Things to do

Some of our guests enjoy staying home and making the most out of out swimming pool, the garden and the peaceful countryside surrounding La Forge. However, the region offers plenty of activities for both adults and children too. A few examples:

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Canoeing on the Dordogne or the Vezere - There are numerous places to rent a canoe and enjoy an easy ride down one of our local rivers. No prior experience is required, since both rivers are wide, slow flowing and not deep at all in the summer. You can park next to any of the many canoeing shops along these two rivers, rent a canoe on the day (although we recommend you call and book in advance), and they will drive you up-river to the starting point. We particularly like the Dordogne between La Roque-Gageac and Limeuil, but your route of choice may depend on how many hours you want to be on the water! Among the many providers, we recently rented canoes from Aux Canoes Roquegeofree (https://www.canoe-roquegeoffre.com/en/) near Saint-Vincent-de-Cosse and just 1 hour drive away. We enjoyed a 3 hour canoeing (including some swimming in the Dordogne and some snacking on the canoe) starting just before La Roque-Gageac and seeing some of the most famous castles in Dordogne (Beynac, Castelnaud, Les Milandes) from the river. If you decide to go, don’t forget to bring your swimming gear to enjoy the beautiful natural river surrounded by ancient castles and forests.

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Tennis - There is a tennis court in our village Pont-Saint-Mamet that can be hired for an hourly fee. Isabelle (at the village Proxy) has the keys and will be happy to collect the fee and open the court for you. 

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Golf - There are a couple of golf clubs nearby with either 9 wholes (@ château Les Merles, https://www.lesmerles.com/en/golf/, 25 mins drive away) or 18 wholes (@ château de Vigiers, https://vigiers.com/chateau-des-vigiers-france.php, 45 mins drive away). You probably need to book in advance, since they get busy during peak season.

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Horse riding - There are many places to try this favourite sport of Dordogne. One of the closest spots (15 mins drive away) is the Centre Equestre et Pony Club de Bourrou (www.elevagedelile.com) … but they are just one of many.

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Night (gourmet) markets - The choice is plenty and you can find the specific place and date in the same link above. We love the food and the atmosphere in Belves and Eymet. Non-vegetarians can try the local specialty Omelettes with cepes and fois gras wickedly delicious.

 

Brocante (antique markets) - Summer in the Dordogne is full of Brocante (antique markets) and Vide-Grenier (car boot sales). Covid-19 has messed up the usual schedule slightly but most towns and villages power on! Here is the list but do call the local office to check if it is cancelled… https://brocabrac.fr/24/

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