Perigord & Quercy
Some of our excursion locations
Rocamadour
2nd most visited touristic site in France. This breathtaking village will make your jaw drop when you see it. You’ll wonder how it was possible to build a Cathedral here!
Domme
A fortified village built on a plateau with panoramic views overlooking the heart of the ‘Perigord Noir’. You could easily spend a week painting in this beautiful place! There’s something for everyone!
Moulin de Cougnaguet
This isn’t just your regular water mill. It has been functional since the 11th century and uses an innovative method for defending itself against hungry peasants and foreign invasions! Always a fan favourite during our workshops.
Beynac Castle
Home of Richard the Lionheart, this castle Home of Richard the Lionheart, this castle was occupied by the British during the 100 Years War. The village underneath the castle makes for an incredible painting!
Chateau des Milandes
The home of Josephine Baker! In my opinion, this is the most well-kept chateau in the Perigord. Gorgeous gardens, a beautiful lake, birds of prey and to top it all off, the Chateau is a museum dedicated to Josephine Baker
Gourdon
Gourdon is only 5 minutes from Perigord Retreats. It has a beautiful Cathedral and panoramic viewpoints from the highest point. It’s a calm town with plenty of secluded spots for painting.
Collonges La Rouge
Situated in an area where the natural rock is red, which contrasts the surrounding white limestone… A unique site hidden in the foothills of the mountains. Always near the top of our list of places to visit!
La Roque Gageac
Another village that is regularly awarded top 3 status as one of the most beautiful villages in France. This linear village is relatively flat and easy on the knees. Secret gardens, a dominant Chateau and fun boat rides!
Sarlat La Caneda
One of the larger towns of the Perigord, Sarlat has an excellent market full of local produce. It is one of the most popular locations for filming movies due to it’s perfectly preserved medieval feel!
Autoire
Another Beaux Village… Close to the historically important sites of Rocamadour and Padirac. Breathtaking scenery and certainly a place to take a lot of photos to paint at home!
Caves/Grottes/Gouffres
Castelnaud la Chapelle
This castle and village is about a mile away from Beynac, from one castle, you can see the other! This castle was occupied by the French during the 100 Years War. A beautiful spot for plein air painting or enjoying a picnic.
Cahors
Famous for its AOP wine, Cahors is situated in a peninsula of the river Lot. Surrounded on 3 sides by water and the 4th by a strong medieval wall. It provided safety for its citizens. The bridge has an incredible story.
Painting Poppies
Every year we find new poppy fields in new places with different compositions. We are so fortunate that farmers use few pesticides… This means that in April, May and June many fields are blooming with beautiful wild poppies.
Painting Lavender
We have over ten thousand lavender plants across two sites. We planted three different varieties to extend the flowering season through June and July. The sound of bees buzzing, the smell of fresh lavender and the vivid violet colours make for an incredible experience.
Gallery
