Where to visit within a 2-hour drive of Mialet

What to visit:

1. Jumilac le Grande (22mins/18.3km) (See top 12)

2. St Jean de Cole (22mins/22.7km) (See top 12)

3. Grottes de Villars (20 mins/19.4km) (See top 12)

4. Chateau Puyguilhem (24mins/22.9km)

Sits in a spectacular setting with forests closing in on the back and open meadows to the front. It was constructed in the 16th century and it is similar in style to those of the Loire Valley.

5. Boschaud Abbey (24 mins/24km) 

The Cistercian Abbey of Boschaud is today a stunning ruin, its name derives from Bosco Cavo meaning wooded dell which best describes its beautiful location. Founded in the 12th century and partly destroyed during the Wars of Religion, the Abbey has an air of spirituality about it.

NB Grottes de Villars, Chateau Puyguilhem and Boschaud Abbey are right next to each other

6. Nontron (28mins/24km)

Set up high, Nontron is the centre of the Perigord Vert and is building a reputation for the arts which can be found in the ‘Espace des Arts’. Nearby you can visit the workshops of the famous ‘Nontron Knives’ which have been made there for over 500 years. 

7. Piégut-Pluviers (29 mins/24km)

Since 1642, an important market has been held here on Wednesday mornings which lines the pretty streets. Great selection of Dordogne and Charente food and a great place to buy the famous Charente slippers.

8. Velorail du Perigord Vert (29mins/29.4km) (See top 12)

9. Brantome (36min/35.1km) (See top 12)

10. Excideuil (37mins/37.9km)

This pretty town with very busy Thursday market has a number of reasons to visit. It has a lovely market square near the 12th-century castle which is reputed to have repelled Richard the Lionheart on three occasions.  Excideuil is also the home of the oldest building on the Dordogne, the 12th-century hospital. A village fountain and a selection of other old buildings make this a popular place for tourists.

11. Chateau Hautefort (55mins/53.9km)

Stands proudly above the village and is listed as a historical monument. It’s, without doubt, one of the most remarkable 12th-century chateaux in the Dordogne. Its elegant rooms inside are luxuriously decorated with furniture from the 17^th and 18^th However, it’s the meticulous French-style gardens that most people go to see which are particularly beautiful. Landscaped by top French designer Comte de Choulet in 1853, the geometrically cut flower sections and topiary are very photogenic. Below is the village, where there is a small museum dedicated to medicine.

12. Bourdeilles (43min/44km)

This stunning village has a castle, mill, medieval village and panoramic viewpoints over the river Dronne. The castle is actually two inside the same grounds, a 13th-century fortress, and a 16th-century renaissance building.  Inside this can be which displays found some beautifully furnished rooms featuring items from the 16^th to 19^th century. The most beautiful is the ‘Salon Dore’ or golden room. The gardens are laid out in a typically French style. Visit the 12th-century church and see the attached medieval garden leading down to the river. This village is a lovely place to stop off for lunch and watch the world go quietly by.  

13. Grotte de Tourtoirac (49mins/47km)

The village itself is very pretty centred on a Benedictine abbey which displays tools and weapons found in excavations. See the 18^th century ‘Manoir de la Farge’ and tannery. Just outside the village caves were discovered in 1998 which opened to the public in 2010 showcasing illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. It also has some quite rare small twisted stalactites called excentriques.

14. Riberac (1hr 10mins/68.2km)

Dating from the 9^th century, this town is pleasant with no attractions except acting a host to the biggest market in the Dordogne every Friday.

What to visit in the Dordogne valley:

1. La Roque Gagnac (1hr 26mins/83.2km)

Another of France’s beautiful village’s, its picture-perfect with houses made of golden stone. Walk up the hillside past a delightful tropical garden to reach the fort on the top. This is another place you can take the ‘Gabarre’.

