Explore Piégut-Pluviers & the Périgord Vert

Discover one of the Dordogne's best-kept secrets.  When people think of the Dordogne, places like Sarlat and Bergerac often come to mind first. We love visiting them too, but we chose to make our home in Piégut-Pluviers, in the beautiful Périgord Vert, because it offers something a little different.

Here you'll find the peace and beauty of the French countryside, without feeling cut off from everything. From our cottages you can stroll into the village for fresh bread, enjoy lunch in a café, browse the weekly market or pick up supplies for a barbecue by the pool – all without getting in the car.

For us, that's what makes this part of the Dordogne so special.

Why stay in Piégut-Pluviers?

Piégut-Pluviers is a traditional French market town with everything you need for a relaxed holiday.

Within a short walk you'll find:

• Traditional boulangeries and pâtisseries

• Cafés and restaurants

• A supermarket

• Butchers and local food shops

• Pharmacy and other essential services

• Friendly bars and terraces

Unlike many rural holiday cottages, you don't have to drive every time you want to buy fresh croissants or enjoy dinner out.

The famous Wednesday market

If you're lucky enough to visit on a Wednesday, you're in for a treat.

Every week the centre of Piégut-Pluviers comes alive as one of the largest and most popular markets in the northern Dordogne fills the streets with local producers, artisan crafts, fresh fruit and vegetables, regional cheeses, clothing and gifts.

Our favourite way to enjoy market day is to wander into the village, stop for a coffee and people watching, wander around to pick up fresh ingredients for lunch and check out the bargains in the Brocantes or stalls and then spend a lazy afternoon back at the pool.

It's one of the highlights of summer, but the market runs throughout the year and always has a wonderful atmosphere.

A perfect day from the cottages

Need a little inspiration? Here's how many of our guests like to spend a summer's day.

8:00am – Walk into the village for warm croissants and fresh coffee.

10:00am – Explore the Wednesday market or browse the local shops.

12:30pm – Lunch on your private terrace.

2:00pm – Relax by the pool while the children swim and play.

5:00pm – Visit a nearby village or enjoy a gentle walk through the countryside.

7:30pm – Dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants or a barbecue back at the cottage as the sun goes down.

Simple, relaxed and exactly what holidays should be.

Places to visit nearby

One of the reasons we love living here is that there is so much to explore within easy reach.

Brantôme

Often called the "Venice of the Dordogne", Brantôme is one of the prettiest towns in the region. Explore the abbey, enjoy a riverside lunch or hire a canoe for a different view of the town.

Approximate drive: 30 minutes

Nontron

Known for its long tradition of knife making, Nontron is a charming market town with independent shops, cafés and regular events throughout the year.

Approximate drive: 20 minutes

Saint-Estèphe Lake

Perfect for families, this beautiful lake offers swimming, walking trails, children's play areas and picnic spots surrounded by woodland.

It's one of our favourite places on a hot summer afternoon.

Oradour-sur-Glane

A moving and unforgettable place to visit, the preserved village offers an important insight into French history during the Second World War.

Périgueux

The capital of the Dordogne combines Roman history, beautiful streets, excellent shopping and fantastic restaurants.

Ideal for a day trip.

Food and drink

One of the joys of staying in the Dordogne is the food.

Local specialities include:

• Duck and foie gras

• Walnuts

• Truffles

• Goat's cheese

• Strawberries

• Artisan bread

• Local wines

We're always happy to recommend our favourite restaurants and cafés depending on what you're looking for, whether it's a relaxed family meal, a romantic evening or somewhere to celebrate a special occasion.

Walking and cycling

The quiet lanes and surrounding countryside are perfect for walking and cycling.  There are woodland trails, peaceful lakes, historic villages and beautiful viewpoints to discover, many within a short drive of the cottages.

If you'd like recommendations for routes suitable for children or more experienced walkers, just ask – we're always happy to share our favourites.

Family-friendly days out

Travelling with children?   Some of our guests' favourite activities include:

• Swimming at Saint-Estèphe

• Canoeing on the Dordogne

• Go-Karting

• Tree-top adventure parks

• Visiting castles

• Golf nearby

• Ice cream in Brantôme, as well as wonderful restaurants, shops and beautiful views of the canals

• Evening markets during the summer

There is plenty to keep children entertained while still giving adults the chance to slow down and enjoy the holiday too.

Our favourite thing about living here

People often ask us what we enjoy most about living in this part of France.

The answer is simple.  Life moves at a gentler pace.

You can spend the morning exploring a bustling market, enjoy lunch on a sunny terrace, cool off in the pool during the afternoon and finish the day with a glass of local wine as the sun sets.

It's not about rushing from one attraction to the next. It's about enjoying good food, beautiful surroundings and spending quality time together.

That's the experience we hope every guest takes home with them.

Planning your stay

Whether you're visiting for a week or longer, we'd be delighted to help you make the most of your time in the Dordogne.

If you'd like recommendations before you arrive, just get in touch. We're always happy to share our favourite restaurants, walks, markets and hidden gems.

We look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful corner of France.