CULTURE
Rich in its own history, Saussignac sits along the Santiago de Compostela route in a region that offers world class cultural experiences. Within 90 minutes of Le 1500 guests can visit numerous cultural riches.
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We've listed a few of our favourite cultural day trips below.
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The Chateau de Saussignac, directly opposite Le 1500
Lascaux IV
Situated only 75 minutes away by car, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Lascaux IV, in the village of Montignac, provides an educational experience many people can only dream of. Dating back 17,000 years, more than 600 parietal wall paintings cover the interior walls and ceilings of the cave complex. Advance booking is recommended.
Rouffignac
Situated 60 minutes away by car, the complex of caves at Rouffignac is by no means the poor relation to the better known Lascaux caves. It's a wonderful, child friendly experience, giving visitors a fascinating train ride deep into the caves and providing, in many ways, a much more authentic experience than Lascaux. Advance booking is recommended.
Chateau Beynac
Situated 90 minutes from Le 1500, the Chateau de Beynac is a 12th Century fortress that sits, carved out of the cliff rock perched 150 metres above the Dordogne river. It is one of the most authentic and well-conserved castles in the region and offers visitors the most magnificent views across the valley of the five Chateaux.
Jardins de Marqueyssac
Set in the Perigord Noir, near to Sarlat, these incredible sculpted topiary box gardens are about a 90 minute drive from Le 1500. The gardens are open throughout the summer and benefit from incredible views across the Dordogne Valley.
Carcassonne
Located 180 minutes by car, Carcassonne is world famous for its perfectly restored medieval citadel with numerous watchtowers and double-walled fortifications. The city dates from Gallo-Roman times with major additions made in the C13 and C14. Well worth spending a couple of hours walking the walled circumference of this superb historical site.
Bordeaux
By car it will take you about 80 minutes to park up in the centre of the historic city. Bordeaux was recently voted France's most up and coming city with a very stylish population enjoying this energetic city full of romantic squares, cathedrals and cafe terraces. It's world class wines are celebrated as part of the city's recent addition to its cultural richness - the Museum of Wine. The city is also accessible from Le 1500 by train which will get you into the city centre within 50 minutes. An excellent day trip.
St Emilion
Best known for its high quality wine production, St Emilion is more than just a stop on a local wine tour. We will direct you along the slightly further route to access the town along the north slopes of the Dordogne river, undulating your way past stunning Chateau and wine properties. Take a half day at least to explore the centre and outer limits of this historical and beautiful small town. In July the town organises a month long jazz festival that's definitely worth a visit.
Bergerac
Tour Michel de Montaigne
This historical monument was home to France's most famous philospher of the Renaissance, Michel de Montaigne. Located only 30 minutes from Saussignac, the tower was renovated to his specifications in 1571 following his retirement from public life and contained his private library and study where he wrote his most notable work, Essais.
Chateau de Milandes
This beautiful Chateau, 100 minutes from Saussignac was once the home of world famous entertainer Josephine Baker. The drive to this beautiful location high up the river Dordogne Valley near Domme is stunning. And the Chateau tour is provides a fascinating insight into this incredible woman's extraordinary life. A firm favourite.
Sarlat
Because modern history has largely passed it by, Sarlat has remained preserved and one of the towns most representative of 14th century France. Its historic centre, with 77 protected monuments, was added to France's Tentative List for future nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002. The excellent state of preservation owed a debt to writer, resistance fighter and politician André Malraux, who, as Minister of Culture (1960–1969), restored the town and many other sites of historic significance throughout France. The centre of the old town consists of impeccably restored stone buildings and is largely car-free.
Just a 20 minute drive from Saussignac, Bergerac has, in recent years, been upgraded to create a beautiful pedestrianised city centre which begins to do justice to the architecture and stunning riverside location of this ancient city. River cruises are available from the main harbour area or just saunter around the narrow shop-lined lanes and head up to the main Boulevard which has been renovated to encourage the number of visitors the the city deserves.