The Dordogne-Périgord doesn't have to try very hard to capture our hearts– it's an unfailingly beautiful region, where many a holiday maker has fallen in love with the landscapes and vowed to return on a more permanent basis.

Now making that promise to yourself come true is easy, by acquiring a holiday home here to enjoy all year round. And, we are delighted to announce, the Château de Fonrives is the first park in our collection to accommodate large and luxurious park lodges, as well as mobile holiday homes and chalets. Here is a park for those who would love to spend leisurely, al fresco days, enjoying the warm summer temperatures on this attractively landscaped estate surrounding the elegant Château and moat. This stunning 4* park offers a wealth of first-class facilities as well as a great range of fun ways to keep fit after, perhaps, one dessert too many at the onsite restaurant.

There is an impressive water park complete with slides, an indoor pool and a lake with a sandy shoreline. Or why not take a dip in one of the Jacuzzis while the children enjoy the inventive range of entertainment. However you choose to spend your time, we know you will love it here.

Choose from the following holiday home and lodge ranges:

Willerby Holiday Homes

IRM Holiday Homes

Mobile homes from other manufacturers may also be installed. Please call us for details.

 

Some facilities are mid-summer only and some are payable

Dining

Restaurant, pub style bar with poolside terrace
Take-away, pizzeria
Pub style bar with poolside terrace

Shopping

Small supermarket

Swimming

An outdoor aquatic complex with 3 waterslides, an indoor pool and paddling pool and 2 large jacuzzis

Activities

Tennis courts
Football field
Volleyball
Basketball
Tennis
Minigolf
Boules court
Table tennis
Games room with pool table
Waterpolo
Archery
Play areas

Other services

Fitness room
Sauna
Large fishing lake with sandy shore line
Bicycle hire
Linen hire
High season evening entertainment and children’s clubs

The Dordogne-Perigord has long since been a favourite place for holidaymakers to purchase a second home, and for good reason. Blessed by a geography, climate and unique history which set it apart, this a land made for leisurely exploration. Perhaps you'll take a boat trip along the lazily meandering Dordogne River, past fairytale chateaux and terraced gardens. Maybe you'll stop en route to explore the valley of Vézère, the home of prehistory in Europe, with the caves at Lascaux an unquestionable highlight.

It's the limestone in the Dordogne that has given the region its lattice-work of caves and grottoes – best seen at the fabulous caves of Grand Roc, with its entrance half-way up a vertical cliff-face! Food is fantastic in the Dordogne, and you'll have no trouble finding a superb meal in any of its pretty villages – Villeréal, the medieval “bastide” village close to the park is one such highlight, with its arcaded market square where restaurateurs grab the freshest fruit and vegetables, cheeses, cured hams, and foie gras.

Domme, with its rocky cliff-top location overlooking the Dordogne valley is also home to a flourishing market. For a vision of even loftier living, head to the Chateau at Beynac, commanding a magnificent view across the valleys and castle-studded hills of the Dordogne. The village, tucked at the foot of the cliff adjacent to the river, is where the motion picture "Chocolat" was filmed, but, really, this entire region has 'romantic film location' written all over it.

 

Attractions

Aquarium de Perigord Noir
Europe's largest private aquarium. More than 200 metres of aquariums displaying fish from all around the world. Diving exhibitions and touch tanks are the main features.
Bar/snack, free parking, handicapped access, picnic area, souvenirs.

Château Castelnaud
The most popular château in southern france. Built high on a hill in the 13th century it changed hands many times. The Château has been home to the Museum of Medieval Warfare since 1985
Shorter opening hours out of season. Advisable to phone to check. Child price 10-17yrs. Children under 10yrs free.

Le Gouffre de Padirac
The Gouffre de Padirac is a natural limestone cave. 103 metres down to the river - by lift or stairs - to the start of the tour. The visit lasts 1.5hrs and is 2km long
Child price 6-12yrs. Closed 12:00-14:00 in low season. Restaurants shops and picnic area. Free parking.

Musée National de Préhistoire
The National Museum of Prehistory which reflects ever expanding archeological research. It is the most important collection of items from the Paleolithic era in France.
Guided tours available

Prehisto Park
Theme park which traces the evolution of man from 1500BC. Animations throughout the park for children. Craftsmen using only the tools which would have been available at the time.
Child price 7-13yrs.

Lascaux Caves
The original Lascaux cave is closed to the public, but a replica has been reproduced 200 metres away. The reproductions include the galleries, 'the great hall of the bulls' and the 'painted gallery'. One of the most renowned archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The caves were discovered in 1940 by teenagers.
Infants (0 to 5 years) go free.

Les Jardins de Marqueyssac
The gardens in the grounds of the Château de Marqueyssac are some of the best kept gardens in France. There is a nature pavillion displaying flora and fauna from around the Dordogne. Light show in July and August on Thursdays. Free parking.
Open rest of year but opening times vary - advisable to phone. Free for under 10's.

Château de Milandes
Old home of Josephine Baker the famous musical hall singer. Built 1489 in a wooded region between Castelnaud & Berbiguiéres. Falconry displays several times per day. Restaurant on site. Night flights to observe the chateau from the house's own captive hot air balloon.

Château de Hautefort
One of the most prestigious châteaux in southwest france, classified as a historical monument. Built between 1630 and 1670. Surrounded by superb gardens.
Open Feb-Nov. Opening hours differ in low season. Advisable to phone.

 

 

With regional airports at Bergerac, Bordeaux, Limoges, Rodez and a new airport in construction south of Brive, fly drive is a good choice. Alternatively ferries to St Malo, Caen, Cherbourg or Calais are an option

Airport

Bergerac airport: 28 km
Limoges airport: 182 km
Toulouse airport: 176 km
Bordeaux airport: 143 km

Ferry port

St Malo 629 km
Caen 653 km
Calais 865 km
Cherbourg 789 km