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Image credit © 2026 Chrissy Laycock

Local Area

Paddleboarding Grand Etang St Estephe © 2026 Chrissy Laycock

Local Area: Exploring the Périgord Vert, Dordogne

Family Days Out & Activities

The Périgord Vert offers a wide range of activities for all ages, many of them just a short drive from Rêves au Soleil. From picturesque villages and local markets, to historic châteaux, and prehistoric caves.

The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park offers excellent opportunities for walking, cycling, horse riding, golf and fishing. If you are a keen nature photographer, the park is also teeming with wildlife.

Nearby towns and villages that are well worth a visit include Brantôme, Périgueux, and Saint-Jean-de-Côle. The region is crossed by four rivers, ideal for canoeing and fishing, and nearby inland beaches provide additional water activities.

Dordogne is also famous for its gastronomy. Local specialities include truffles, foie gras, duck, goose, walnuts, and l’escargot – available at weekly markets and local restaurants when in season.

Thanks to excellent road links from Thiviers, Rêves au Soleil is perfectly located for day trips to Sarlat, Lascaux, Saint-Émilion, Bordeaux, and the poignant martyr village of Oradour-sur-Glane.

Tip: It’s best to explore the Périgord Vert by car, as public transport is limited. If you would like more information about any of these places or help planning an itinerary, just ask. We’re always happy to help.

Local Area: Places of Interest

1. Brantôme

Known as the “Venice du Périgord,” Brantôme is surrounded by the River Dronne and offers picturesque views, a stunning Benedictine Abbey, and opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, paddle-boarding and boat trips – great fun for families.

2. Bourdeilles

Image credit © 2026 Chrissy Laycock

Bourdeilles : Image credit © 2026 Chrissy Laycock

Bourdeilles is a charming little village, less than 10 minutes from Brantôme, perfect for exploring any time of the year. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the banks of the Dronne River and watch the canoes paddle by.

The large, grassed area is great for children to run off steam, and there are two chateaux, a mill, and a manoir to explore, as well as several restaurants to try.  The road leading to Bourdeilles is also interesting as it has impressive rock formations over hanging the road, with houses and rock shelters built against the limestone cliff.  

3. Saint-Jean-de-Côle

Saint-Jean-de-Côle is a picturesque village about 20 minutes from Brantôme, perfect for a half-day visit. Its medieval houses cluster around a central square, with a château and a priory church at its heart. Recognised as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France,” in summer, the village comes alive with flowers and activity. We like nothing better than sitting with a coffee, and soaking up the peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a lovely place for a relaxed stroll and an ice cream!

4. Périgueux

Your itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Périgueux, the capital of the Dordogne and a charming old town with an impressive cathedral.  There are weekly night markets with live music and events on the quay during peak season, a Saturday morning market, great boutique shops, charming squares and a good choice of restaurants. Not forgetting the old lookout for the toll bridge down by the river (the Eschif dating back to 1347). The Périgueux miniature tourist train is a great way see all the sights of this beautiful town. Great fun for the kids too.

5. Thiviers

A lively market town, Thiviers is known as the “capital of foie gras.” Visit on a market day (especially Saturday) for local food and a taste of authentic Périgord life.

6. Jumilhac-le-Grand

Image credit : Father Igor license CC BY-SA 4.0)

The fairy-tale Château de Jumilhac, with its unique roofs and gardens, offers guided tours that are engaging for all ages. There are also lovely walking paths nearby and great places to stop for a picnic.

Opening times and dates vary. Always check before setting off, to avoid disappointment. The chateau is approx. 11 kms from Rêves au Soleil.

7. Velorail at Corgnac-sur-l’Isle

Two courses, pedalling along old railway tracks through the French countryside. Each rail bike can accommodate up to 5 people, with 2 pedallers. Note: for safety reasons, children under 3 years old are not allowed. It’s lots of fun and a very unique and memorable family experience. Reservations only. Limited refreshments available. Approx 10 kms from our gîtes.

8. Local Markets and Food

cheese stall at one of the local producer's market

A holiday in France would not be complete without a trip to one of the local producers’ markets – they really are a highlight of any stay here. Our guests rave about them!

The Périgord Vert is bursting with flavour, colour, and incredible aromas, and the markets are the perfect place to experience it all. You’ll find seasonal treasures like walnuts, truffles, goat cheeses, honey, and fresh fruit and vegetables, each reflecting the best of the region.

Be prepared for a sensory overload! With so many tempting local goodies on offer, the hardest part might just be deciding what to bring home for the barbecue!

Weekly farmers markets

Useful Resources

To help you make the most of your stay, we’ve gathered a selection of useful resources with more information about activities near Rêves au Soleil and how far they are. Before booking any activity, it’s a good idea to confirm that your instructor or guide speaks your language.

Water activities
Caves, Chateaux and sightseeing
Other Activities
Bicycle Hire

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Image credit © 2026 Chrissy Laycock

Saint Jean de Cole – Image credit © 2026 Chrissy Laycock