The food here is rich, nourishing and indulgent and largely inspired by two essential ingredients - duck and fat! One of the typical dishes is confit de canard; duck legs slow-cooked in fat until the succulent meat falls tenderly off the bone. It is often served with mouth-watering sliced potatoes cooked in – you guessed it – duck fat. Calorific maybe, but the ultimate comfort food.
Shredded confit de canard is combined with chunks of pork in a white bean stew to make another regional staple, cassoulet.
This hearty and homely cuisine is offset by some of the France’s most exquisite upmarket delicacies such as foie gras and truffles. Foie gras is a delicious duck or goose liver pâté eaten widely across France at Christmas and on special occasions, and in the Dordogne all year round. Truffles are hunted by specially trained dogs who have a knack for scenting them out in the forest before rummaging for them at the foot of oak and hazel trees. Fragrant black Périgord truffles are reputed to be the finest of edible fungi and can be shaved over pastas, salads or chicken dishes or turned into truffle oil. The Dordogne also produces walnuts which are used in all shapes and forms in sweet and savoury dishes.
Bergerac and the purple Perigord region is wine country. Less high-profile than nearby Bordeaux,you’ll find delicious wines at affordable prices. Hilly terrain, lots of sunshine and limestone soil combine to produce wonderfully fragrant and flavoursome wines. Bergerac reds are made with Merlot and Cabernet Franc to produce delicate light wines while Sauvignon-based Bergerac whites are fresh and fruity. Another famous variety from the region is Monbazillac, a mature sweet wine that pairs perfectly with foie gras.
Sélection
Located on the borders of the Périgord region between Charentes and Dordogne, this part-mediaeval, part-classical chateau adjoins the village in a superb natural and architectural setting. Benefiting from absolute privacy behind its high walls, it overlooks a variety of hilly and wooded landscapes. With its origins dating back to the 12th century...
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Château Balcons du Gers is a gem of a beautiful property for rent in the Gers region of southwest France. Perched on the hillside, guests will enjoy fabulous panoramic views of the countryside from the chateau, the estate, and the swimming pool. High ceilings and large windows make this spacious property a bright and pleasant place to holiday in style with a large group. Escape to the chateau to experience the very best of the South of France.
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In the heart of the Gers region and set in a medieval village, this former wine estate offers spacious accommodation for 12 to 14 people, a large natural stone swimming pool and areas dedicated to children for an unforgettable holiday.
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This alluring chateau rental in France's Dordogne region is infused with history and promises an enchanting setting for your holiday. Chateau Heart of Dordogne is listed as a historical monument and comes with an illustrious past - you will even have the opportunity to sit in Napoleon Bonaparte's chair!
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Chateau Heart of Gascony is for anyone who has ever dreamed of renting a castle in France. This 14th-century chateau is everything a castle should be, combining historical features such as turrets, towers and grand fireplaces with modern-day luxury so that guests can live like royalty.
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Château Les Hauts de Garonne is a rental castle in the rolling countryside of the Lot region, between Agen and Cahors. A beautiful refurbishment has kept the chateau’s 17th-century charm intact while bringing it right up to date for stylish living with comfort and convenience. You will love the high ceilings, spacious rooms and mature grounds with a private pool and its very own tennis court. It makes the perfect country retreat and is ideal for getting away from it all and unwinding in a beautiful and peaceful setting. The nearest village with all amenities is just three kilometres down the road.
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Whether you’re looking for a special place for an extended family gathering, the holiday of a lifetime with great friends or wanting to hold a business event with the wow factor, Chateau Midi Pyrenees makes an excellent choice. This noble castle promises elegance, space and privacy that is sure to delight your guests.
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Built on a hillock overlooking the Gers countryside, Château Pure Gers is a very beautiful, luxury property available to rent for holidays which are peaceful but no less lively. The luxury fittings, swimming pool, jacuzzi, sauna, air-condtioning and lift, ensure that you experience the utmost comfort in a region with strong character, geographically and historically rich, offering you a wide range of activities.
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Château Pure Périgord is a splendid chateau with swimming pool to rent in the Dordogne that can accommodate 22 guests. Though its history spans several eras, the castle's recent refurbishment brings it resolutely into the 21st century. This is a large property with lots of character and panoramic views. Whisk the whole family away to this sunny corner of France reputed for its pretty villages, good food and relaxed lifestyle!
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Château Saint-Emilion ou Dordogne is a castle for rent in the winelands of southwest France. What could be more chic than your very own historic castle in the countryside? This extraordinary property is set in 35 hectares of unspoilt nature, with a secluded swimming pool and a village you can walk to. With ten bedrooms, it’s ideal for groups and has all the makings of a holiday to remember!
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