Looking for one destination that has it all — history, nature, food and real rest? The Périgord Noir, around Sarlat-la-Canéda in the Dordogne, is one of the most visited regions in France, and one of the few where medieval castles, prehistoric caves, listed villages and fine dining are all within half an hour of each other. From Villa Christal, it all begins on foot or a short drive away.
A concentration you won’t find elsewhere
The Dordogne has more of France’s “Most Beautiful Villages” than any other department. The Vézère valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to Lascaux and the great prehistoric caves. The Dordogne valley lines up castle after castle — Beynac, Castelnaud, Les Milandes — and clifftop villages such as La Roque-Gageac and Domme. Nowhere else will you find so many remarkable sites so close to your holiday villa.
Sarlat itself is a jewel: its medieval old town, with cobbled lanes and honey-coloured stone façades, is one of the best-preserved in Europe. And it is within walking distance of the villa.
The capital of Périgord cuisine
The Périgord Noir is also a place to eat well. Foie gras, black Périgord truffle, walnuts, ceps, strawberries and duck: the local produce is best enjoyed at Sarlat’s markets, in farmhouse inns and at the region’s fine tables. The markets — covered, open-air, and the gourmet evening markets in summer — are as much a part of the trip as the sightseeing.
Out of season, the Périgord is even better
Summer is wonderful, but spring and autumn are a well-kept secret — perhaps the finest seasons to discover the region, and to enjoy the villa and its private pool in peace.
In spring
Nature awakens, the gardens of Marqueyssac and Eyrignac turn fresh green, the villages bring out their terraces, and the sites can be visited without the summer crowds. The days grow longer and the light is soft: the ideal season for walking, canoeing down the Dordogne and wandering the markets.
In autumn
This is the season of colour, of ceps, of the walnut harvest and the first truffles. The forests turn golden, the castles are quiet to visit, and the October light over the valley is unforgettable. For a family stay or a break with friends, far from the summer rush, autumn in the Périgord has a rare gentleness — and the villa, with its covered terrace and pool table, becomes a real haven when you return from the day’s outings.
A destination for the whole family, all year round
Young children, teenagers, grandparents: everyone finds their own pace. Castles with live displays, caves, treasure hunts, canoeing, swimming, gourmet markets or quiet days by the pool — the Périgord Noir suits every age and every mood. That is what makes it an ideal family holiday destination, in summer and in the gentler seasons alike.
Your base: Villa Christal
A whole 170 m² house with a private pool in Sarlat-la-Canéda, to experience the Périgord Noir at your own pace. Head out in the morning to explore the Dordogne, come back in the evening to the calm, the terrace and the pool, all to yourselves.