2. Sarlat le Caneda (1hr 44mins/104km)

This is the most visited place in the Dordogne and is a superb example of a restored medieval town. It has the highest density of historic and classified monuments in France. Narrow cobbled streets in the centre are filled with small boutiques selling local produce including fois gras and walnut based items. There is a market on Wednesday mornings but the size is amplified on a Saturday morning when the whole centre is filled with stalls and is the best market in the region by far.  Visit the cathedral and the ‘Manoir de Gisson’ for a glimpse into a world gone by. Finally, the panoramic lift open in the summer gives a wonderful 360 degrees view of the town.

3. Beynac et Cazenac (1 hr 46mins/114km)

One of France’s most beautiful villages, located on the banks of the Dordogne river, has a stunning 12th-century castle which towers over the village. A 45 minute trip on a traditional ‘Gabarre’ boat is the best way to view the area including a number of chateaux that follow the river line.

4. Chateau Milandes (1hr 53mins/116km)

Built-in 1489, this lovely Renaissance castle has many gothic features. Bought I the 1920s by the dancer Josephine Baker, it houses a fine collection of her clothes and covers the history of her life at the chateau. The adjoining park is beautiful and there is a bird of prey aviary there too.

5. Gardens of Marqueyssac (1hr 53 mins/117km)

The suspended gardens of Marqueyssac are listed as a national monument and are the most popular gardens in the Dordogne. Situated on a spur it has probably the best advantage point to see a panoramic view of the Dordogne valley. Much of it is in clipped and softly shaped boxwood, dating back to the 19^th century and is very much in keeping with its environment. 

6. Chateau Castlenaud (1hr 53 mins/119km)

This 12th-century medieval fortress offers superb panoramic views over the Dordogne valley. It houses an important collection of weapons and armoury. See a recreated siege machine from the middle ages.

7. Domme (1hr 55 mins/116km)

A third of a trio of beautiful villages in the area, Domme doesn’t disappoint. The village is pretty and is located quite high up the hillside, offers a fantastic view of the river. Visit the cave system under the main square called the ‘Grottes de Domme’. The public park is a lovely place to have a picnic.

8. Chateau Felenon (2hr 6 mins/116km)

The 13th-century castle on banks of the Dordogne is furnished in the style of the middle ages. Interesting curiosities room from world travels. Three bedrooms of mention too, Louis 13^th, Louis 16^th, and 1st empire style. Drew Barrymore was filmed here in ‘Ever After’…

9. Chateau Biron (2hr 7 mins/130km)

This 13th-century castle on the bank of the Dordogne has an extremely interesting history.  The ramparts are reputed to be haunted by Charles du Gontaut, beheaded there in 1602.

What to visit

1. Issigeac (1hr 19 mins/146km)

This is a beautiful village to visit to just wander the narrow streets and enjoy. Look out for the 600-year-old ‘Maison des Tetes’ and marvel at the carved wooden heads. Its Sunday morning market is becoming legendary and brings crowds in droves for the local produce and of course wine.

2. Limeuil (1hr 27mins/96.7km)

One of Frances beautiful villages, Limeuil with its cobbled streets and river location is certainly picture postcard. Visit the panoramic gardens at the top of the hill for amazing views.

3. St Avit Senieur (1hr 38mins/113km)

The bastide village of St Avit Senieur is visited primarily for its ruined 13^th century which features a number of fading frescoes worth seeing.

4. Bergerac (1hr 39 mins/103km)

Bergerac is full of art and history, head for the old town which centres on a statue of Cyrano and visit the ‘Tobacco Museum’ recounting over 3000 years of history. Stroll along the quay to see the ‘Maison du Vin de Bergerac’ located in a stunning 17th-century mansion and partake of a free tasting! The market is on Wednesdays and Saturday by the Notre Dame church. Take time out and view Bergerac by an old riverboat. 

5. Cadouin (1 hr 40mins/107km)

This small medieval village is classified as one of three major sites found in Aquitaine, due to its famous abbey founded in 1115. It became a major place of pilgrimage in the Middle Ages as was reputed to have a piece of the shroud of Jesus Christ. Sadly in 1930, the cloth was found to be from the 12^th century, none the less the abbey is well worth a visit.

6. Monbazillac (1 hr 40mins/109km)

This small village with its imposing 16^th century Renaissance castle is renowned for its sweet wine, named after the town itself. The Chateau runs wine tastings and is well worth a visit.

