Back to the Dordogne
Hello! Keso here.
We just got back from a busy week in France; a week in which we finally got to visit the chateau, met with some of our amazing vendors, and got to hear about lots of fun goings-on happening this Summer in-and-around the wedding.
Seeing the chateau for the first time was super exciting as we got to visualise how the wedding will look. I now need to make sure I don’t go overboard with decorations and make sure Jay doesn’t get carried away with lighting (if you’ve been to one of our New Year’s Eve gatherings in London, you’ll know what I mean). And although we’re both looking forward to having everyone together in France this Summer, it was nice to be able to walk around the chateau and grounds just the two of us.
But above all, It’s been some time since we were last in France, and so it was nice to be reminded of all the things we love about this part of the world. For some of you, the trip to the Dordogne in July might be your first, and you might be wondering about other activities you can get up to while you’re there.
Here are a few fun suggestions:
Canoeing - The Dordogne region is named after the river that flows through it but the nearest river to the chateau is the Dronne. The Dronne has always played a big part in our summers as a refreshing way to cool off from the Summer heat. And a great way to see the beauty of the Dordogne and spend a fun afternoon is with a canoe ride along the Dronne. Our favourite route is with Renamont Canoes which takes you through some of the most beautiful villages in the surrounding area and ends at the Renamont Campsite, which is always good for a swim, some food and live music.
Beach - Another great way to cool off and pass the time is with a trip to the beach. And whilst the nearest coast is a 2.5 hour drive away, there is a lovely beach at Grand Étang de la Jemaye, or Lake Jemaye. Whether you fancy a dip in the water, or stroll around the surrounding woodlands, a visit to the lake is a great way to spend the day and only a 10 minute drive from Ribérac. Bring a picnic or eat at one of the restaurants by the water, there’s also a lovely ice-cream shop if you fancy a sweet treat as well.
Music Nights - During the Summer, the Dordogne is a magnet for music acts that tour around the region playing in different towns every night. In the nearby town of Douchapt, Fridays are music nights at a spot called Douchapt Blues so perfect timing for those of you looking to do something on the eve of the wedding. In Ribérac there is live music on Tuesday nights, when Cafe Des Colonnes sets up tables in the square and offers local fare for dinner so you can sit near the band and get up to dance between courses. If you’re interested, booking a table in advance is a must.
Towns to explore - The region is home to stunning chateaus, prehistoric caves and delicious Périgordin food. Take some time to explore some of the winding streets, castles and shops that the Dordogne has to offer. Here are a few nearby towns:
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne (20 minute drive from Ribérac, markets on Sundays)
Périgueux (30 minute drive from Ribérac, markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Bourdeilles (30 minute drive from Ribérac, markets on Mondays)
Rocamadour (2 hour drive from Ribérac, markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays)
Brantôme (40 minute drive from Ribérac, markets on Fridays)
Sarlat-la-Canéda (1 hour 30 minute drive from Ribérac, markets on Saturdays)
Top Tips - planning ahead will help you make the most of your time, but here are a few things that you can keep in mind:
Getting around: the Dordogne is made up of small towns and villages, with public transport pretty much non-existent. Some taxi services do operate in the region, but will need to be planned and booked ahead of time. If you are driving, pooling together and exploring in groups makes for a fun time.
Meal times: the Dordogne is a very traditional region and observes very traditional meal times. That means breakfast is served from 7am to 10am, lunch is midday to 2pm and dinner is 7pm to 9pm. Keep this in mind when planning meals as some restaurants may stop serving food - or even close - outside of these meal times.
Cash: While some shops will accept the main credit cards, it is advisable to carry some cash - particularly at markets where only cash is accepted. ATMs can be found in supermarkets and towns.
Language: Whilst the majority of people will speak some level of English, a little bit of French will go a long way - for example, a “Bonjour” or “Bonsoir” when entering a shop, or “Merçi, au revoir” when leaving.
I hope that gives you enough to think about but if you have any questions then just drop us an email at info@jeromeandkeso.com.
For now, here are a few sneak peeks from our time walking around the chateau last week:
Until next time… Keso x