Guide to South Dordogne & North Lot-et-Garonne, France

Gite Les Roches - a stunning Dordogne holiday home for 10/12

Welcome to the stunning Dordogne - with something for everyone!

Something for everyone in the stunning Dordogne!

Local Area

They say that, when it comes to property, only three things are important - location, location and location. And so it is with Les Roches - a stunning spot, within the perfect village, in a lovely part of the world.

A stunning spot...

Les Roches is built on the site of an old quarry - the main house occupies an elevated position that enjoys a commanding view over a secluded little valley, whilst the 'dungeon' and pool areas are nestled into what was the blasted rock face - tranquil, private and full of character. The property lies on the edge of the village, off a lane that leads to the neighbouring village of Razac d'Eymet - this lane also forms the official 'boucle' (walking circuit) with the neighbouring villages of Razac and Serres & Montguyard. Whilst the valley occupies the south and west elevations (with poplar plantation, disused meadow and stream), our paddock and tractor barn border the gite part of the property to the east, and we live in a converted wine chai (where wine was produced in times gone by) to the north.

Check out our 360 degree panorama to enjoy the view from the gite here.

...in the perfect village...

Fonroque village square (complete with boulangerie and epicerie) is only a five minute walk, dropping into the valley, past the source of 'Le Touron', and up the other side - the church occupies the south corner. The panorama 'Le Touron' covers the majority of the route.

The gite is just up and to the left of this photo of a disused hut built on the banks of the stream. Now a fishpond, this 'lavoir' is where clothes were washed in days gone by and is the second landmark en route to the boulangerie. Landmark 3, where Le Touron emanates from holes and caves in the rock. Josh, our dog, may still be there when you come - it's his favourite spot! Built in 1284 (or thereabouts), thsi medival tower stands proud at the head of the valley - turn right, into the square, shortly after. Can you smell the croissants yet?

With a population of some 300 only, Fonroque is a small, friendly community that never-the-less offers excellent facilities - a superb boulangerie (bakers), an epicerie (convenience store) and a bar / snack restaurant.

Arguably the best baker in the Dordogne, Phillippe not only makes excellent croissants, pastries & cakes etc, he also does special orders with pleasure. Fonroque epicerie - Madame de Silvas speaks no English, but gives visitors a warm welcome, and seems to be open all hours!

...in a lovely part of the world

Green rolling countryside, old stone farmhouses and barns, fields of sunflowers, vineyards, streams, grand chateaux, castles in ruins, bastide towns of cobbled streets with fountains, little squares, cafes, the archetypal French farmer complete with beret, derelict old pigeonnieres. The list is endless - you'll just have to come to experience it all for yourselves!!