7. Beaumont-du-Perigord (1hr 53mins/118km)

Perched on a hill this medieval village is also one of 18 bastide towns in the area. The imposing church Saint-Laurent-Saint-Font is considered the most beautiful fortified church in South West France.

8. Montpazier (1hr 58 mins/122km)

Another of France’s beautiful villages, this is an outstanding walled medieval village which has changed little since it was a founded in 1284 in the name of the English king, by Edward I. It’s a delightful walk around not only for the stunning architecture but also its quaint craft shops and leafy cornered eateries. Its Thursday market is over 700 years old.

The Haute-Vienne is the north-western department of the Limousin region of southern-central France, with the Centre (Loire Valley) region to the north, Poitou-Charentes to the west and the Dordogne to the south. As you might guess from the name the River Vienne crosses the department.

While many visitors are first attracted to the Haute-Vienne by the quiet unspoiled countryside, which includes parts of two Regional Natural Parks (Perigord-Limousin and Millevaches) there are also a good number of interesting villages and towns, museums, and historic monuments, to add variety to your visit.

Places to visit:

1. Chateau de Chalus Chabrol (16mins/15.8km) (See Top 12)

2. Chateau de Montbrun Dournazac (17mins/11.7km)

Built in 1179, this historic castle has been completely renovated with 500 acres of land and is today up for sale.  It is located on a moated island and is a stunning location for photography, especially at the start and end of the day. Dournazac village has a Chestnut museum and an annual weekend fete dedicated to the Chestnut in late October.

3. Chateau de Brie (22mins/18.3km)

On the Richard the Lionheart route, this fortified house was built in 1484 in gothic style. Fully furnished the castle also includes an automata world where 70 animated characters take you to the four corners of the world.  Used nowadays as a wedding venue.

4. Chateau de Lastours (28mins/25.4km)

On the Richard the Lionheart route, the castle is now a ruin and is used in the summer months for period events and medieval festivals. At 10 pm on selected days, costumed volunteers will take you for an atmospheric nocturnal walk.

5. Le Jardin de Liliane (29mins/31.3km)

A beautiful French garden located in the village of St-Laurent-sur-Gorre near Limoges. This 8000m garden has been developed over the last 30 years and if you speak French then you can discuss the plants with Liliane herself. 

6. St Yrieix la Perche (33mins/38km) (See top 12)

7. Chateau de Nexon (36mins/34.9km)

This chateau is surrounded by 38.5 hectares of ground around which you can take a 3-mile walk and take in the lovely forest scenery. This includes a waterfall and ‘Jardin des Sens’. In the chateau, you can visit the stables and a small chapel.

8. Rochechouart (38mins/36.3km)

A pretty walled town with a large 13th-century Chateau which now houses a modern art museum. The church St-Sauveur is famous for its octagonal-shaped spire. The town itself was apparently hit by a meteor some 214 million years ago, although little evidence remains today, except for a museum dedicated to this phenomenon. A visit to the cemetery will reveal the tomb of Leonce Chabernaud, a wholesale wine merchant who died in 1953. He designed his own tomb in the shape of a giant wine barrel that shocked both the clergy and the press at the time.

9. Saint Junien (46 mins/47.8km)

A relaxing town situated on the banks of the rivers Vienne and Glane, each spanned by a lovely 13th-century bridge. The church is one of the largest and oldest in the region and the Saint Amand Abbey is open in the summer. Famed for glove making a guided tour from the tourist information centre picks up a glove factory visit and the other sites to see. Those with a sweet tooth make like to try Le Gateau Arena (Almond cake), a chocolate-coated prune, soaked in liqueur and filled with nougat called Le Cyrano and Le Bourgou a cake filled with chestnuts and honey. Just outside the village lies Site Corot, a beautiful mill beside a river, and the hut where the 19th-century artist painted. 

10. Limoges (49mins/52.5km) (See top 12)

11. Oradour sur Glane (49mins/57.3km) (See top 12)

12. Chateau de Chalucet - St-Jean Ligoure (52 mins/52km)

This fortress is one of the most beautiful ruins in France. Take a guided tour during July and August otherwise, there is a trail in the surrounding forest that gives you information about the area. Or you can discover Chalucet through a group riddle on your smartphone.

