Guide Perigord_version anglaise

©Albert

“Because it’s been so well preserved, discovering Villefranche is a truly authentic experience.The village has conserved a beautiful Consuls House and a series of narrow corridors between buildings called ‘andrones’ originally designed to prevent fires from spreading. Magnificent chestnut forests, just perfect for relaxing walks, surround the area. Chestnut trees prospered here because of the iron-rich, acidic and well-drained soil. Locally known as the“bread tree”, chestnuts have fed generations in this region since the Gallo-Roman era.With this wealth of knowledge handed down to us from times gone by, we grow several acres of chestnut trees and produce organic products from A to Z with our harvest…” “There’s nothing like a stroll through the chestnut groves!” The Vigouroux, chestnut growers

© Jac’ Phot

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

Take the time: in Springtime, sip a drink in one of the patio-bars, under the archways in the village square; in the Summer, listen out for the melodious tones of the cep growers on Market Day; in Autumn savor the aroma of roasted chestnuts… And for a taste of poetry, just listen to Serge Vigouroux express his love for his native Périgord. He will give you a tour of his property the Domaine de Rapatel E  , where you can visit the splendid chestnut groves and the old stone-mill where the harvest is trans- formed, while his wife Camille, will be busy creating some sweet or savory delicacy—chestnut based of course. Enjoy the “Dolce Vita” in Périgord

A first in Périgord

© Bertrand Rieger

Villefranche is the first village in Dordogne to have received the “Outstanding Place of Taste” label awarded by the French Ministries of Culture,Tourism, Environment and Agriculture. Gourmet Tours, organized from springtime onwards, give you the opportunity to see for yourself! Starting out from the village, an eleven- kilometer hike to taste chestnuts and foie-gras with local producers.

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24+1 VILLAGES OF PERIGORD