The Dordogne is a rugged, wild & unspoilt region of undulating limestone hills and plains, traversed by the river Dordogne, after which the Départment is named. Off the beaten path and bordering 'La France Profonde', the Dordogne region has much to offer the holidaymaker, whether it be visiting the many chateaux that abound in the region, the prehistory of the "cradle of civilisation", its world renowned gastronomy or idyllic walks in the beautiful countryside or woodlands.
Beautifully situated in a dominant position, Domaine de Fumel overlooks the Dropt valley (tributary of the river Dordogne) It has incredible panoramic views and is ideally situated for discovery of all this delighful region has to offer.
The river Dordogne was the "frontline" of the fighting between the French and English during the 100 years war (La guerre de cent ans), when the English throne fought to keep Aquitaine out of the hands of the French King. Defensive towns based upon a simple grid pattern around a central market square and thus easily defended, were built during this period by both sides. Called "Bastides", these small towns are beautiful preserved and extremely picturesque: within easy distance of Domaine de Fumel and worth visiting are:- Monpazier, Beaumont, Castillonnès, Eymet................
Once the conflict between the English and French thrones was over and peace and stability returned, the aristocracy commenced building fortified castles or châteaux: many of these are found along both sides of the river Dordogne, a principal trading route, and on dominant plateaux and rocky outcrops. Fine examples include chateau Miland, chateau Monbazillac, chateau Baynac and chateau Biron.
Much of the area of the Department of the Dordogne is given over to agriculture and farming, producing a wealth of produce with a world-wide reputation. Amongst an endless list must be mentioned plums, walnuts, wild mushrooms (cêpes), truffles: also duck, geese and foie-gras: not forgetting the large production of Appelation red and white wine and of course the beautiful desert wines of Monbazillac.
With the increasing pressure from New World wines, the French vigneron has over the last 20 years sought to improve the quality of his wines. The Bergerac Appellations can now boast of world class wines both for immediate consumption or for laying down in the short or long term. From Domaine de Fumel, we can share our enthusiasm and extensive knowledge of local producers to ensure that our holidaymakers are spoilt for choice, whether it be red, white, rosé or desert wines.
A beautiful view of the river Dordogne. Imagine a day of lazily drifting downstream on this slowly moving river, warmed by the sun, a picnic made up of local produce and cheeses eaten on the upturned canoe as a table, washed down with a glass or two (or three) of Bergerac wine. The day then finished off by an inexpensive meal in a local Auberge or restaurant.
Bliss..........
The Dordogne is full local markets, each town traditionally having a market on a week day: it is therefore possible to visit a different market on each day of the week. The produce is all locally grown (no E- numbers, artificial flavours or colourings), wonderfully fresh and amazingly inexpensive. Al-fresco picnics amongst the wonderful scenery will create lasting memories of this beautiful region.
The countryside around Domaine de Fumel is traversed by 3 rivers:- Dropt, Vezère and Dordogne, all of which offer canoeing. Our favourite is the river Dordogne taking a canoe from Beynac and lazily drifting with the current down river, stopping for a gentle luncheon picnic of local produce, washed down with a nicely chilled Bergerac rosé wine. From the river, you are rewarded with magnificent views of the chateaux that lay just inland and underline the historic importance of the river as the main trading route bring the oak from the forests down to Bordeaux for making the wine barrels.
