La Roque Saint Christophe

Staying in the Dordogne today with a visit to La Roque (Roc) Saint Christophe overlooking the Vezere river. This is a fascinating site if you’re interested in historical sites.

Eighty metres up the limestone rock face, and over a kilometer in length is the largest troglodyte settlement in Europe. The site was occupied by man from neanderthal times through the middle ages until the start of the renaissance period. The effort needed to build at these heights, hauling everything up the cliff face, must have been out weighed by the security from raiders and wild animals.

At the time of visit the charge was 9€ for an adult, given the size of the cité, the historical interest and the lovely views over the river, I don’t think this was a bad price. There’s a gift shop on-site and a café and toilets at the car park below. Due to the number of steps I would rate the site as unsuitable for wheelchair users and anyone who has difficulty climbing stairs would struggle.

More information can be found on the La Roque Saint Christophe web site.

Limeuil Panoramic Gardens

The beautiful village of Limeuil is situated at the confluence of the Vézère and Dordogne rivers in the south of the department. Les Jardins Panoramiques are located on the site of the old castle and offer lovely views over the village, rivers and country side as well as an excellent themed garden to wander through. Roses abound, both in the garden and surrounding village along with wild flowers, herbs and cultivated beds. Park down by the river and wander up through the village to the gardens, it’s a beautiful place to spend a day.

Vézere and Dordogne Rivers
Vézere (left) and Dordogne (above) rivers

Limeuil Village
Limeuil Village – towers and rooftops

Limeuil Village
Limeuil – why not use a handy cliff

Les Jardins Panoramique
Les Jardins Panoramique – great views of the countryside

Limeuil Village
Limeuil Village

Les Jardins Panoramiques - roses
Limeuil – Les Jardins Panoramiques – roses

Dove Cote
The Dove Cote – also houses a bees nest

Limeuil roses
Limeuil roses

Limeuil Village
Limeuil – narrow lanes through the village

Limeuil Village
Limeuil – arched entrance to the village

We Bought A House!

The reason for coming to France this week was to sign the final papers and buy a house here. We visited the house this morning to check everything was OK (not having seen it since last November) and this afternoon at the notaire’s in Montignac we signed the purchase contract.

So now we own a little piece of France. The house is in the village of Badefols-D’Ans in the north east of the Dordogne. The village itself only has around 450 inhabitants (plus 2 more now) but has a restaurant /café and a tabac.

Now our life in the Dordogne really begins. Here’s a couple of pictures of the house from the outside.

Our house in Badefols D'Ans

Our house in Badefols D'Ans