Appellation Bergerac”.
No extended visit but tasting is always possible.
CHATEAU CARBONNEAU
Beautiful property with possibility to visit and taste in Gensac (25 minutes from Saint Émilion).
Also includes “The Glass House”, teahouse and winebar. They serve very nice tapas, abundant cakes, homemade lemonades, tea and off course their own wines!
(my personal favorite: rosé LOULOU ;-)
Open daily from 12h to 21h, closed on Wednesdays. Unique atmosphere…
CHATEAU DU TAILHAS
AOC Pomerol, (next to Saint-Émilion). A bit more high-end! Authentic family business who’ve cultivated since 4 generations their own traditional know-how to produce complex wines that will offer you a pleasant aromatic bouquet. Tastings are free of charge as soon as you boy some wine.
Ask us for the folder or for reservations (visit & degustation), or if you call them yourself mention that you’re Guinot clients!
ROUTE DE VIN: of course, you can also follow the “Route de Vin” that passes through our village and brings you to lots of vineyards. If the plate “degustation” or “vente en direct” is outside it means you’re welcome to taste and enjoy a guided tour.
To visit the large chateaux we advise you to contact the Office de Tourisme of Saint Émilion.
WINE ACTIVITIES
WINE MUSEUMS are in Bergerac, Saint Émilion and in Montagne (of course in Bordeaux as well).
INITIATION TO TASTING WINE at the Wine School of Saint Émilion. Very interesting. A 2h course in French or English, every day except on Sunday.
EXTENDED WINE DAY via “École de Vin” à Saint Émilion. About 250€ p.p.
For the real wine lover! A private guided tour around the area and it’s specialties. Lunch at a star restaurant in Saint Émilion. Visit to one of the big Grand Cru Chateaux and taste quality wines of “vieilles vignes’.
LA CITÉ DU VIN in Bordeaux. Enjoy a unique experience with workshops on wine culture, discover the permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as the conferences on wine.
SPORT ACTIVITIES
ACCROZARBRES, impressive tree climbing trails and minigolf near Bergerac.
In July and august only on reservation!
CANOE and KAYAK on the Dordogne river in Pessac sur Dordogne. Departure every hour from 10 till 16h. On reservation.
https://www.canoe-fjep.org/canoeuml---kayak.html
LA CALINÉSIE, large water park near Libourne
ST. MÉARD GOLF CLUB, 9 holes course on a beautiful natural site. You will practice this playful sport in a friendly and family atmosphere, that therefore meets your requirements.
WALKS and BIKE TRAILS, we have some maps with marked hike trails (30 minutes up to 3 hours). Feel free to use them.
Online you can find walking and bike trails in the vicinity as well:
https://www.pays-bergerac-tourisme.com/fr/voir-faire/randonnees
https://www.pays-bergerac-tourisme.com/en/what-do/trips-trails-trekking
MOUNTAIN BIKE HIRE COMPANY (they deliver mountain bikes at home)
CASTLES TO VISIT WITH CHILDREN
CHATEAU DE BRIDOIRE (45 min drive, direction Bergerac)
“Château des jeux”
Impressive medieval Castle with lots of activities for children!
https://www.chateaudebridoire.com/
CHATEAU DE TIREGAND (5 minutes from Bergerac)
Enter the intimacy of a grand 19th century aristocratic residence.
Free visit of the castle and garden.
Escape games and puzzles (theme Arsène Lupin) on reservation.
Garden party every Wednesday evening from 10/7 till 21/8 (food trucks, DJ, stunning view!)
https://www.chateaudetiregand.com/en
RAIN! NOW WHAT!? Some indoor tips…
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Indoor pool with slides, Jacuzzi and sauna: Saint Seurin sur L’Isle (15min.)
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Indoor playground: “Les Ptits Castors” in Bergerac (check opening hours online).
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“Le Vertigo” in Libourne (trampoline parc, bowling, gaming area and bar ;-) Nice to visit and entertain yourselves on a rainy day (for kids & parents!)
