| Le Jardin Des Amis |
| Self-catering cottages in the Dordogne |
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| The Dordogne and Vezere valleys have such a wealth of things to do, places to visit and sights to see, we could not possibly do justice to them all, so we have included a tiny cross-section to whet your appetite... |
| For the energetic..... | ||
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Local activities include canoeing on both the Dordogne and Vezere
rivers, cycling, fishing, walking, golf,
horse riding, mountain biking, tennis, truffle hunting, rock
climbing, cave exploration, leisure flights (micro-light and
balloons). |
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| Historical sites on the Dordogne...... | ||
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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 Historical references abound in ..........
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| Sarlat: | ||
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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.
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| The Vezere Valley... | ||
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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.
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Caves: | ||
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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 |
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Meyrals is 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... 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 or why not visit the 'Domain Perdu' art gallery in Meyrals where a number of different artists exhibit. You will see some local artist's work decorating the walls of the gites. | ||
| Château de Monbazillac... | ||
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| Caves of Lascaux... | ||
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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. |
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| Gardens... | ||
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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. 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. |
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