Gourmet getaway: Sarlat

Dramatic river valleys, mediaeval towns, fairytale chateaux, unrivalled prehistoric treasures Wonderfully rich and gastronomic cuisine: fois gras, truffles, walnuts, confit de canard World-famous wine discoveries Ideal location for independent exploring

Hostellerie de Meysset
This stylish 3-star hotel, set in 3 acres of pine woods and gardens, enjoys an elevated position just 3kms above Sarlat and the valley. It offers complete tranquillity, wonderful food and all the 'must see' attractions of the Dordogne within just a short distance – quite an attractive appeal!

The cooking here is based on the wonderfully rich and gastronomic cuisine for which this region is famous. Expect to be offered house specialities such as magret de canard, foie gras, pommes de terre sarladaises – slices of potato sauteed in goose fat, with garlic, parsley and wild mushrooms: don’t come here if you’re counting the calories!

Some of the finest wines of France come from the south west. Bordeaux is the largest wine region in the world, producing over 500 million litres a year. The Dordogne’s wine capital is Bergerac, although there are many local appellations well worth a try.

Exploring independently, and with a car at your disposal, the list is endless. Sarlat, Domme and Beynac contain perhaps the biggest concentrations of delightful old buildings – the mediaeval hilltop fortresses of Domme and Beynac are particularly impressive. But you’ll also come across fairy-tale villages, prehistoric caves, meandering river valleys and majestic chateaux perched proudly above the famous Dordogne river.