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Shopping malls in Bordeaux
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Museums in Bordeaux (for children: Cap Sciences on Quay de Bacalan and “Le Musée de l’Illusion”!)
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The Museum of Art and Archaeology & Vesunna in Périgueux
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Caves: you need to drive a bit further but worth a day tour.
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Castles: Château de Bridoire (child friendly!), Château de Tiregand, Château de Duras, Château de Monbazillac
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Underground church of Saint-Émilion or Aubeterre
Périgord, a region of delicacies
Dordogne is very famous for foie gras, truffles, Bergerac wines, strawberries, walnuts, ceps mushrooms, but did you know Dordogne also produces sturgeon, beer, confectionery, jams, cheese and honey?
So many delicacies, which make Dordogne the jewel of French gastronomy.
Who does not know about the great products of Périgord and who has never heard about the wealth of the Périgourdine gastronomy?
FOIE GRAS
In the Périgord, there are many farmers who produce and sell their foie gras directly from their farm. To find them you can follow the Route du Foie Gras du Périgord. To ensure that your purchase is a high quality foie gras produced in the Périgord, only choose products labelled “IGP-Canard à foie gras du Sud-Ouest - Origine certifiée Périgord”. Check with the Tourist Office for more information.
TRUFFLE
Between November and March, the region's black gold —a fungus called tuber melanosporum— is unearthed and sold for exorbitant prices.
Found at the roots of oak trees by trained dogs and pigs, truffles contribute to the local economy, and to the region's celebrated cuisine. Their earthy perfume and delicate flavor have inspired countless dishes prepared by home cooks and restaurant chefs alike.
Today Périgord is one of the most important truffle trade centers in France. To see for yourself you just need to go to one of the regional Truffle markets, which run between December and March.
Sarlat, Périgueux, Sorges, Sainte Alvère, or Thiviers, are the centers around which you should look to purchase these famous mushrooms.
If you see truffles for sale in markets, they will be expensive but beware of rip-offs. The black truffle is a product in high demand and you will find a lot of products with a very insignificant amount of black truffle in it just to justify their high prices!
WALNUT
To say that the walnut and Périgord share a joint history is far from exaggeration, walnuts can be traced back to the Cro-Magnon period and walnuts were even used as a currency during the Middle Ages.
Very early in its history, the walnut made the fortune of Périgord, they were used as an energy source (lighting), artists supplies (walnut ink), hygiene products (soaps) and obviously for cooking. The walnut oil trade developed quickly from the 17th century through the “Gabarres” (traditional trade boats) of the Espérance River navigating down the Dordogne to Bordeaux to export these products to Germany and England.
The walnut today is valued for its nutritional and culinary benefits, used by the best national and international restaurants.
The clay-limestone soils of the Périgord create the ideal conditions for the walnut tree. In the main part of the region there are more than 500 villages protecting walnut tree with the ‘appellation AOC walnut of Périgord’.
!! Very nice to visit, particularly on a Thursday in combination with the market in Saint-Astier, is the authentic water powered mill “Le Moulin de la Veyssière” in Neuvic where they produce nut oils and flour. Very tasteful and worth a visit (free entrance)!
The sturgeon and caviarhouse of Neuvic is nearby.
https://www.moulindelaveyssiere.fr/?lang=en
CHEESE
You can’t discuss cheese in Périgord without mentioning the famous Cabécou of Périgord (a soft goats milk cheese).
Since 1992, the Cabécou of Périgord has been protected by a brand and a logo. Producers must follow a precise process: the cheese must be produced and refined in Périgord with goats milk produced in Périgord.
Tip: very simple, but delicious on a slice of bread grilled in the oven, accompanied by a green salad with nut oil and crumbled walnuts!
The oldest cheese in Périgord is the Trappe d'Echourgnac. When the monks of the Abbey of Port du Salut in Mayenne came to live in Echourgnac to help the inhabitants of la Double, they started the creamery where they produced the famous Port Salut, which they brought from their abbey.
