Eymet
The annual summer music festival in Eymet.
The bastide of Eymet was founded in 1270 by Alphonse de Poitiers, brother of King Louis IX of France (St Louis) as part of a line of defense against the English. Eymet suffered considerable damage in both the Hundred Years War and the Wars of Religion.
Take a walk through the Middle Ages:
• The market square, surrounded by houses built above the arcades, has recently been restored and medieval timber frame homes alternate with stone buildings.
• A few vestiges of the chateau remain such as the imposing thirteenth-century keep complete with turret and high defensive walls.
•A typical Périgourdin building situated in the castle courtyard houses a museum.
From the farmhouse, the walk to Eymet past orchards and vineyards takes less than a half-hour. There is a Roman built bridge along the way. The immediate area is rich in history, pre-history, culture (Montaigne wrote his essays at the Chateau de Montaigne, just west of Bergerac), architecture (Romanesque churches, chateaux, fortified cities), superb cuisine and wines (the nearest winery is within easy walking distance from the property). There are a number of working farms in the area. One, just below the house, has been in the same family for many generations.
Climbing to the top of the castle at nearby Beynac one gains an excellent view of the Dordogne River Valley that played such a significant role in the history of France and England. The Dordogne was the battle line for the Hundred Years War and fortifications from this era are in evidence all along this section of the river. These castles and the bastides draw history enthusiasts from around the world. Less than an hour to the east lie the equally famous caves of prehistory, famous for the world's earliest artwork. Although Lascaux itself is closed to the public, the rock formations and caves (some of which are open to tours) along the river provide a stunning view, and museums offer excellent interpretation along with purchaseable artifacts.
Cuisine & other activities
Beyond these assets, the Dordogne is perhaps best known for its gastronomic reputation as the "land of foie gras & truffles." The area is replete with country restaurants - most at very decent prices. For meals prepared at Les Andrieux - the hilltop settlement where the house is located - the local bastides provide open air markets six days a week on a rotational basis. While Eymet's market is within walking distance, the other markets are only a short drive. These markets offer everything from fresh area produce to seafood and local meats and cheeses. One of the most animated markets takes place on Sunday morning in the nearby bastide of Issigeac.
For fresh air enthusiasts, the area around Eymet offers abundant open spaces for walking or hiking. There is a wide range of other recreational activities including: swimming, canoeing, biking and tennis. The office of tourism in the main square offers a great deal of information.
Eymet is most animated on Thursday mornings - market day! And during summer festivals.
Take a walk through the Middle Ages:
• The market square, surrounded by houses built above the arcades, has recently been restored and medieval timber frame homes alternate with stone buildings.
• A few vestiges of the chateau remain such as the imposing thirteenth-century keep complete with turret and high defensive walls.
•A typical Périgourdin building situated in the castle courtyard houses a museum.
From the farmhouse, the walk to Eymet past orchards and vineyards takes less than a half-hour. There is a Roman built bridge along the way. The immediate area is rich in history, pre-history, culture (Montaigne wrote his essays at the Chateau de Montaigne, just west of Bergerac), architecture (Romanesque churches, chateaux, fortified cities), superb cuisine and wines (the nearest winery is within easy walking distance from the property). There are a number of working farms in the area. One, just below the house, has been in the same family for many generations.
Climbing to the top of the castle at nearby Beynac one gains an excellent view of the Dordogne River Valley that played such a significant role in the history of France and England. The Dordogne was the battle line for the Hundred Years War and fortifications from this era are in evidence all along this section of the river. These castles and the bastides draw history enthusiasts from around the world. Less than an hour to the east lie the equally famous caves of prehistory, famous for the world's earliest artwork. Although Lascaux itself is closed to the public, the rock formations and caves (some of which are open to tours) along the river provide a stunning view, and museums offer excellent interpretation along with purchaseable artifacts.
Cuisine & other activities
Beyond these assets, the Dordogne is perhaps best known for its gastronomic reputation as the "land of foie gras & truffles." The area is replete with country restaurants - most at very decent prices. For meals prepared at Les Andrieux - the hilltop settlement where the house is located - the local bastides provide open air markets six days a week on a rotational basis. While Eymet's market is within walking distance, the other markets are only a short drive. These markets offer everything from fresh area produce to seafood and local meats and cheeses. One of the most animated markets takes place on Sunday morning in the nearby bastide of Issigeac.
For fresh air enthusiasts, the area around Eymet offers abundant open spaces for walking or hiking. There is a wide range of other recreational activities including: swimming, canoeing, biking and tennis. The office of tourism in the main square offers a great deal of information.
Eymet is most animated on Thursday mornings - market day! And during summer festivals.
The city of Bordeaux. (90 min. from farmhouse)
The city of Toulouse. (90 min. from farmhouse)