Listen out for the gentle sounds of birds, frogs and crickets as you relax in the tranquil garden of Manoir Chabrol, a wonderfully converted historic home close to the pretty village of Trémolat and the banks of the Dordogne River.

Once a small farm in the 19th century, the owners have spent many years carefully renovating Manoir Chabrol. They have retained the original walls and roof, allowing it to exude typical Périgord character, and carefully selected other natural materials to create their perfect home. Modern comforts such as Wi-Fi, Smart TV, reversible air-conditioning and beautifully shuttered double glazed windows have also been added.

Step into the open-plan lounge and dining area, admire the travertine stone flooring, atmospheric lighting, designer furnishings and an impressive collection of books, not to mention state-of-the-art appliances in the perfectly equipped kitchen. This large space is filled with light from windows facing south, west and north whilst French doors lead out to the peaceful garden.

Sleeping up to four guests, both bedrooms feature oak flooring and en suite bathrooms with a travertine stone rain shower. Find a queen-size double in one of the bedrooms and a king-size double (which can be split into a twin) in the other, allowing flexible sleeping arrangements for two couples or a small family.

The heated swimming pool is surrounded by sun-loungers, parasols and such an idyllic garden whilst there is a mosaic table and Weber charcoal barbecue for relaxing al-fresco meals. Around the other side of the house, come across the decked terrace and deckchairs for views over the valley and the most glorious of sunsets. You may even spot deer or hares in the wonderful natural surroundings.

It’s only 2km to the historic village of Trémolat, close to the banks of the Dordogne, home to a handful of restaurants including the Michelin starred Le Vieux Logis. Just a little further is Limeuil where the Vézère and Dordogne converge, whilst the family-friendly town of Le Bugue is just over a 15-minute drive to the north.

Here you are so well based for visiting the very best of the Périgord Noir. Kayak or canoe along the Dordogne and Vézère rivers, discover traditional local villages on market day, visit the restaurants and vineyards of Bergerac, venture to the exquisite town of Sarlat-la-Canéda or you could even spend the day in Périgueux, a city of art, food and history and the capital of the Dordogne. 

Surrounded by the countryside landscapes of the Dordogne, Manoir Chabrol is only 2km from the picturesque riverside village of Trémolat, home to a small handful of restaurants including the Michelin starred Le Vieux Logis (do book ahead!).

Limeuil (8km) is another pretty village nearby where the Dordogne and Vézère rivers meet whilst just north of Le Buisson-de-Cadouin (14km) has a gorgeous riverside beach as well as canoeing and kayaking opportunities. Indeed, summer riverside beaches appear all along this part of the Dordogne river, perfect for picnics, paddling and where locals and tourists love to swim.

Keen walkers can admire the river views from Cingle de Tremolat and there are many more hiking and walking paths across the region. Cyclists can easily hire bikes to follow some wonderful trails – look out for greenways (voie vertes) along the Lalinde canal and the former railway line from Sarlat-la-Canéda to Carsac-Aillac and beyond. Horse-riding or even a hot air balloon trip are other ways to admire the glorious landscapes or take a boat trip along the river from Bergerac (37km) or La Roque-Gageac (42km).

Le Bugue (13km) is the nearest town for supermarkets and other amenities alongside canoeing/kayaking along the Vézère and several family attractions including the Aquarium Périgord Noir. Explore the Vézère valley’s many caves, villages and pre-historic sites around Les Eyzies (23km) or drive south to visit some of the Dordogne’s most beautiful bastide villages including Monpazier (30km) and Pays-de-Belvès (26km).

The Sunday morning market in Issigeac (32km) is another gem of the region.

Other day trips include the historic town of Bergerac (37km), exquisite Sarlat-la-Canéda (44km) and the city of art, history and food, Périgueux (46km), the capital of the Dordogne. A little further afield, sample the wines of the incredible hilltop town of Saint-Émilion (116km) or even venture to the great wine city of Bordeaux (160km), reached in around two hours by car or via the occasional direct train from Trémolat’s station.

Accommodation