Luxury rentals in Dordogne

The Dordogne is one of the most beautiful, authentic and unspoiled – not to mention delicious – regions of France. It’s an area that’s packed with medieval villages, market towns, chateaux galore, vine-clad hillsides and stunning landscapes. It’s also brimming with stunning places to stay – from castles to cosy cottages. More than simply accommodation, your temporary home in the Dordogne is an important part of your holiday, “the place you return to each day to relax and live the good life, like a local,” says Zsuzsi Stork of Luxury Rentals Dordogne.

Divided into four regions (Périgord Noir, Périgord Pourpre, Périgord Vert and Périgord Blanc), the Dordogne is one of the most authentic French destinations. From some of the most incredibly well-preserved medieval towns in France – think Sarlat with its honey-coloured stone, narrow, cobbled streets and vibrant markets, or the dramatic  riverside village of Beynac-et-Cazenac, crowned by its medieval château – to prehistoric paintings and caves, stunning châteaux, forests, rivers and lakes.

Wander through the magical Jardins de Marqueyssac, a listed National Historical Monument with more than six kilometres of pathways surrounded by over 150,000 hand-pruned boxwoods. Step into the underground world of the Gouffre de Padirac, a gigantic gorge 35 metres wide and 75 metres deep with an underground river, towering limestone walls, stalactites and unique rock formations. There are thousands of places to visit and things to do and see.

Of course, food and drink sit at the very heart of this gastronomic region, with vineyards and vineyard tours, cheese, truffles, cèpes, walnuts, confit duck and foie gras. Every town seems to have a colourful market, and then there are the marchés gourmands, evening markets where people gather at long tables to enjoy local produce, plus secret places to picnic, authentic bistros, and plentiful Michelin-star restaurants.

But don’t worry, there are plenty of activities to burn off those extra calories, from visiting hilltop castles to cycling tranquil countryside lanes, maybe you fancy the adrenalin-fuelled Via Ferrata at Marqueyssac, a 200-metre rockface walk 100 metres above the river, or try the more relaxing Vélorail (cycling along sleepy disused train tracks). The area is a year-round paradise for those who love sports and being outdoors, with hiking along well-marked trails, trail running, climbing, horseback riding, mountain biking, fishing, golfing and more.

However you explore, there is something unmistakably special about the Dordogne. It brings together remarkable landscapes and UNESCO-listed World Heritage sites with life’s simple but sublime pleasures: food, drink, culture, history and wellbeing. And the team at Luxury Rentals Dordogne take all that is wonderful about the Dordogne and make it even better.

Luxury rentals in Dordogne

Founded by Zsuzsi and Floris, Luxury Rentals Dordogne dedicate their time to finding the most gorgeous holiday homes and then help you create an unforgettable experience. With 25 years’ experience of the Dordogne, they know the region inside out. They take the time to visit properties and get to know the owners, ensuring that the property you choose meets both their exacting standards and your dream criteria.

How about staying at Château de Rouffillac, a magnificent historic château perched high above the Dordogne river, with breathtaking views across the valley? Or what about Domaine Rubis, surrounded by eight hectares of wooded park, with breathtaking panoramic views over the Dordogne valley and the bastide town of Domme, where you can sip local wine under the stars to the sound of cicadas and the beautiful water fountains.

Or perhaps you prefer something more intimate and contemporary, like Le Haut Coustal, a striking architect-designed villa for six, with a heated private pool and magnificent views over the surrounding countryside. Or maybe Domaine de Bonnefond, a beautiful country estate with its own private tennis court, is more your style.

Whether it’s a romantic manor house you dream of, a chateau with staff (Downton Abbey inspiration!), or a cosy cottage, and whether it’s for two or twenty or more – Luxury Rentals Dordogne have a superb portfolio of idyllic places to stay

A holiday you will never forget

Effortless luxury in a beautiful property surrounded by stunning landscape is only the start with a Luxury Rentals Dordogne stay.

Everyone’s dream holiday is different – exploring the magnificent castles, charming villages, shopping at the market to cook your own feast, lying by the pool by day, or dining at local restaurants. Zsuzsi and Floris can recommend the best places to eat – like the Michelin-starred Le Moulin de l’Abbaye, a former abbey mill overlooking the river in beautiful Brantôme, often known as the Venice of the Dordogne.

But at your Luxury Rentals Dordogne holiday home, they can also organise for some extra special TLC – from a personal massage to a private yoga session.

They can also recommend special extras like caviar tasting, wine tours or an elegant picnic like no other as the sun sets in the beautiful gardens of Château d’Eyrignac and a thousand tiny lights twinkle over guests all dressed in white. And for a really unforgettable evening, you could indulge with a personal chef who will shop for ingredients, prepare and serve a gourmet meal of your choice in the comfort of your home (and clean up afterwards so you just relax!).

A winning combination

Of course, the best holidays, the ones you never forget, manage to meet and surpass all your expectations. And that’s the aim of Zsuzsi and Floris. You can choose from an intimate but stunning property for two or you can go big with a holiday for family and friends and groups of up to 24.

And once you’ve chosen where you’ll be staying, choose from their recommendations of activities to create an itinerary that ticks every box (and a few more) and captures the essence of this diverse region combined with the things that you enjoy most.

There is so much of the Dordogne to discover and fall in love with, and you’ll leave knowing time spent there wasn’t long enough. But that’s ok, there are plenty more holidays to come and plenty more stunning properties to choose from.

For more information or to book, visit: luxuryrentalsdordogne.com

The post Luxury rentals in Dordogne appeared first on The Good Life France.