The region offers a variety of activities and places to go and visit. It's why the region has been such a popular holiday destination for families for so many years.
The region is called Perigord and is without doubt one of the most visited areas of France. The region has many jewels on show; châteaux, abbeys, bastides, pre-historic sites, caves, gardens, museums and beautiful villages and towns. There is so much to discover. If you are into your food and drink then look no further as gastronomy is one of the corner stones of the Perigord. There are plenty of markets and restaurants where you can buy or taste the local cuisine, it's fois gras, confits, cheeses not to mention it's assortment of wines and liquers.
Perigord is full of unspoilt landscapes in the South West of France in the Dordogne department. The Perigord is made up of four areas often referred to as the "Four Colours of Perigord", the Green, White, Purple and Black Perigord’s. Moulin Cacaud and the Summer House nestles in the Green Perigord area.
The Green Perigord is the northern area of the Dordogne bordering the Charente department. It is known for its lush green scenery, cultivated fields and the many rivers which disect the landscape. Within this area is the Dronne Valley with its unspoilt villages, wooded slopes and waterways which act as a back drop to the ancient houses and Romanesque churches and buildings.
Bordering is the White Perigord region which gets its name from the chalky soils and white local stone. The capital of the Dordogne is Perigueux and is famed for its two thousand year history. The White Perigord is abundant with wonderful chatueux, feudal castles and renaissance palaces.
Purple Perigord further South, owes its name to it's vineyards. Bergerac is its main town. Fourteenth century architecture still stands in the old quarter alongside shops and restaurants.
A boat trip in a traditional Gabbade is an enjoyable way to spend an afternoon on the River Dordogne. Many fortified villages reflect the history of turbulent years gone by.
Black Perigord in the South West is known for its wealth of prehistoric history. The Dordogne river flows through splendid limestone cliffs and oak forests. Its Palaeolithic history can be seen through its natural rock shelters and painted caves. Architecture from the middle ages and the Renaissance can be seen in villages for example Beynac, La Roque-Gegeac and Sarlat the areas main town. Sarlat has many buildings listed or classified as historic monuments.
If the above is not enough, the Summer House is only a short drive from Angouleme or Perigeaux, which are big towns with all the amenities you would expect. The house is only a couple of hours drive to the coast or Bordeaux if you want to do some serious shopping.