Today in Echourgnac, the famous Trappe d'Echourgnac is produced in two varieties; either ‘nature’ or with walnut liquor. It is a product which is very well known outside of the Périgord!
You can visit L’Abbaye d’Échourgnac and buy cheese in their little shop.
You can walk in the surrounding beautiful forest as well.
https://www.fromageriedelatrappe.com/
STURGEONS FARMING AND CAVIAR PRODUCTION
Yes, you read it correctly. We produce caviar in Périgord!
The latest addition is the HUSO fish farm in Neuvic near Périgueux (White Périgord). The caviar of Périgord, a rare delicacy, is one of the latest treasures of the Périgourdine gastronomy and a new jewel of the Gastronomy in Aquitaine.
Feel free to consume without moderation, but don't break the bank.
The caviar house in Neuvic is very pleasant to visit (of course with a degustation!).
For those who dare, you can enter the bassins and hold a sturgeon!
PORCINI
The porcini mushroom (sometimes known in English as “penny buns”) is part of the Périgords gastronomic heritage. Fresh, in jars or cooked in our many restaurants, there is something for all tastes and in all seasons.
Most mushrooms of this variety in France are still collected in the wild, from where they grow in forests and woods. However, it is not recommended that you go to pick them unless you have a very good idea of how to identify the right kinds of mushrooms! Farmers in the region are expert at choosing the right kind, identifying them by texture, feel, appearance, and smell.
In the Dordogne, and particularly in the forest massif in the south of the department, the cep plays a significant role in the local economy, like the markets of Monpazier and Villefranche du Périgord.
They are delicious in risotto, pasta, omelet or baked with garlic/parsley/white wine as a side dish to any meat or fish!
TRADITIONAL DISH: CONFIT DE CANARD!
First and foremost, you need to understand that duck confit is a method of both preparation and conservation! In ancient times, the purpose of this preparation was to conserve the duck meat in its fat and avoid food shortages. The meat was cooked and preserved by adding salt, and then covered with fat, to prevent the air from passing through. Once it was introduced on the dinner plates of the nobles from the court of Henri IV, duck confit became a dish and has been passed down all the way to us today!
In the Dordogne, Confit de Canard is a true regional dish. You can buy the canned duck legs anywhere and get to work with them yourself!
Preparation method:
1° preheat the oven to 200°C
2° place the can unopened in a cooking pot filled with water on a low fire so that the solidified fat can melt slowly. Keep the water just below boiling point. This takes about 20 minutes.
3° Carefully take the can out of the cooking pot and open it with a can opener. It is best to do this on a chopping board or in the sink because some fat often escapes along the edge of the can when it is opened. If it is too hot, wait a few minutes before opening.
4° Carefully remove the bolts (they easily fall apart!) from the tin and arrange them in an oven dish with the skin side up. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and place them in the oven for about ten minutes.
5° Remove the aluminium foil and let it crumble under a hot grill for a few minutes until the skin is crispy.
Serve with a side dish of your choice.
Bon appétit!
DRINKS
Of course, our region is most famous for the wine (Bordeaux, Saint Emilion, Pomerol, Bergerac, Monbazillac, …) BUT as former professional barkeerpers we want to introduce you some other traditional drinks as well! ;-)
WALNUT WINE
Walnut wine is a popular household drink, often prepared in a family setting. It has been famous since the 16th century for its therapeutic virtues and it has since been considered a medicinal wine and a tonic, depurative and digestive aperitif. It is currently consumed as an aperitif, with a starter, in culinary preparations or as an accompaniment to desserts.
We make our own walnut wine as well at Le Guinot!
PICON
Picon is a caramel-colored bitter of Marseilles origin (but we wanted to share it with you anyway) that traditionally accompanies beer in Eastern and Northern France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland.
It is made from fresh and dried orange peel, which is then macerated in an alcohol solution. Picon also requires gentian roots and cinchona, both of which are also macerated. Sugar syrup and caramel are added afterwards.
Our suggestion: Picon vin blanc!
6cl white wine – 2cl Picon – 1cl Cointreau – slice of orange
Cheers!