Villages & Castles

Below we give a small overview of the not-to-be-missed spots in the immediate area. A more comprehensive overview of all sights in our own region can be found here. Of course, there is much more to see in the surrounding area:

To the north, we border the Périgord Noir and the Périgord Pourpre, including the beautiful villages of Issigeac, Belvès, Sarlat, Limeuil and the city of Bergerac. You can find more information on all the sights in these regions here and here
To the east, we border the Vallée du Lot. This region can also boast some wonderful authentic villages, caves, natural beauty and other architectural gems. More information can be found here

Monflanquin

Monflanquin is 8 kilometres away. You can see the village from miles away: built on a hill, this impressive bastide towers over the surrounding countryside. Classified as one of the "plus beaux villages de france", Monflanquin has a typical checkerboard pattern in its streets and "carrerots" (narrow pedestrian streets), with half-timbered facades and numerous "pontets" (covered passages between two houses) and a central square surrounded by arcades. There are bakeries, a supermarket, cafés, restaurants, shops, etc.

Villeréal

Villeréal is 11 kilometres away. Built in the 13th century in just four years, this bastide has the typical features: half-timbered houses, narrow alleys and old walled gardens. The large central square stands out for its large covered market hall with its rare floor of slats and tiles. What makes Villeréal special is its liveliness. The weekly Saturday market is a staple in the area, there are regular events and plenty of cafés, restaurants and shops. You can hire electric bikes here at La Station Bee's de Villeréal.

Monpazier

Monpazier is 16 kilometres away. This is a "model" bastide: perfectly rectangular, with streets in a checkerboard pattern and with fortified entrance gates. Since its foundation in the 13th century, it has remained in almost original condition. Monpazier is therefore considered the most beautiful and best-preserved bastide in the Dordogne. The traditional market on the Place des Cornières has been held every Thursday morning for 700 years.

Château de Biron

Just 10 kilometres away, you will find this fairy-tale castle. Located on a hill, this castle dominates the surrounding landscape, as does Monflanquin. Find the highest spot around Aux Martis and you will see both in the distance. According to archaeological records, Biron castle dates back to around the year 1000. Over the years, this establishment has undergone many changes, each century has left its mark and the different architectural styles form a stunning whole. Absolutely worth a visit, more information can be found here.

Château de Gavaudun

This castle is also just 10 kilometres away. Built on a limestone plateau 40 metres high, it looks like a proud sentry overlooking the village and the narrow valley. The entrance was carved into the rock, it is a kind of shaft in a natural cave that used to be accessible only by a staircase that could be easily removed. Thus, it became an impregnable fortress. Later, stairs were built, but a visit to Gavaudun castle and its "donjon" (dungeon) is still a real adventure. More info at www.chateaudegavaudun.com.

Château de Bonaguil

Located 25 kilometres from us, this castle is known as one of the most beautiful fortified castles in France. It was originally built in the 13th century and further expanded into a proper castle in the late 15th and early 16th centuries, actually quite late for this type of fortified castles. After the French Revolution, part of it was destroyed, but what remains is still very impressive. Certain pieces were renovated, but the castle remains largely a "ruin", which does not detract from its grandeur and rich history. Find more info here.

OUR ADDRESS

Aux Martis
183 Chemin d'Anglade
47150 Paulhiac

CONTACT

info@auxmartis.com
+33 (0)6 18 23 65 70