banb-dordogne.co.uk

Les Vignes, Bed and Breakfast
Please contact us to book a room or to enquire further

Telephone: +33 (0)5 53 60 75 35
Mobile: +33 (0)6 32 07 29 23 or +33 (0)6 26 88 76 39
UK: +44 (0)1454 312847

Whole House Rental
is Also Available.

Please Contact Us
for Details.

Whole House Rental
is Also Available.

Please Contact Us
for Details.

Sandie and I thought we knew France. We'd spent winters in the mountains and the summers all over the place. Nobody told us about the Perigord Vert in The Dordogne. We found it for ourselves. And we stayed.

Our house is a rambling 18th Century Maison Bourgeoise in Abjat Sur Bandiat, a village in the heart of the wonderful Limousin-Perigord national park, and although we still go to the mountains, this is where we spend our summers, and meet our friends from all over Europe. The paradox of the Perigord-Vert is that, although in the department of the Dordogne which is renowned for its suffocating summer crowds, we enjoy here, a sublime anonymity that is largely undiscovered, even by the French. North of Perigueux and south of Limoges, it is lush farmland and working villages, green hills and valleys dotted with medieval townships - all that one dreams about in the country which is still talked of as the gem of all Europe.

Somewhere in the locality is a street market almost everyday of the week with stalls piled high with everything from cherries as big as plums, foie gras and truffles, duck in all its forms and producers selling wine straight from the vineyard; without forgetting, of course, a myriad of locally made items from embroidered tablecloths to the local Limoges pottery. Our village has a lovely 8th Century church, two lively bars/restaurants and shops including a traditional boulangerie producing the best freshly baked baguettes in France (at least we think so)!!, butcher, and 'corner shop'. We are surrounded by lakes, some to fish in and others with a beach and safe swimming. One such lake, is at Saint Saud Lacoussiere just 6Km's away and many other attractions for a day out are easily reachable. Prehistoric caves abound, with paintings and other traces of life going back thousands of years before the pyramids were built. The whole area is steeped in history. Remember this is part of The Aquitaine with strong links to our own history. An English king, Henry II and his wife, the magnificent Eleanor of Aquitaine, ruled a kingdom which stretched from the Scottish border to Bordeaux. Their son was Richard I (the Lionheart); he was killed with an arrow in his chest just up the road from us while besieging the castle at Chalus.

Just a 20 min drive away is a magnificent medieval town of Brantome with its Benedictine abbey dating back to Charlemagne on the banks of the Dronne. This lovely town with its superb sightseeing, market, restaurants and coffee shops is truly referred to as 'the Venice of The Perigord'. We could mention the old town of Nontron, just down the road with its antique doll and knife museums, the medieval town of Bergerac or even the little village of Piegut-Pluviers, 5kms, or so, away with the remains of the 12th Century fortress pillaged by King Richard (plus a couple of good restaurants serving traditional, and more diverse cuisine). Naturally we must not forget the sort of activities that families look for on holiday and we have them here in abundance. Canoeing at Brantome, for example, the Acrobois and velorail at Bussil Gallant with assault courses and daring swings through the trees, and old train track trails to 'cycle' along, giving a thrill to all ages. A few miles from Abjat is what has been described as the grand prix of go-karting tracks, and not forgetting the tennis, football, boules, skittles and horseriding in the village itself if you prefer to stay local. Everyday is filled with interest but you're not compelled to go anywhere once you've enjoyed croissant and coffee on our terrace. You can simply stay at home, if you prefer by the pool; a cool glass of wine is always on hand, bbq ready for your use and a traditional evening meal is available, should you wish to reserve for dinner here. Our rooms are all tastefully appointed, all with dedicated bath/shower room, breakfast included, all from just 50 euros per night per couple! We also offer our house as a whole house rental, in the high season, from 800 GBP per week. It sleeps 12-14, comfortably, and comes with all the usual household appliances, bed linen and towels. Please feel free to email me with any questions, and we look forward to meeting you!