THINGS TO DO

IN THE HEART OF THE DORDOGNE 

Situated in the South West of France, The Dordogne, also previously known as 'Le Perigord', is one of the most beautiful regions of France. The area is known for its temperate, mild climate, its gently wooded hills, its many rivers, its small villages - 10 of which belong to the prestigious: "Les plus beaux villages de France" association and the thousand or so castles which are scattered all over the area, all combining to make it a spectacular place to visit. 

For anyone with an interest in history, The Dordogne will keep you enthralled with its rich, full and happening past. The area has been inhabited since the dawn of human civilisation, the oldest traces of human occupation being more than 40,000 years old, making it the official prehistoric centre of the world. There are more than 200 prehistoric caves and archaeological sites - the most famous being Lascaux. Every century seem to have left its weathered mark on the landscape; from Prehistoric times during the last glacial era, through Roman occupation when the area was known as the Roman Provence of Aquitaine, the invasion of the Germanic, Frank and Visigoth tribes of the Middle Ages, the Saracen invasion, the celebrated feats of the Emperor Charlemagne and the numerous religious wars fought out between the Catholics and the Protestants  (Huguenots) over the years, to the relatively recent past of the Second World War, when the Dordogne became a stronghold of the French resistance.

The Gastronomy of the area is also a big touristic attraction. In the book "La France Gastronomique",, Perigord has been described as "one of the regions of our country where people have eaten better for centuries" The cuisine of the area is centred on poultry, Fois gras and Perigord Black truffles and of course the many wonderful cheeses, breads and wines.


Henry Miller wrote about The Dordogne in 1958; 

" it was most important for me to have seen the Dordogne: it gives me great hope for the future of the earth itself. France may one day exist no more, but the dordogne will live on just as dreams live on and nourish the souls of men"

                                           "Colosseus of Maroussi" 

WHAT IS ON AROUND THE AREA

We have been in Mauzac for 10 years and here are some of the things we would like to share with you
Attractions for Children
Children can enjoy the many nearby attractions such as The Aquarium in Le Burge, which has over 6000 fish to see, 

There are also Aqua Parks at Bergerac and Parc de Loisirs with various pools, children's play areas , toboggan slides and Loisirs has a lake with climbing inflatables structures such as an 'iceberg'. 

Jacquou Park is also great fun, particularly for families  as it well known for its selection of rare animals. It too has a a water park with a good selection of Children's rides.

Lac de Gurson is is the nearest lake with beach complex approximately 45 minutes from Mauzac. It is a wooded area of 63 hectares where you may also fish. It offers a variety of other activities such as water slides, horse riding and pedaloes . There are also adventure parks, a go karting track and quad biking a short distance away.

La Roque Gageac is a magnificent and beautiful village in the rock cliffs where you can go on river trips,canoeing and hot air balloon rides. In the stunning village of Beynac you can take an excursion on a gabarre (19th century boat) to see the spectacular site of Beynac castle on the cliff 150 metres above. Nearby there is also the Musee Napoleon en Pergord situated in the manor house La Pommerie where you will see more than 150 objects on display.

The Dordogne and NE Aquitaine
The Dordogne, or the north-eastern department of Aquitaine is famous for many amazing things; from its numerous prehistoric caves, the quaint medieval villages, its castles of all sizes back to the traditional small farms that lie in abundance within the beautiful landscape of hills, forests and rivers ( and in particular The Dordogne itself and the Vezere river).

This fertile area is also well known for its local produce of fois gras and truffles, not to mention the variety of local cheeses, sausages and wine set  
Most Beautiful Villages in 
France ; Winners
Limeuil (8km)
Belves (19km)
Beynac (27km)
Saint-Leon-sur-Vezere (28km)
La Roque-Gageac (31km)
Domme (34km)
Monflanquin (37km)
Saint-Amand-de-Coly (42km)
In Mauzac
The Village of Mauzac has a good restaurant, a village shop with fresh baked bread daily, a post office and a sailing club. The Mauzac Sailing Club hires out canoes and paddle boards. There is also a Tennis Court in Mauzac which can be used by the villagers.
Around the Area
The market town of Lalinde is five minutes away by car or a pleasant 15 minute walk along the river. In Lalinde you can discover many interesting Restaurants, Bars, Bakeries and Butchers and there is also an excellent Intermarche supermarket. Market Day in Lalinde is every Thursday. 

The village of Tremolat is also only a small distance away by car. Tremolat has an excellent Pizzeria, a Bistro and a 5 star Hotel called Le Vieux Logis.

The area also holds lively Night Markets throughout the summer months, providing entertainment and a selection delicious foods and produce from around the surrounding region.

Kayaking and Cycling are both commonly available and are a wonderful way to experience the Dordogne and its environs. Canoeing is also a very popular pastime and is available in many locations along the river.

There are hundreds of Chateaux in the area, rich in architectural detail and historic heritage. Places of Interest: There are many Chateaux nearby such as Chateaux de Biron, Chateaux de Cadouin and Chateaux de Monpazier which are medieval sites rich in architectural and historic heritage. Grotte de Domme is the largest natural grotto in Perigord Noir underneath the XV11th town hall in Domme. Les Jardins d'Eau are water gardens situated 8km from Sarlat
National Monuments
Abri de Cap Blanc (19km)
Decorated Caves of the Vezere Valley (19km)
Abri de Laugerie-Haute (19km)
Font-de-Gaume (20km)
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