13. Chateau de Coussac Bonneval (53 mins/45.8km)

This beautiful castle surrounded by lavender, oak and chestnut trees has been the home of the Bonneval family for over 1000 years. Take a timed afternoon guided tour and discover the chateau’s fascinating history. In the grounds is a visually very interesting chapel.

   14. Mortmart (1hr 2mins/57km) is the only beautiful village in the Haute Vienne which certainly lives up to its name. Enjoy the remains of the dukes of Mortemart's château, fabulous granite houses, two former convents and the delightful 16th-century wooden covered market hall. 

   15. Saint Leonard de Noblat (1 hr 12mins /68.9km)
A charming medieval town and one of the oldest in Nouvelle Aquitaine. The beautiful church is well worth a visit and houses a lock of St Leonard’s hair which you can touch if you want to get married that year! Find here a museum dedicated to the 18th-century chemist, Guy-Lussac who developed a gas chemistry law. Look out for shops selling marzipan for which it is famous.

    16. Moulin de Got (1hr 13mins/69km)
This lovely 16th-century paper mill (situated just outside St Leonard de Noblat) is a living museum and exhibition centre. Located by a river with picnic facilities.

17. Eymoutiers (1 hr 25mins/87km)
A delightful medieval town on the banks of the river Vienne renowned as the birthplace of the 20th-century artist Paul Rebeyrolle, who has a museum dedicated to him here. There is a mineral museum to visit and it’s possible to take a steam train through the local countryside.

    18. Lac de Vassiviere (1 hr 57mins/111km) One of France’s largest man-made lakes with an island in the centre dominated by a chateau. The lake is both a nature reserve but also very important for water sports. There is a free water taxi to get you about.

The Charente in the department of Poitou-Charente is named after the river that runs through its two main towns of Angouleme and Cognac.

Places to visit;

1. Cassinomagus (41mins/42km)

The most monumental Gallo-Roman baths in Northern Europe outside of Rome were first excavated in 1958. Built at the beginning of the 2nd century AD, the baths covered 12,500m2 and included a 30m high temple. You can walk through the many types of bathing rooms and wall pictorials show a reconstruction of how it would have looked in its prime. This is an excellent site and well worth a visit.

2. Villebois-Lavalette (1 hr 2mins/66km)

Is dominated by a large hilltop 12th-century Chateau de Villebois. The Saturday market is worth a visit alongside the old houses and buildings that make up this very scenic village.

3. Confolens (1hr 4mins/69km)

This medieval town with over 60 half-timbered houses and its 13th-century bridge make a.  Famous for an annual International Folklore Festival held in August, it's well worth a place to stop off at.

4. Angouleme (1hr 17mins/75km)

Is surrounded by large boulevards which stand above the original ramparts that protected the town. Known for both art and history there is much to see in the old town including a very ornate cathedral. Museums include Fine Arts, Archaeology, Paper and Comic books. It has two famous annual events; an International Comics Festival in January and a Classic car race, which first started in 1939.

5. Aubeterre sur Dronne (1hr 21mins/78km)

Located on a steep hill, this is the only most beautiful village in the Charente. It has welcomed tourists for over 1000 years as was an important stop on the pilgrimage route to Compostella in the Middle Ages.  Of particular interest is the unusual Troglodyte (Underground) church of St Jean. The lovely Romanesque church of St Jacques church with its stunning facade and the many delightful small streets brimming with eateries, boutiques and galleries make this village a delight to visit.

6. Cognac (1hr 48mins/120km)

Not only renowned for its brandy this lovely city also has other things to offer besides the obvious. It has a number of historic buildings including the Valois castle and the Chateau of Cognac. The cognac museum is dedicated to local art and history, whereas the Arts of Cognac Museum is dedicated to the story of brandy. Several of the major Cognac brands offer visits and tastings.

So, in conclusion, the above list is not exhaustive but includes suggestions for some of the most popular places to see.