In the heart of the Vézère valley, Moulin Des Collines is a picture-perfect Dordogne holiday home with its pink façade and pretty shutters, exuding historic charm and contemporary style.

Part of a 150-acre estate with a gorgeous château perched above and shared with Clos Des Collines, this inviting abode was originally the old water mill yet nowadays offers immaculately restored accommodation across its four air-conditioned bedrooms. Downstairs the living spaces have been remarkably renovated to create a stunning kitchen-diner with high sloping ceilings and picture book windows framing the garden views whilst the stylish lounge with its Smart TV features traditional wood beams adding such character.

Surrounded by the summer aroma of lavender, sit back on the gorgeous terrace, prepare a barbecue using local delights from a nearby market and stroll across to the estate’s shared tennis court for a game or two. This really is a bucolic setting in a beautiful part of the Périgord Noir.

One of France’s prettiest villages, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, is only 10km away, an idyllic spot for picnics and canoeing or join local families swimming on warm summer days. Don’t miss the pre-historic highlights of this region too from the sites in and around Les Eyzies to the Grotte de Rouffignac and Lascaux caves near the picturesque town of Montignac-Lascaux.

Then there’s the beauty of the Dordogne River further south with delightful riverside villages such as La Roque-Gageac, Domme and Limeuil, not to mention the region’s many iconic châteaux. Yet more fine food and atmospheric markets can be found in Sarlat-la-Canéda or visit the grand city of Périgueux, looking out for foie gras, truffles, chestnuts and other gastronomic pleasures of the Périgord Noir.

Moulin Des Collines is located in the beautiful Vézère valley in the Dordogne department, part of a vast estate featuring a gorgeous historic château on a hillside above and the neighbouring Clos Des Collines. A 5-minute drive from a small village, you are only 15km from the picturesque town of Montignac-Lascaux on the banks of the Vézère.

There are glorious vistas of Dordogne landscapes from your house as well as woods nearby for wonderful walks. In the local village you can enjoy lunch in the café-restaurant or visit the little organic shop. Further amenities can be found in either Rouffignac (10km) or Montignac (15km) – don’t miss the bustling twice-weekly market in this attractive riverside town and look out for canoeing opportunities along the Vézère.

Close to Montignac-Lascaux is one of the great draws of the area – the Lascaux IV Centre International de l'Art Pariétal with its self-guided tours and the pre-historic replica art drawings of the Lascaux caves – book ahead to visit. Slightly closer to home, the Grotte de Rouffignac can be toured by electric train, the largest prehistoric cave of the Périgord Noir.

Across this area you will find picture-perfect villages including two of France’s classified ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ - Saint-Amand-de-Coly (25km) and Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère (9km). Pack a picnic and set off to Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère on a warm summers day where local families swim in the river in such wonderful surroundings.

There are more pre-historic sites to be found in and around the famous village of Les Eyzies (16km) whilst further south is the picture-perfect village of Limeuil (28km), where the Dordogne and Vézère converge. A little further along the Dordogne, gourmands should try and book a table at Le Vieux Logis, Trémolat’s Michelin starred restaurant.

It goes without saying that this region is superb for food lovers, not only due to the number of restaurants from authentic French bistros to high-end establishments, but also because of the atmospheric markets that can be found dotted across villages and towns. Furthermore, look out for bustling Marchés Gourmands, night markets, in the height of the summer where local wine is usually served alongside regional food, often accompanied by music.

The much-loved town of Sarlat-la-Canéda (30km) is especially known for its gastronomic reputation thanks to its restaurants and markets – look out for seasonal specialities of the Périgord Noir such as foie gras and other goose products, walnuts, honey, truffles, chestnuts, cheeses and so much more.

Spend time visiting the famous villages and châteaux of the Dordogne River such as La Roque-Gageac (40km) with its characterful houses along the riverside, the striking Château de Beynac (31km) and the iconic Dordogne village of Domme where you can take boat trips or hire canoes and kayaks.

The historic capital of the Périgord Noir, Périgueux, is another fine place to venture with its restaurants, markets, striking architecture and magnificent cathedral.

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