Belle Vue at Nouvelle-Aquitaine

The Neighborhood

The beautiful local village, Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, is just five minutes from Belle Vue, beneath the Château de Castelnaud. It has an excellent bakery, butcher, small grocery store, two restaurant-cafés plus other amenities, including canoe hire for trips down the Dordogne and bicycle hire. The Perigord Noir area of Dordogne is much loved by visitors due to the beautiful natural landscapes, excellent regional cuisine, mild climate, enchanting castles and charming villages of old stone houses and cobbled lanes. The village of Beynac (6km) is known as one of the most beautiful villages in this area with its stunning twelfth century castle on the banks of the Dordogne river. The medieval market town of Sarlat (14km) has been known for its markets since the middle ages, they take place every Saturday and Wednesday mornings plus there is a night market every Thursday evening in the summer months and even a truffle and Foie Gras market in the winter. Visitors in the height of the summer may enjoy the spontaneous street theatre that fills the characterful lanes in the evening as well as the gourmet dining experiences on offer in the town and surrounding area. Other noteworthy villages include Domme (10km) and Belves (17km), plus many more within an hours drive or less. Nature lovers must visit Les Jardins de Marqueyssac (3km), delightful and beautifully manicured gardens set high above the river with pretty views over nearby villages. In July and August you can avoid the summer heat by visiting them ‘by candlelight’ once a week for a truly memorable experience. Combine this with a visit to the enchanting nearby village of La Roque Gageac on the north bank of the Dordogne river. The idyllic village has a rich history and very little has changed other than the unusual but beautiful tropical plants that have been planted around the village and thrive in the mild climate. The Dordogne is well known for its hundreds of castles and chateaux, many of which are open to the public and within a very short distance. Chateau de Castelnaud (2.5km) is a few minutes by car with many more a short distance further. The whole region is a true haven for nature and sport lovers alike offering a wide array of outdoor activities, from horse-back riding, to tennis, mountain-biking, golfing and watersports, not to mention the number of hiking and fishing opportunities in the area. Children will love the nearby waterparks, exploring prehistoric caves, re-enacting history in one of the castles or even a magnificent hot air balloon ride across the stunning region.