Local activities include canoeing on both the Dordogne River and Vezere river, cycling, fishing, walking, golf, horse riding, mountain biking, airparcs for young & 'young at heart',  tennis, truffle hunting, rock climbing, cave exploration, leisure flights (micro-light and balloons).

Several golf clubs are within a short distance.
Click on the image to see what's around...

The many castles and bastides in the area are reminders of the Hundred Years War. Beynac Castle (pictured on the home page) is one such  sight not to be missed! hire a canoe or take a trip along the river in a Gabare (the traditional flat-bottomed boat) to wonder at the building feat of our ancestors; wander the steep and narrow streets with their golden stone buildings; visit the atmospheric castle with it's stunning views and steep drops.....once taken and held by Richard the Lionheart for a decade.    Look across the river to the rival fortress of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (right) and the pretty cliff-top bastide town of Domme.    Historical references abound in ..........

The largest local town  (15 minutes away)  with it's warren of narrow medieval streets and beautiful unspoilt buildings. Sarlat teems with life on Saturday mornings when one of the biggest markets in the region is held. Visit on a balmy summer evening and you will be entertained by street musicians as you dine at pavement cafes.
For keen shoppers it is possible to visit at least one different village market everyday of the week or to find out more about local produce: visit the walnut oil mill, see the foie gras farms, go on a truffle hunt or sample wines at a vineyard!

The Vezere valley is home to the greatest concentration of prehistoric sites in Europe and is now listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Less than 10 minutes drive from 'Le Jardin des Amis ' is the village of Les Eyzie-de-Tayac, positioned between the Vezere river and dramatic overhanging cliffs. Here you will find the National Museum of Prehistory, the place where 'Cro-Magnon man was discovered  and world-famous caves. Click on  the photo to see a map of prehistoric sites.

The caves in the area can be roughly be divided into 3 categories: prehistory containing cave paintings or sculpture(Grotte de Font de Gaume, Abri Cap Blanc); troglodytic - (Roque St. Christophe, Roc de Cazelle) - some were inhabited until the 20thC; and geological. The 3rd category includes the Grand Roc at Les Eyzies and at Le Bugue, the Gouffre de Proumeyssac The density and variety of the crystallisations which decorate the walls of these caverns are spectacular

Art.....

Meyrals has more than it's fair share of excellent artists and sculptors drawn here by the relaxing beauty and underlying energy in the area. It is always possible to browse around their ateliers: many have prints for sale as well as original pieces.

Visit the new pottery in Meyrals for some unusual and interesting gifts http://www.poterie-raku.fr

Meyrals is also home to internationally renowned artist Pascal Magis. Pascal is always happy to welcome visitors to his atelier (studio) and who knows, you may even be tempted to invest in one of his creations. Click on the image to enter Pascal's site...

Built in the middle of the XVIth century on top of the hill overlooking the pleasant valley of Bergerac, Château de Monbazillac harmoniously combines feudal military architecture and the elegant early Renaissance style. During your visit, you will discover the very interesting Museum of Wine and Vineyard, Museum of Furniture in Périgord, Museum of Protestantism, and the "1001 Châteaux of Périgord".

A visit to a local vineyard, including tour & tasting can be arranged if wished.

The caves of Lascaux  near Montignac (30k) are among the most famous pre-historic sites of early man. The cro-magnon people lived and hunted here, as long as thirty thousand years ago.

Although the original cave paintings are protected from the harmful effects of changes in the temperature and humidity, a centimetre perfect duplicate of the caves has been created for people to visit and marvel at.

Visit the gardens at the Chateau de Marqueyssac for wonderful views over the Dordogne valley. All paths through the gardens lead to the 130m high Belvedere which allows a unique view of Roque-Gageac with it's huge overhanging cliff. The adventurous can try the 'via ferrata' rock traverse - free entry with your garden ticket!

The French-style gardens of the Manoir d'Eyrignac are considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in France. They were created in the 18th century, and were turned into an English-style garden in the 19th century.