The Dordogne is one of the five longest rivers in France, and also one of the most picturesque places in the country. Few regions encapsulate France’s attractions better than the Dordogne: its delicious cuisine, impressive history, castle-studded countryside and picturesque villages.

To the French, the Dordogne is known as the Périgord and is divided into four colour areas:

• Purple Perigord (purple) for the wine-growing areas around Bergerac

• Perigord Blanc (white) for the limestone hills surrounding the capital Périgueux

• Perigord Vert (green) for the wooded areas in the north

• and of course the most beautiful of them all: the Périgord Noir (black), for the dark oak forests around the Vézère Valley and Sarlat-la-Canéda

This is where Petite Vallée is located.

Whether you prefer to laze by the pool, play with the chickens, go for a walk in the woods, enjoy some delicious food, burn off energy in the playground, lend a hand in the permaculture garden, do a yoga session, play a game of bowlingplaying, admiring the Milky Way at night or simply reading a book in the shade of an oak tree – at Petite Vallée there is something for everyone.

If you do feel like going out, there is plenty to see and do within a 30-minute drive!

Whether you buy it from a market stall or have it served in one of the many great restaurants or bistros, the food here is a feast for the taste buds. Think local specialities such as truffles, Bergerac wines, strawberries, walnuts, goat cheese and porcini mushrooms.

There are countless fantastic restaurants near Petite Vallée. From simple French bistros to Michelin starred establishments. Below we share a few of our favourites.

Please check the opening hours in advance, as they can vary considerably. Some restaurants are only open from May to October, and many are closed on Mondays. This list is far from complete – we keep discovering new gems ourselves – so don’t let that stop you from going on a discovery tour yourself!

Our absolute favorite! Now awarded a Michelin star, which unfortunately makes it a bit more difficult to get a table. But believe us: it is more than worth it. Super good food with a rustic French flair, served in an atmospheric garden in the heart of the charming village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère. They also serve natural wine.

Not the cheapest place, but definitely a feast for your taste buds. For kids there is a chill pasta and crayons at the table - also nice.

Photos of: Little Leon

Luncheon on the Grass
low key, but very cozy. self service shop on the Vézère river. Delicious quiches and salads, and chickens happily roaming around. Perfect pit stop during your canoe trip.

Maison Lissajoux
For the very best pastries, croissants and breakfast. Don't worry too much about the grumpy owner - it's really worth it. Thank me later...

Photos: Maison Lissajoux

In addition to gîtes and small-scale glamping in a dreamy valley, you can also expect the most amazing food. On Monday evenings, they organize a funky pizza night, where kids get to bake their own pizzas and adults are treated to innovative flavors on a wood-fired sourdough pizza. There is also a very cozy taco night once a week.

To make it truly French, there is a welcome quiche. You can eat there four times a week. The last option is a creative plant based 4-course menu from our own garden or from the garden of organic farmer neighbors, with matching (natural) wines.

TIP: actually only for guests, but you can always send a message via Instagram in time to ask if there is a table available for outsiders…

Not the specialty of the average Frenchman, but fortunately there are at least two places where you can drink really good coffee. Think: cappuccino with a heart, not with a dollop of whipped cream.

Ecureil Cafe
On a cute little square in the middle of the bastide town of Monpazier.

Oriwa Coffee
In Saint-Cyprien. Quaint coffee shop with young owners and a nice atmosphere.

At Café des Moines Cadouin is the place to be for a delicious cup of coffee. Be sure to linger a little longer, because the pastries are just as divine. And if you stay even longer, the (natural) wines and beers will be brought to the table with just as much ease.

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The Petite Vallée area is home to an enchanting mix of beautiful villages that have managed to perfectly preserve the charm of the French countryside. We have listed a few that you really should not miss in our opinion.

All three are within a 30-minute drive of Petite Vallée.

Built on cliffs above the Dordogne River, and not without reason named one of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. With its cream-coloured stone houses and steep, cobbled streets, the village exudes history and charm.

At the top is a castle that was the scene of battles in the Middle Ages. The fortress is one of the best preserved in the region, and the sweeping views over the Dordogne valley make the climb more than worth it.

La Roque-Gageac is largely a row of yellow stone houses, set between the Dordogne River to the front and overhanging cliffs to the rear. It is a dramatic and much-photographed spot – and rightly so.

Thanks to its sunny south-facing position and the shelter of the cliffs, the village has its own microclimate. Palm trees and banana plants grow freely in the tropical garden, which you can admire – together with several troglodyte caves – as you climb up the narrow streets towards the rocks.

Perched high on a cliff, the bastide village of Domme has retained much of its medieval fortifications. An imposing twin-towered gateway leads to the steep main street, lined with stone houses – many with charming balconies and external staircases.

At the top of the hill is the central town square, with an open market hall among a cluster of cozy cafes. Order a coffee cream and enjoy it on a terrace overlooking the Dordogne river. A place where history and views merge effortlessly.

Here the Dordogne and Vézère rivers meet. You can walk all the way up through the pretty, narrow streets and enjoy beautiful views along the way.

Stop for a nice coffee at Rivers. At the very top you will find a garden that you can visit – and just outside is Garden Party, a very nice restaurant with a phenomenal view.

Below, on the riverbank, is The Angel of Salut – a nice terrace for a drink in the late afternoon. Perfect to sit down after your climb up.

A picturesque jumble of honey-coloured buildings, alleys and secret squares makes up the beautiful town of Sarlat-la-Canéda – with some of the best-preserved medieval architecture in the region.

It is slightly larger than most villages in the area, which means: plenty of choice when it comes to food and drink. Start your morning with the best cakes in the region (in our opinion!) at Maison Lissajoux. Not the cheapest, but definitely the best.

For organic and natural wines and good advice, go to Chai Bordin.

Please note: during high season (July & August) we advise against visiting Sarlat on market day (Wednesday and Saturday) – it gets way too crowded.