Bourdeilles: on the R. Dronne. A 15 min drive brings you to it's 2 castles overlooking the mill. The first castle was a mediaeval fortress and has magnificent views over the river and valleys from its tall octagonal keep - the second is richly furnished, dating from the Renaissance period. Approximately 20 minutes from The Cherry Trees.

Brantôme: Known as the Venice of the Perigord, it stands on an island of the R. Dronne. Brantome's Abbey dates back to the 11th century. A historical site with huge limestone cliffs dotted with caves. Museum. An absolute must to visit! Approximately 30 minutes from The Cherry Trees.

Périgueux, capital of Périgord is steeped in centuries of history. On the bank of the Isle stands the magnificent Saint Front Cathedral. Approximately 40 minutes from The Cherry Trees.

The Abbaye de Chancelade is well worth a short stop if you are on your way to Périgueux. Directions are given in the information folder at The Cherry Trees.

Aubeterre sur Dronne:Aubeterre sits high above a bend in the river Dronne. It's charming narrow streets wind through white tone houses with wooden balconies and ancient buildings. A village full of fascinating charm with it's famous monolithic church. Approximately 40 minutes from The Cherry Trees.

Underground monolithic church at Aubeterre Sur Dronne

Riberac: The main town on the banks of the R. Dronne. Famous for its Friday morning market selling home grown produce, wines, foie-gras, antiques, bric-a-brac and beautifully crafted ornaments and handicrafts. The square is an excellent meeting place with its choice of bars and restaurants. Approximately 25 minutes from The Cherry Trees.

Bergerac: on the banks of the Dordogne, where vines dominate the landscape. Take a stroll through the narrow streets in the old town to witness history over the centuries. The quaint old areas host many historical museums. Approximately 90 minutes from The Cherry Trees.

Le Bugue and Proumeyssac: Near Le Bugue, a little north of the Dordogne river in Limeuil, the caves of Promeyssac are renowned. The main feature is the Cathedral of Crystal - a stunning, huge, beautifully lit cavern. The traditional method of entering the caves was by a suspended basket lowered by a horse. Although the route planners suggest this is a 90 minute drive, we think this is approximately 2 hours from The Cherry Trees.

Rocamadour: Rocamadour is a cliff-hugging medieval village that was built on a limestone cliff rising 490 feet above the Alzou canyon. This is one of the most extraordinary settings in France. As miracles began,the pilgrimage to Rocamadour was one of the most famous in Christendom. Henry Plantagenet, King of England, was miraculously cured and was among the first to kneel before the Virgin. Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes from The Cherry Trees, although those that have made the jouney have commented that it is well worth the effort.