Dordogne River
 

From its source in the volcanoes of the Auvergne to the Atlantic Ocean, the Dordogne (river) flows down the mountains of the Mont Dore massif, across the plateaux of the Auvergne and Limousin, widening as it reaches Quercy and then Périgord, before becoming a lowland river from Bergerac onwards as far as the Bec d'Ambés, where it forms the vast Gironde estuary with the Garonne. 

The power of its water is an important source of clean, local energy, and its use to generate electricity has led to the construction of some magnificent dams, many of which are open to the public and offer interpretation areas and discovery trails.

From Argentat-sur-Dordogne onwards, follow the signposts and discover more than 150km of hiking trails with exceptional views.

"Vallée de la Dordogne" now also refers to the tourist area in which the Gîte "Échappée Belle à Sioniac" is located.

In the Corrèze, but on the border with the Lot department, the gîte is right in the heart of this land of a thousand pleasures.

Just a stone's throw from the Dordogne and Cantal departments, 45 minutes from Brive-la-Gaillarde and its airport and station, the gîte's exceptional location offers endless opportunities for activities, discoveries and pleasures...

Take advantage of the local markets and producers' markets in summer, visit the Cave des vignerons de Branceilles, taste the "Vin Paillé", ratafia, mique (or hard stuffing), tourtous...
Eat duck, Limousin beef, strawberries, walnuts, goat's cheese...
Here, we eat good food and we share it...

As a child, the summer programme was simple: the Dordogne.
With its many public access points to the river, more or less well known, it's a living river and makes us who we are here.

Its valley offers extraordinary viewpoints and colourful walks.

Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte, Carennac, Autoire, Loubressac, Turenne and now Rocamadour, Martel and Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne: there are now 8 heritage nuggets in the Dordogne Valley that are considered to be the "Most Beautiful Villages in France".
Such a high density of villages is rare enough to merit a special mention!

Of all the activities practised in the Dordogne Valley, fishing is certainly one of the most emblematic. People come from all over Europe, and sometimes even further afield, to fish for trout, grayling and a host of other fish that inhabit the river's pristine waters.

Christmas markets, festival Ecaussystème, Théâtrales de Collonges,  Kenny Festival, "Tous sur le pont" in Argentat,  trails, le festival de Bandas de Martel, Les Montgolfiades de Rocamadour or Brive Festival ou la Foire du Livre de Brive...

And don't forget our weekly country markets in summer... there's no way to get bored!

Outdoor activities and sports such as hiking, canoeing and cycling.  Here, you can explore the region and enjoy yourself at the same time! Whether you're a family, a couple, a group of friends or on your own, there's something for everyone, whatever the season.

Caving, climbing, tree climbing, canoeing, paddling, hiking, mountain biking, horse riding, visiting gardens and châteaux...

Whatever the season, don't leave without sampling our beautiful region: 

• Go as far as the "Ferme de Pampille & cabris" on the road to Bilhac, just a few kilometres away, to buy goat's cheese and watch it being milked!  Stacy will welcome you and explain her job to you if time permits!  Children generally love it! Ask her about walnut oil too!
• In Curemonte, stop off at "Lou pé de Gril" where François and Marie will be delighted to serve you jams, biscuits and aperitifs made from dandelions!
• Taste "1001 Pierres" or "Côteaux de Glanes".

Also enjoy fabulous horse-drawn carriage rides with Céline.