Dordogne Camping, Camping in France

Surroundings


Moncaret	5th Century Roman Ruins (Approx 5 min drive or 10 min cycle)
	On our doorstep, Montcaret, or 'Moncaret la Romaine' as some call it, boasts an 11th Century church. Also a Roman Villa, only partly excavated and said to be one of the best in all of France sits in the centre of the village. The mosaics are superb and these alone are well worth a visit. The cruciform gallery is said to have been the largest in the entire 5th Century Roman Empire. Guided tours are available.
Castillon-la-Bataille	Historic Town with exciting festival (Approx 15 minute drive)
	It was here in 1453 that the last major battle of the Hundred Years War was fought. It is here also that every summer in late July and early August, a spectacular floodlit re-enactment of that battle takes place. Spread over 16 acres and involving some 800 participants, 500 of whom are actors, with 50 cavalry, this is a magnificently organised and executed show. The highlight is an intense two hour battle incorporating amazing stunts and pyrotechnics. Spend the day wandering through everyday life of the middle ages, between the farms and inns, see the puller of teeth and the hawkers before enjoying the battle. Finally, finish your day with dinner in the Medieval Inn. The festival runs for two weeks with the battles being re-enacted daily. Booking is essential for this exceptionally well organised event. For more detailed information, including dates and booking details Please click our link for The Battle of Castillion.. If all this sounds too much for you, you'll be glad to hear that after hostilities have ceased, Castillon la Bataille returns to being a peaceful little town with an excellent market each Monday morning.
St Emilion	Beautiful Historic Village (Approx 20 minute drive)
	This truly beautiful village is set into a hillside on the north side of the River Dordogne. The 12th century town consists predominantly of old stone houses with shuttered windows and cobbled streets. Hidden beneath the town is Europe's largest underground church, a magnificent place hewn out of the soft rock by Benedictine monks in the 9th century. Louis XIV described the wines of St-Emilion as the 'nectar of the gods'. At the foot of the 13th century chapel (picture) lies a small cave which is said to have been the home of the monk St Emilion. To this day infertile women come and sit on the stone slab, reputed to have been his bed, in the hope of conceiving! The first weekend in May sees about 20 of the local Chateaux open their doors to visitors and numerous concerts and wine tastings are held throughout the year. Particularly popular are the festivals of Fete de Printemps (June) and the Harvest (September). Recently added to UNESCO's World Heritage List, it would be a pity to come so near and not visit this beautiful town.
Perigueux	Roman / Medieval capital of Dordogne (Approx 90 minute drive)
	This amazing city, the capital of the Dordogne, dates back over two thousand years and several medieval structures can still be seen, as well as the Gallo Roman ruins (la Tour de Vesone). The town is overlooked by the impressive St-Front Cathedral and is a mixture of ancient, narrow, cobbled streets and shaded pedestrian areas with cafes. There is an abundance of excellent Renaissance architecture, the oldest of which is found on the west of the town. Open air events such as free jazz evening concerts, mime festivals etc are regularly held in the open air squares, surrounded by cafes. Just 90 minute's drive away, you will not be disappointed.
St Foy la Grande	A Bastide Market Town (Approx 15 minute drive)
	This is the nearest large town, only a 10 minute drive from base. The Saturday morning market here is one of the biggest in the area and said to be one of the top 50 in all of France, for quality and variety. A vegetable market is also held every morning. Half- timbered houses dating back to medieval times can be seen on Rue de la Republique and on Place Gambetta you will find the 13th Century Gothic Church. St Foy also has a museum. Not the most exciting town, but worth a visit if only for the market.
Bergerac	Historic River Port Town (Approx 35 minutes drive)
	If St Foy can't be described as a particularly spectacular town, the opposite must be true of Bergerac. This, the largest town in the Dordogne, is surrounded by vineyards first planted in the middle ages by monks. It is hard not to get a true feeling of the history of the area, even in the midst of the more modern parts of the town. A maze of cobbled streets and alleyways leading to various little squares await those exploring the old part of Bergerac. The ancient buildings in the old part of town are remarkable. Busy during the tourist months but surprisingly quiet the remainder of the year.
Bordeaux	Cosmopolitan City of Great History (Approx 50 minute drive)
	An elegant city, rich in history and culture. Stunning architecture, a range of boutiques, cafes and restaurants to suit most tastes and all pockets. The Cathedral of St Andrew is a truly fantastic sight, from within and without. Bordeaux celebrates its rich culture with various festivals and celebrations held thoughout the year, almost bi-weekly during the summer. Too numerous are these events to list, here are just a few; Les Portes Ouvertes dans les Chateaux in late March and early April; three days of festivities surround the Fete du Vin in Late June - as well as the inevitable wine tastings there are concerts, street performers, carnival and fireworks. In the first weekend of July, central Monsegur is closed off for 24 Heures du Swing - a jazz festival.
Chateau des Vigiers	9 & 18 Hole Golf Course (Approx 25 minute drive)
	Open all year round with multilingual staff, this is a first class Golf and Country Club. Select from the compact 9 hole course or the more challenging full 18 hole course. Clubs may be hired at the course or we can provide you with a basic set.
Prehistoparc	Journey through 100,000 Years (Approx 2 hour drive)
	Although a couple of hours drive in the car, this is worth a day trip in itself but, combined with a visit to the wonderful caves in the area, makes for a great day out. Life-sized scenes of the daily life of the earliest Neanderthal hunters have been recreated for the first time ever. At the heart of a 15 acre park, explanatory panels help you to understand their ways and customs. As you walk through the park, you will be plunged into the fascinating world of prehistory. Inside the recreation of a prehistoric settlement discovered in Siberia, you will follow a themed trail which will guide you from the time of your ancestors through to modern-day archaeology.
Caves of Dordognec	Natural Wonders and Ancient Paintings (Approx 2 hour drive)
	As well as the world class wine, truffles, foie gras, beautiful scenery, rivers, historic towns and the warmth of the people, the Dordogne is famous for its history, some of it very old indeed. In particular it is home to some of the oldest cave paintings in the world. If you are interested in the geological features or the historical features, you are bound to find something to suit if you take a trip to Les Eyzies. A two hour drive will deliver you to some of the most spectacular Caves to be seen anywhere in the world. Visit the 55,000 year old home of Cave Dwellers at Roque-St-Christophe or take the tour of the geological formations at Grand Roc. To complete your day, why not visit The National Prehistoric Museum in Les Eyzies de Tayac.
Sandy Beaches	Atlantic Beaches (Approx 1.5 hour drive)
	An hour and a half by car takes you to the sandy Atlantic beaches, not all 250km of them, but how far you stray along the coast is up to you. See Dune du Pyla, the largest sand dune in Europe, try your hand at the numerous water sports available at Pyla-sur-Mer or relax on the quiet Plage du Nice. Whatever you seek from a beach, there will be one to suit you within a reasonable drive, making it a more than practical way to enjoy a day before returning to base to catch the sun going down with a glass of the excellent local wine.
Aqualand	Premier Water Park near Bordeaux (Approx 90 minutes drive)
	Less than a couple of hours will get you to Aqualand. If fast water rides, and lots of them, are what you enjoy, then this will be just what you need. However, if the idea of such perils as the Black Hole and Crazy Race are not your cup of tea, perhaps you could drop the children off and take a short trip into the town of Arcahon. Famed the world over for its oysters and other sea food, it boasts two excellent golf courses and a vast selection of excellent shops and boutiques. Something for all the family?