After years of threatening we decided to holiday in France at last this year. We chose the Dordogne region after watching a tv show featuring it. We didn't really know what to expect. Read on to find out why we booked to go back again next year.
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Forty minutes from Brive and nestled quietly between St Cyprien, Sarlat and Les Eyzies lies the beautiful village of Meyrals and the wonderful Jardin des Amis. We took care to pick a rural setting with a pool and nearby restaraunt and were really pleased with our accomodation.So with the basics out of the way we booted up the sat nav to scope out all the tourist attractions recommended to us by a friend and it was then that we really appreciated the beauty of Meyrals. Out of 10 or so locations, only 2 were more than 20km from our base which meant no painfully early departures and we were always back at the pool bar in time for the cocktail hour.This may sound a bit puerile to some, but I hate it on hols when you have to prepare with expedition like thoroughness in order to enjoy a day out, and the convenient location of Jardin des Amis in Meyrals allowed us to do the tourist thing in a very easy, relaxed way.Our hosts for the 2 weeks, Caroline and Bill Dyer also added to the huge enjoyment. They are relaxed, friendly and know how to enjoy themselves. They've done a fantastic job of turning the once derelict farm buildings into 5 seperate units of varying sizes, all superbly equipped and decorated in the local style.This area of the Dordogne is teeming with history and picturesque villages. Every second village you pass is one of the most beautiful in france(officially mind you - government approved) and there is ample opportunity for river bathing and canoeing down the Dordogne or Vezere(a tributary of the Dordogne).If you like Golf, the course in Siorac (about 20 mins drive) is excellent and unlike many of the Spanish/Portugese resort courses is actually a challenge and interesting. They also offer discounted green fees for couples, which made me feel a bit better after being soundly beaten 3+2 by my wife.Anyway there is literally so much to do it was like 3 holidays in 1.
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Favourite spots: |
Roque St Christophe, St Cyprien Sunday market, Sarlat, Limeuil(Confluence of the Vezere and Dordogne), Roque a Madour (Pilgramage site) ,Siorac Golf Course
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What's really great: |
Roque St Christophe - continuously occupied cliff settlement Sarlat - beautiful medievel town
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Accommodations: |
Jardin des Amis is wonderful
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Hangouts: |
Merenda is a bar/ restaurant and also sells tobacco
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Restaurants: |
I can't remember the name but there is a wonderful restaurant on the les eysies to Sarlat road which didn't cost the earth but was exquisite.
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Other recommendations: |
The Boulangerie in Meyrals is highly rated and it's bread wins prizes. Also sells good cheese and other deli type stuff as well as the odd essentials
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Published on Tuesday July 19th, 2005
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Thu, Aug 25 2005 - 10:51 AM
 by malcinblue
good one glenn, my wife and i are hoping to visit next year with a view to moving there. Some pictures would be nice.
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Wed, Jul 20 2005 - 01:04 PM
by rangutan
...as a first report, wonderful - hope some pictures and more info will follow for this venture across the border... |
Wed, Jul 20 2005 - 01:07 AM
by davidx
After reading your very good general introduction I was disappointed with the sketchiness of the rest. I feel sure you could tell us far more in some of the sections. |
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