Luxury Villas in South West France

Things to do in South West France

WINE TASTING TOURS

It’s no surprise that the wine-making industry in South West France brings in thousands of visitors to the region each year. Bordeaux in particular, the largest fine-wine producing region in the world, is an immensely popular location thanks to the region’s famous wines, characterised by their longevity. Here, the village of Saint-Émilion has earned UNESCO World Heritage Site status, maintaining a high number of wine-loving visitors throughout the year as a result. Whilst the fine wine here helps attract visitors, it's the breathtaking views in the area that really keeps visitors coming back for more. Wine tasting tours can be an exceptional way to understand the history behind the wine industry, directly from the experts themselves, all whilst learning to appreciate the region for its awe-inspiring natural beauty. The Dordogne, albeit less prevalent in the industry, is also home to several ancient wine cellars and verdant vine-covered hills, such as in Bergerac, an ideal spot for a day tour. Alternatively, there’s always the option to buy a bottle or two to enjoy in the bliss of your private villa, either simply shared with friends, or as part of a romantic retreat for two.

EXPLORE CHARMING VILLAGES

There’s certainly no shortage of quaint, charming villages in South West France, many of which are conveniently located on and around Bordeaux’s famous wine route. Just step inside the town of Bergerac, and you’ll be met with a vast array of half-timbered buildings and castles that can be found all over. As you take a stroll through the town, become immersed in the noise of the flowing water in the Dordogne River, and let the soft sounds of birds tweeting in the distance take you back to a simpler time, when the town itself wouldn’t have looked all that different, thanks to the abundance of traditional building structures kept in place to this day. Saint-Émilion is another place worth visiting, particularly for fans of mediaeval-style villages and incredible architecture. The streets of Sarlat-la-Canéda are also extremely well preserved, as can be said about many villages across South West France, giving visitors an important glimpse into the region’s past.

For history buffs, and those who simply love to explore unique locations, Rocamadour is another truly one-of-a-kind village. Boasting UNESCO certification, this village is perched on a cliffside, and impressively hosts over a million visitors per year. Home to a castle that’s withstood over a thousand years of attacks, Rocamadour is also an important pilgrimage spot due to its sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary. La Roque-Gageac is a similarly impressive location, thanks to the unique placement of the area’s riverfront homes, perched directly below the steep golden cliff edge, making this an ideal location for a blissful day of canoeing along the Dordogne River.

STEP INTO THE PAST

Both Bordeaux and Dordogne boast rich histories - evidence of which can still be seen today through surviving remnants of the region’s original architecture, which has slowly evolved throughout the course of history. The region’s mediaeval walls, while originally demolished in the 18th century, still remain in certain places, having been replaced with the more majestic Gothic-style architecture. Much of South West France’s history can be revisited in the countless museums and art galleries in the area that are open to the public, not only educating visitors on the region’s wider history, but also diving into region-specific specialties, such as the history of Bordeaux wine, spanning almost 2000 years back to the Roman era, when the area’s very first vineyards were planted.

The hillsides of Dordogne are beautifully decorated with historic châteaux, but visitors can see even further back into the past with a visit to Lascaux, nearby, a famous cave complex that hosts art traced back to the stone age. These cave paintings, whilst actually a recreation (to mitigate risk of damage from the public), provide incredible insight into a long lost way of life. For similar experiences, the prehistoric sites in the towns of Les Eyzies and Montignac are a good bet. These locations boast troglodyte settlements, caverns adorned with stalagmites and stalactites, as well as an impressive array of intricate cave decorations.

EATING AND DRINKING IN SOUTH WEST FRANCE

South West France has a rich gastronomy, with both Bordeaux and Dordogne boasting regional specialties of their own. Whether you’re dining in or out of your villa, both options here are an absolute treat.

Bordeaux is most famous for its fine wines, but other local delicacies include grilled duck, mussels and fries, fresh oysters, lamb shoulder, focaccia and sweet dune blanche pastries. One can usually find gourmet street food vendors scattered around the town, giving you plenty of options to choose from on top of the many restaurants in the area. Canelé is another well-known speciality invented in Bordeaux, a uniquely shaped cake with a rich custard filling, and a thin, caramelised exterior. Coupled with a glass of wine, you can typically order a charcuterie and cheese platter just about anywhere in France.

As for Dordogne, the signature staple is duck, but the region is also known for its walnuts, cheese and black truffle. There are farmers markets all around, with no shortage of local produce on offer, for those looking to make hearty home cooked meals of their own. Look out for simple bistros or family restaurants when dining outside of your villa – or if you’re feeling like a more upscale eatery, enjoy the impressive eight Michelin-starred restaurants dotted all throughout Dordogne.