Take cocktails to the terrace as the sun goes down…and be dazzled. The view from every rampart and room of this hilltop château is as stunning as any in the Perigord Noir.
Endless woodland walks are yours: hike down the forest track to little Carlux. Or set off for the market at Souillac – a short drive – to stock your vaulted kitchen with epicurean delights. Castles abound, including the feudal fortress of Fénelon, 15km, and the beautifully preserved Château de Beynac. Head for mellow-stone Sarlat, tourist capital of the Dordogne (18km), lovely old Domme (20km), and oysters and wine at St Cyprien’s Sunday market.
Return to ginormous medieval fireplaces and gracious 19th-century panelling. Reception rooms combine opulence and charm, and bedroom suites (one in the tower) are extremely spoiling. Towels are monogrammed, carpets are plush, and soaps smell divine.
What joy to be able to call one of the historic turreted castles that line the Dordogne 'home' for a week. As majestic and authentically medieval as the architecture is, the bedrooms are very luxurious and newly-refurbished with lots of beautiful details and charming touches. I had an enchanted stay, sleeping in a tower room with stained glass windows overlooking the Dordogne.