Sarlat & Castles of the Dordogne
Besides truffles, foie gras, and its beautiful landscape, the Dordogne is also famous for its castles. Several of these castles or chateaux such as Milandes, Beynac, and Castelnaud are located within minutes from one another. On the other hand, keeping in mind that each visit is at least 1.5 to 2 hours with a good walk (hike) to reach the top, I would recommend choosing one for a full visit, and then stopping by the others for photos or just to walk around and see the exteriors. As an FYI, there’s a small fee to park at the entrance and cards are accepted.
Château des Milandes is the former home of Josephine Baker. It was here at this Château that Josephine and her husband welcomed and later adopted 12 children of different nationalities and religions. These children together came to be known as the Rainbow Tribe, all for one and one for all, come what may. Château des Milandes is open to the public for tours of the estate as well as the lovely gardens.
Château de Beynac is known as one of the best preserved medieval fortresses. You can visit the interiors of this castle year round or simply follow the hiking trail to the top where it offers stunning views of the Dordogne. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes!
Château de Castelnaud is located less than 10 minutes from La Roque-Gageac and is an easy destination before or after cruising on the Dordogne River.
Classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France, La Roque Gageac is an easy 20 minute drive from Sarlat. La Roque Gageac is also the starting point for cruises alongthe Dordogne river. Les Garbares Norbert is one of the companies. But just next door you’ll see at least one other company also selling tickets. Reservations are not necessary. When I arrived there was nobody in line and I was able to hop on the very next departure. They run just about every hour from 10 to 6 pm from spring through the fall.
Ma petite maison (my little house) in Sarlat…
The food in the Dordogne region features simple local ingredients that are rich with flavor, like these tomatoes. Oh-la-la, they literally burst in your mouth.
The Saturday Market Day in Sarlat is the talk of the town and everybody, locals and tourists, is there!!
Market finds from my outing at the Sarlat market earlier that Saturday. The baguette and tapenade were divine, as were the local cheese and meats. The wine was a white blend from the neighboring region Bergerac, France. So good!
Monbazillac (left) and vins de châtaignes (right) are two of the local wines that I enjoyed very much while spending time in the Dordogne. Monbazillac is a lush, sweet and full flavored wine similar to Sauternes, and is typically served after dinner as a dessert wine. The vin de châtaignes is a sweet wine made with chestnuts and served chilled as an apéritif. Both are delicious!
Food, wine, small villages, beautiful castles, friendly people and the river are all reason I love the Dordogne region. You should come!!
