Guide to Local Towns in the Dordogne & North Lot-et-Garonne, SW 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 Towns

Fonroque is ideally located between the historic town of Bergerac to the North and the bastide town of Eymet to the South. Just a short drive away are the medieval towns of Issigeac, Duras, Villereal, Monflanquin to mention a few.

Eymet

Eymet Square 'Place de Gambetta' - a lovely example of Medieval architecture, with cobbled streets flanked by stone arched arcade. The Medieval bridge in Eymet crosses the River Dropt, where it is possible to hire canoes to explore the river.

The medieval bastide town of Eymet is only a 5 minute drive away. Eymet is situated on a meander of the Dropt, a peacefully-flowing river which for a long time was the thoroughfare of gabares (barges). Eymet was founded in 1270 and has a wealth of different and complementary landscapes, architectures and economic activities. One specific architectural feature is the recently restored towers of the medieval castle. These days, the entirely renovated, Place de la Bastide is the place to be....a lively hub of restaurants, bars and shopping within the centre of the town. The beautiful arcades with the fountain in the middle complement this activity. There is a weekly market on a Thursday morning and in the summer an evening market every Tuesday evening - great fun for adults and kids alike. There are also annual events such as medieval fairs, brocantes and art fairs.

Harry & Millie dancing with one of our guests, Ellie from the US, at one of the night markets. The square in Eymet is lined with stunning stone arches, bars and restaurants.

Bergerac

Cyrano de Bergerac's home, the old quarter retains incredible charm - cobbled streets, Medieval architecture, little squares with fountains and cafes. Bergerac Church stands proud over the old quarter - some excellent restaurants in this vicinity!

Bergerac, the second-largest town in the Dordogne with 30,000 inhabitants, is the capital of south-west Périgord and only a 15 minute drive away. The district known as the land of the vineyard or Purple Périgord is vast in it's diversity. The history of Bergerac since the Middle Ages can be summed up in three words: the river, the wine and the bridge. Bergerac today is a town bustling with life and vitality, especially in the pedestrianised area of the old quarter, where there is an abundance of cafes, restaurants, markets, boutique and antique shops. You will be enchanted by the richness and originality of its museums, the variety of produce and wonderful aromas of its markets, the exquisite flavours of the cuisine and wines, and the wonderful warmth and generosity of its people. The fireworks on Bastille Day are truly memorable. In and around Bergerac the 100,000 acres of vineyards produce 75 % of Dordogne's wine production. The cellar of every "wine cooperative" is open for tasting, particularly the Bergerac and Monbazillac cellars which are very popular with visitors. The wines of AOC Bergerac include, Pécharmant, one of the most highly appreciated by connoisseurs. the fruity Rose, the white and red Côtes-de-Bergerac and the mellow white Montravel. To the south there is the very well known Monbazillac, and, around Sigoulès, Saussignac.

Duras

Duras is well worthy of a visit with a beautiful chateaux taking pride of place within the town. There is a colourful market there every Saturday morning, packed with fresh local produce.

Issigeac

Issigiac market - the flower stall is full of bloom throughout the year! Issigiac market - baskets for every occasion! Don't miss the chicken man (grilled chicken).

Another market which is a must is the weekly Sunday morning market in Issigeac, a stunning town with much character. To stroll around the stalls on a Sunday morning finishing with a long coffee in the square, overlooking the church, is bliss.