There is much to see and do in the area and whether you are after cultural events, sightseeing, bird watching, photography or painting it is all available.  If you are a food or wine connoisseur, history fanatic, walker or sports enthusiast or just want to enjoy some peace and tranquillity in a beautiful place, then it is all available.  Here is a taster of the many places and events on offer.

L’Abbaye de Boschaud (10 minutes)

This is a beautiful ruin on the edge of Villars.  It is regularly used for concerts in the summer and is a beautiful area to paint, draw, walk or enjoy a picnic. 

Aubeterre and the Church of St-Jean (1 hour)

This is a stunning hilltop village just over the Dordogne border in Charente, not far from Riberac.  It boasts a subterranean monolithic church carved in a stone vault begun during the 12th century.  It was dug out of the limestone rock by Benedictine monks taking advantage of natural cavities.  It has an amazing history attached to it, and the village is a lovely place to enjoy lunch while visiting the church or walking in the surrounding area.

Brantôme (35 minutes)

This lovely market town is known locally as the Venice of the Périgord due to the fact that the island on which it stands was formed by the convergence of two rivers.  Brantôme market on a Friday is one of the highlights of the week with bustling crowds overlooked by the mediaeval abbey with an 11th century belfry, reputedly the oldest in France.  One of the abbots, Pierre de Bourdeille (1540-1614) was said to include Mary Queen of Scots among his lovers.  Brantôme was also a spot on the ancient 'Route de Compostela', the pilgrim destination in north western Spain.  There is also canoeing on the river to enjoy and there are many fine restaurants catering for all tastes and pockets.

Web link for Brantome (www.ville-brantome.fr)
Kayak/Canoe (www.brantomecanoe.com)

Cognac (90 minutes)

The Cognac region is one of only three officially designated brandy regions in Europe, and is within easy driving distance of Gaillarde going westwards past Angoulême.   The Cognac brandy produced in this region is of exceptional quality, and it is possible to visit all the great Cognac producing houses in the area including Remy Martin, Courvoisier, Martell and Hennessy to name a few.  Whichever producer you decide to visit you will gain a wealth of information about Cognac production, as well a chance to taste and buy.  Did you know that each year 20 000 worth of bottle of Cognac evaporates to thin air from the casks it is maturing in.  This is called the 'Angel's share.

Chateau de Puyguilhem (10 minutes)

This Renaissance chateau was built during the first Renaissance in the 16th century by a courtier of Francois I.  The building, including a large dovecote with 250 putlog holes, largely fell to ruin until it was bought by the State in 1939, since when it has been lovingly restored.  Its rich sculpture and decoration make it a worthwhile place to visit and enjoy its grandeur which certainly rivals châteaux found in the Loire Valley.

Web link - www.puyguilhem.monuments-nationaux.fr/en

Chateau de Jumillhac le Grand (1 hour)

This chateau lies to the north of the Perigord and is known for its fairy tale turrets which date back to the 12th century.  If you take the guided tour you will learn much about the history of the area, and the role of the Chateau as a centre for the practice of alchemy (turning base metal into gold) in the long distant past.  You can also visit the tower where it is reputed that Antoine II locked up his wife (Louise of Authefort) for 30 years. 

The village square is the perfect spot to either dine at one of the restaurants or to sit and enjoy a packed lunch while you gaze at the towers.  The local walking also repays the effort for views of the stunning gorges and scenery.  The Chateau is also one of the many stopping places visited by Richard the Lionheart, whose entire route can be followed for the real history enthusiast.

Chateau de Bourdeilles (45 minutes)

This village stands on both banks of the river Dronne, and boasts an ancient bridge over the river between the two parts of the town with a beautiful watermill right by the bridge.  On the bank of the river where the Chateau is situated, the compound of the medieval castle and Renaissance chateau stands at the highest point, with the village clustering around it.  The Chateau has a large display of remarkable furniture and tapestries, and offers good views of the surrounding area.  For the energetic a climb to the top of the tower is a must to enjoy the full effect of the view.  

Grotte de Villars (15 minutes)

The caves at Villars, a short distance from the village, are a maze of tunnels and are reputed to form the largest underground network in the Périgord.  The caves have been inhabited since pre-history, and there are fine examples of cave paintings dated from 17,000 years ago.  Spectacular stalactites and stalagmites are to be seen in abundance, and if you have time to see the short video show in the learning centre before you enter the caves, you can gain a good understanding of how they were formed.  There is also a café bar and picnic area with a children's playground available.

Perigueux (45 minutes)

Perigueux is the busy regional capital of the Périgord and has been a major centre since Roman times.  The museum built to preserve and facilitate viewing the extensive Roman ruins in the town is well worth a visit.  The old part of the town dates from the medieval period and is beautifully preserved.  Here you can wander down narrow alleys with bars and cafes, chocolatiers and boutiques, and really enjoy the charm of the city.  Market days, when the market spreads out from around the Cathedral St Front, are especially good to enjoy.  For art lovers there is a Trompe-l'œil museum which is particularly worth a visit for the stunning painting on display. In July there is an international mime and jazz festival to enjoy amongst many other cultural activities.

Web links – www.tourisme-perigueux.fr and www.ville-perigueux.fr

St Jean de Cole (15 minutes)

This village has been classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France.  It boasts a medieval humpbacked bridge and an 11th century Byzantine church, as well as the Chateau de la Marthonie.  This picturesque village also hosts a great floral week in May known as Les Floralies, and during July and August classical concerts are held in the church.  It is a wonderful place to walk around and enjoy a lunch sitting in the main square.  

Web link – www.ville-saint-jean-de-cole.fr

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is just two hours away and for the serious wine lover is easily accessible.  Standing on the Garonne River, it is the capital of Aquitaine and is the second largest wine growing region in the world. Much of the city has been renewed in recent years with pedestrian boulevards, a new tram system, and restoration of its neoclassical architecture, including the magnificent opera house.  Touring the vineyards and sampling the local wines is one of the greatest pleasures when visiting Bordeaux.  There are annual summer wine festivals and tours all the major vineyards are available including St Emilion and Haut Brion amongst many others. 

Web link – www.bordeaux-tourisme.com

Markets

The weekly markets are full of local produce;  cheeses, breads, home grown vegetables, local sausages and hams are just a few of the items available. 

The main local markets take place as follows–

Brantôme – Friday morning
Perigueux – Wednesday and Saturday morning
Thiviers – Saturday morning
Nontron – Saturday morning
Piegut - Wednesday

Please remember, Sunday is traditionally a "family day" in France. With the exception of the larger cities, shops, supermarkets and petrol stations are closed on Sundays.  The local exception is the Super U in Nontron which is open from 9.00 to 12.00 on Sunday mornings.  Fuel is always available on motorways.

Sporting Activities

There is canoeing at Brantôme on the River Dronne, tennis, horse riding, cycling and golf can all be arranged locally.  Fishing is available for which you need to buy a licence.  This can be obtained by buying a 'Carte Blanche' holiday licence at a local tabac or fishing shop. The licence last 14 days and is valid on all public waterways except where there are signed local fishing restrictions in place.  There are many public swimming pools easily available and at the lake near Saint Estephe not far from Nontron there are pedaloes or canoes available for hire in the high season.