what to see and what to do near the Maison de Léopold
Phone number: +33 5 53 50 40 91 / +33 6 20 62 55 78 - Email : valerie@lamaisondeleopold.com
La Chambaudie, 24120 Terrasson-Lavilledieu
Most beautiful villages in France, castles, prehistoric caves,
sports activities, canoeing, hiking
In the south-eastern part of the Dordogne the Périgord Noir (curious name for one of the brightest regions of France), nestles between the valleys of the Vézère and the Dordogne, leading to the Pôle International of Prehistory (Paleolithic sites, caves and natural shelters) and the magnificent listed villages and countless castles.
Come and discover all the riches that make Périgord, the choice for cultural tourism and the great outdoors.
THE CAVES OF LASCAUX 20KM, 20MN
Located in Montignac, the International Centre for cave art, Centre International de l'art pariétal represents all the paintings and engravings of the original cave, reproduced on a real scale and in every detail. The use of new image and virtual technologies allows visitors to better decipher the works of the cave.
Lascaux II, an exact reproduction of the original frescoes, is still open during the summer. This authentic place has regained its serenity offering visitors the illusion of being in the original cave.
SARLAT 30KM, 30MN
Sarlat, capital of the Périgord Noir, is classified as a City of Art and History, which confirms its great architectural quality. A true medieval gem, Sarlat is also known to have the highest concentration of historical and classified monuments. Its narrow medieval alleys and large sunny squares, particularly lively on market days, offer a most pleasant living environment. City tours offered by the Tourist Office allow you into the history of Sarlat and discover the charms of this medieval city. Our advice: take advantage of off-peak hours at dusk or come out of season, especially for the Saturday morning market to taste truffles, foie gras, fresh nuts and avoid the real human tide during the summer...
THE MOST BEAUTIFUL VILLAGES IN FRANCE
Created in 1982, the association of the most beautiful villages in France aims to promote the tourist assets of small rural communities (- 5000 inhabitants) rich in quality heritage.
Locally, the village of Saint Amand de Coly, only 10 minutes from our guest house, has a 12th century abbey, considered to be the most beautiful fortified church in Périgord.
Today, only 157 villages can take advantage of this brand name in France. 10 are in the Dordogne and six are in Périgord Noir.
The great outdoors
The Dordogne Valley, Valley of Castles, will offer you breathtaking landscapes.
Rich in exceptional sites and landscapes, the valley is located at the crossroads of major tourist sites such as the medieval city of Sarlat, the great prehistoric sites of the Vézère Valley (LASCAUX, LES EYZIES) and those of the neighboring department of Lot and La Corrèze, (Rocamadour, Padirac, Collonges la Rouge ...) Find out more…
If you want the outdoors, you will be delighted, canoeing, the Via Ferrata at Marqueyssac, boat trips (gabarre), ULM, hiking, walking or cycling routes, even hot air balloon flights from La Roque Gageac, A multitude of activities to delight all ages.
CASTLES
The Périgord has many beautifully preserved castles. Their discovery is both instructive and recreational. Beyond the built heritage, most of these prestigious tourist sites organise events that delight both young and old, such as in Castelnaud or Hautefort.
The construction of the Périgord Noir castles began during the 11th and 12th centuries in places difficult to access (rocky outcrops, mounds surrounded by marshes). The insecurity of the Hundred Years War between the kingdoms of France and England strengthened the defensive medieval architecture. The Renaissance brought light, comfort and a touch of exuberance. This explains the various architectural styles which make the charm of the thousand and one castles of Périgord.