Chateau de Villars

This page shows and explains some of our local sights. The excellent location of Villars will enable us to show people the area and its treasures without spending hours on the coach. The air-conditioned coach and french chauffeur will whisk you on your way in comfort and more importantly FREE OF CHARGE! A few of the locations do have small entrance fees – such as the Gardens, Chateaus and the Grottes de Villars.

The Villars caves, Chateau de Puyguilhem, Abbey de Boschaud and the ancient village church St Martial are all within walking distance. Brantome, Bordeilles, Nontron, St Jean de Cole, La Chapelle Faucher to name a few, are within 10 minutes drive and of course all around us is the most idyllic countryside. Within striking distance are places to fish and kayak, the gardens at Eyrinac and Chateau de Hautefort, and the races and stud farm at Pompadour.

St Jean de Cole

Classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France, St Jean de Cole is justly proud of its 11th Century Byzantine church, the Chateau de la Marthonie, the cloisters, stone bridges and picturesque houses and roofs. In May it hosts a renowned flower show and during the summer months there are musical concerts and recitals held in the church. It's a lovely place to browse around with craft and gift shops and some good restaurants.

Grottes de Villars

The caves here at Villars are a maze of some 13 kms of tunnel and form the largest underground network in the Périgord. Inhabited since prehistory, there are fine examples of Aurignacian painting, bison, antelope and witches and the famous Magdalenian white horse. The spectacular stalactites and stalagmites will fascinate children, not yet that interested in cave art.

Chateau de Puyguilhem

This incredible Chateau was built during the sixteenth century by a courtier of Francois I. Designed to rival and in the style of the great Loire Chateaux. It is today the best preserved Chateau in the Perigord. Rich in sculpture and decoration it provides a record of the enormous talents of its builders.

Perigueux

Capital of the Dordogne, the city has been a major centre since Roman times. Roman ruins are scattered throughout and a new museum highlights the best. After the Hundred Years War the city enjoyed prosperity brought about by the many rich merchants who lived here. The beautifully preserved Medieval old town is full of charm. Narrow alleys packed with boutiques, bars and cafes lead onto many squares where one can observe the more bourgeois side of French life.

Brantôme

The Venice of the Perigord. Due to the convergence of two rivers an Island was formed, Brantôme occupies this island. Undoubtedly a highlight of the area. Friday is market day and in the morning stalls fill the town, even stretching across some of the many bridges. This clears in the afternoon to reveal a truly picturesque sight. Brantôme has many interesting shops, the Abbey with the oldest bell tower in France, troglodyte caves and much more.

Bourdeilles

An incredibly quaint village set on the banks of the river Dronne. An ancient bridge crosses the Dronne past the water mill, built in the shape of a boat. The village clusters on the hillside with the castle compound on the summit. The compound consists of a medieval castle and a beautiful renaissance Chateau. The Chateau is full of remarkable furniture and tapestries.