Out and About in the Dordogne - Part 2

In my last blog I talked about the ease of access to my region from an international perspective. Summer is now in full swing, and local airports such as Bergerac, are putting on more flights for holiday makers.

In July and August the average daily temperatures range from 26 to 13 degrees C (79 F to 55 F) and so many tourists - and home owners - flock to outdoor and water attractions.

So here a few more ideas to soak up the sun,

River attraction:

Moulin de Duellas - Near St Martial D’Artenset

This preserved water mill is open to visitors and serves as a centre of activities at a gorgeous site on the River Isle. Built as a saw-mill and flour-mill, and even providing electricity with a water turbine, the building closed in the 60s. Restored in the 90s, the Moulin has regular events planned in the summer.

I love the restaurant with its idyllic canal-side setting, and there is a canoeing/kayaking centre with short and long courses.

Campsite:

St Avit de Loisirs - near Le Bugue

This campsite is a fantastic place to relax and unwind. Set in a tranquil forest, this campsite has a large water park with various slides, and an indoor pool for inclement weather. A great place to unwind, switch off the phone, walk the dog and play with the kids.

Chateau:

The Chateau de Monbazillac ranks as one of the most emblematic Chateau in the Bergerac region. Built in 1550, and now managed by the local commune, this stunning estate offers tours and tastings in its co-operative shop.

Daniel Arnold in front of the Chateau de Monbazillac

Constructed in the renaissance style, this imposing castle overlooks the valley and town of Bergerac. The wine region of Monbazillac itself covers 3500 hectares of vines, and produces soft reds and is particularly renowned for its sweet dessert white wines.

Restaurant:

Just a few steps from the Chateau de Monbazillac, you can find the splendid La Maison Vari in the village centre. A delightfully unpretentious restaurant offering simple but delicious lunch time meals. I have spent many a pleasant hour treating myself to charcuterie under the outside shade of the garden’s trees. Highly recommended.

Schools:

For those moving to my part of the world, now is good time to be thinking about the kids’ education. State French maternelle schools (Nursery schools) can take children from about 2.5/3 years old and most communes have a school within easy reach. And Ecoles Primaires (Primary schools) take children from 6-11. Then Collèges (secondary schools) up to 14, then Lycées (colleges) up to 17. In my region there are couple of schools that cover the standard French Curriculum alongside the English iGSCE programme.

The private school at Sigoulès - Le Cluzeau - offers a few iGCSEs at a very reasonable cost - I would say this establishment is great for older kids who are new to France, who cannot jump easily straight into French mainstream education.

The Old School in Lauzun is perhaps more suited to older kids who are already used to the private school system in the UK. Catering for Kids aged 10-19, courses on offer include GCSEs and A Levels.

Article written by Daniel Arnold