5-minute walk

Weds: closed
Mon – Sun: 12:00 – 13:00 & 19:00 – 20:30

Stroll to this much-loved local restaurant for lunch or dinner on a wisteria-clad terrace. Sip a cocktail while you study the menu du jour (great value and full of seasonal ingredients) or opt for the Riz de Veau – possibly the best in the Dordogne. It’s a favourite spot for locals and visitors so do book a table well ahead.

10-minute walk

You order ahead by phone and it’s a very relaxed restaurant sitting in a superb place on the banks of the river Dordogne. Friendly staff serve traditional French and Spanish dishes along with good fish. The views over the river are a lovely distraction.

8-minute drive

Mon – Weds: closed
Thurs – Sun: 19:30 – 21:00
Sat: 12:00 – 15:00

An outstanding restaurant surrounded by woods and vineyards. Choose from hearty local fare to more sophisticated dishes and all can be accompanied with delicious wines from the region. Friday evening barbecues are lively affairs and popular with locals.

From the door

Stroll through the lovely pale stone village houses towards the river passing apple, chestnut and walnut orchards. Swim in the river, take a picnic, hire a bike or canoe and explore further.

A fabulous, fairly challenging 17.2km circular trail. From the banks of the river Dordogne you stride through the hills of Alles-sur-Dordogne then down into Cussac. The average time it takes is about four and a half hours and you’ll pass through some very pretty countryside with superb views of the Buisson-de-Cadouin heights.

29-minute drive

The charming medieval streets, beautiful chateaux (most of which you can visit by appointment) and UNESCO vineyard – one of the best in the world – make for a wonderful day exploring. Hire canoes here and hit the water, looking out for egrets, black kites and falcons. A wonderful, restful way to spend a day.

5-minute drive or a stroll through vineyards

Weds: closed

Mon – Sun: 06:00-19:30

An excellent village bakery selling melt-in-the-mouth freshly baked croissants and warm crusty baguettes for memorable French breakfasts. They also sell elaborately decorated cakes and wonderful tarts – great for puddings or picnics.

5-minute drive or short walk

A stroll into the village will take you to the local delicatessen for home-made specialties and charcuterie: pâtés with walnuts, porcini mushrooms, and walnut rillettes. They also have a fine fruit and vegetable section, liqueurs, many local wines, a creamery and good readymade meals.

7-minute drive

Mon – Sat: 08:00 – 20:00

Sun: 09:00 – 13:00

Big and bouncy supermarket, perfect for stocking up with anything you can’t find in the local markets including groceries, fresh produce and everyday essentials. It also has a bakery section with fresh bread and pastries.

10-minute drive

Mon: 09:00-12:00

Lots of local produce at this lively Monday market in the village square. You’ll find stalls selling Dordogne’s famous walnuts, foie gras, cheeses and more.

18-minute drive

Saturday: 08:30 – 13:00

This is regularly voted one of the best markets in France so come for a unique experience and some fabulous local food. The centre of the pretty little town is pedestrianised for the Saturday market so get here early so you can park outside and walk in. A huge variety of regional products assails you – freshly-picked fruit and vegetables, cheeses, meats and local cold cuts along with souvenirs and clothes. The atmosphere is bustling and happy.

Further afield you can find a market on almost any day of the week – Libourne (43 minutes) has one on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday morning, Eymet (43 minutes) on Thursdays and a night market on Tuesdays.

3-minute drive

A great day out in a canoe for all the family and you can even bring your dog. The canoe club sits on the riverfront of Pessac sur Dordogne and has a nice restaurant with lovely views. Buses will drop you at the start of your tour and you have to paddle home – either 8km or 15km. Treat yourselves to a delicious lunch when you (eventually) get back.

20-minute drive

For watery fun pack up all you need and head to this lovely lake with a beach, leisure centre and restaurant. Entry is free, you can swim and sail and you’ll find picnic areas and a children’s playground along with swimming and boating. In July and August there are pony rides, you can have a go at archery or try your hand at mini water skiing.

27-minute drive

Rejuvenate your body and mind at this lovely spa, part of a super-smart château hotel. Chill out in the indoor heated pool with its lovely views over the estate, sunbathe around the outdoor pool, enjoy a sauna, hammam and jacuzzi, book treatments and massages.

32-minute drive

This spa is attached to a lovely old château surrounded by mature trees and parkland. Make the most of a rainy day here with perhaps a facial, massage or beauty treatment. You’ll find a heated sensory pool, hammam and an outdoor infinity pool with stunning views.