Surroundings
Montignac sur Vézère
La Penoterie is 4 kilometres from Montignac sur Vézère, known for the Lascaux caves. The history of this charming city goes as far back as the prehistory. A stroll through the streets is definitely worthwhile. All the necessary facilities are available in Montignac.
- Doctors and pharmacy
- Post office
- Tourist office
- Several bakeries and three supermarkets, including a large Intermarché.
In addition, there are also many restaurants where you can enjoy a simple pizza, crêpe or easy meal to an entire menu. Also there are many nice terraces. On Saturdays and Wednesdays there is a large weekly market.
Food market
Every Mondaynight during the months of July and August in Montignac, local producers bring their gastronomic wares and cook them to be eated at long tables.
The area surrounding Montignac lends itself to interesting daytrips. Here are a few recommendations:
Towns and cities
Sarlat
Sarlat lies 30 kilometres from la Penoterie. A tourist centre also called the pearl of Perigord. Sarlat is characterized by small streets, beautiful plazas and various sights. There is a fair every Saturday.
Perigueux
Perigueux has a beautiful late-medieval inner city with small streets and nice shops. The window displays are very photogenic. There are fairs on Wednesdays and Saturdays, as well as a jazz concert every weekend in July and August.
Terrasson
This town is situated on the Vézère River. The old city is built against a hill and beyond it is a variety of retail shops and centres. There is a fair every Thursday morning. Beautiful gardens named “Les Jardins de l’ímaginaire” are close by.
Brive
Brive is the capital city of the Corrèze. A friendly city with nice shops, pleasant terraces and restaurants.
Walking, Canoeing, Cycling, Tennising, Golfing, Horseriding and Swimming
Walking
La Penoterie makes an excellent base to hike from. A beautiful and diverse landscape is directly accessible from the premises and the area’s varoius routes lead to awe-inspiring vistas.
Canoeing
Montignac has a variety of canoe-renting businesses. The Vézère is a calm river that goes past old castles, cities and villages. Multiple excursions are available.
A recommended route is the excursion to St Leon sur Vézère. In this friendly village by the river is a plaza with multiple restaurants and terraces.
Cycling
Cycle enthousiasts can enjoy beautiful country roads with challenching climbs through scenic landscapes and charming French villages.
Tennis
There is a public hardcourt in Montignac.
Golfen
Within a radius of 35 kilometres are four eighteen-hole golf courses.
(see www.dordogne.nl / Golf in the Dordogne).
Horse riding
In Tourtoirac (35 km from la Penoterie) is a riding school. There are various options for both beginning and advanced riders.
Swimming
In the area are various options for those who enjoy swimming. Montignac has a public pool, St Lèon has a small beach by the Vézère and in Tamniés (20 km) is a lake. A bit further, in Rouffignac, is a large recreational lake.
Brocante, antiques and vide greniers
In our vicinity are a multitude of flea- and antique markets (vide grenier literally means ‘an empty loft’). The French love it. The wares are sometimes worth the effort. The atmosphere always is.
The present list of vide grenier-markets can be found via the link:
Culture and history
The Perigord Noir is a georgeous region with a wealth of history. In the area, a multitude of prehistoric finds have been made. Various caves are worth a visit, among which the famous caves of Lascaux in Montignac.
Other sights in our area are:
La-Roque St Christophe
An impressive rock face more than 900 metres long and 80 metres high by the Vézère. In the rock face are hundreds of holes, which were inhabited in the prehistoric period. One of the terraces offers a breathtaking view of the valley of the Vézère.
St Amand de Coly
A small, very charming village with a church from the thirteenth century. It is often used for concerts in the summer. In july and August there is a foodmarket on Tuesday.
Jardins de Margueyssac
Prachtige tuinen met Buxus (foto ), gelegen bij een kasteel. Bij de tuinen hoort een landgoed waar een prachtige wandeling te maken is. Het uitzicht over de rivier de Dordogne is prachtig en er wordt een goede lunch geserveerd.
Castelnaud
Een prachtig kasteel uit de Middeleeuwen met een adembenemend uitzicht over de rivier de Dordogne.
Jardins de Eyrignac
Een park met verschillende tuinen. Een aanrader voor de tuinenliefhebber. In de zomermaanden worden er in de avond picknicks met muziek georganiseerd waarbij de gasten verzocht wordt om in het wit gekleed te gaan.
Chateau de Hautefort
An impressive castle on top of a hill with a brilliant view and a wonderfull garden.
Le Thot
A historic park, where prehistoric wildlife is exhibited.
Lascaux
De trots van ons Montignac. En dat begrijp ik wel.
In 2010 is het nieuwe Lascaux geopend. Een indrukwekkend mooi gebouw dat door een Zweedse architectenbureau is ontworpen.
De grotten zijn een replica van de oorspronkelijke grotten, die te lijden hadden onder het bezoek en daarom gesloten zijn. De geschiedenis van de streek en de grotten wordt mooi in beeld gebracht.
Liefhebbers van grotten kunnen in onze omgeving hun hart ophalen. Er zijn grotten in Rouffignac, Tourtoirac, Villars, Les Eyzies, Domme, Le Bugue en Audrix
