Le Luc and the Dordogne Valley
Le Luc is situated in one of the most picturesque parts of France located in the 5 Chateaux region of the Dordogne Valley. Many towns and villages enjoy stunning views of river valley in particular, La Roque Gageac, Domme, Beynac and Castelnaud.
Within walking distance of Le Luc is the riverside medieval village of Castelnaud convenient for leisure activities as well as having a good range of shops and restaurants. Sitting on the hill above the village is the medieval Chateau Castelnaud, once occupied by the English during the 100 years war. It hosts a museum of medieval warfare and has many replicas of ancient war machinery.
The history of the region is varied with prehistoric sites such as Les Eyzies for Cro-Magna Man and Lascaux for then renowned cave paintings, both places being within an easy drive. Le Thot has a reproduction Iron Age village and at Beynac there is an archeological park.
In Perigueux, less than an hour away, you will find Roman ruins and the Temple of Vesunna. Any town or village in the area ending in 'ac' denotes it was once the site of a roman village or dwelling.
Within 5 kilometres of Le Luc are the medival villages of both Beynac and Castelnaud. Beynac was once a stronghold of Richard the Lionheart and the Chateaux were on opposing sides during the 100 years war.
There are also many Bastide (fortified) towns within an easy drive including Monpazier, Domme and Belves.
For architecture, apart from the numerous chateaux, there are many ancient churches and abbeys, the abbey at Cadouin is only 20 minutes away.
Sarlat is the main town of the area, less than 10 kilometres away, and is famed for it architecture and its 'old quarter'. Along its high street you will find every type of shop you could need plus in the medieval quarter there are restaurants, bars, cafes, indoor and outdoor markets, and many outlets selling the local produce of wine, truffles, walnuts, and foie gras. On the outskirts of Sarlat there are 3 supermarkets and there is even a small cinema which regularly shows films in english, VO - version originale.
For those who come for the renowned regional food and wines there are numerous fine restaurants to visit, those in Castelnaud being within walking distance. Or try the evening 'gourmand' markets for a convivial evening of food, drink, music and dancing.
If you wish to venture further afield then the vineyards of Bergerac and Bordeaux are 1 and 2 hours away respectively and St Emilion is only 60km from Bergerac.
There are many leisure activities within easy access including canoeing, swimming, hot air ballooning, chateau flights and 'gabarres' river trips. There is a golf course towards Siorac and for children there is an activity park on the outskirts of Sarlat, 'The Forest of Squirrels', and an Aquarium is at Le Bugue.
Throughout the summer there are numerous fetes, one example being Monpaziers's medieval fete. You can also enjoy the lively markets; Belves has an annual flower market, Sarlat has an all year round covered market with the openair markets being held on Wednesdays and Saturdays. One of the livliest markets used by tourists and locals alike is held on Sunday mornings at St Cyprien, a 15 mins drive away.
