Hilltop Highs in the Dordogne
Friday, September 30, 2016
Dordogne region, France
Interested in a Music and Markets Tour? We’d love to hear from you! How about an unforgettable holiday with us at New Years’ Jazz in Italy?
Beynac’s clifftop chateau is a stunner – from afar, 
as well as close up. Wonderfully preserved through the centuries, 
it was the setting of the 1998 movie Joan of Arc (in fact we were there during the filming – quite exciting to see the Maid herself trot by on an armored steed!)
The easiest way to access the fortress-castle is by driving quite a way inland from the river, then looping around to the upper parking – avoiding the challenging hike from the town below! We wound our way up, parked, then stormed the fortress ;), 
beginning at the lowest plateau,
then climbing up through different courtyards and towers, 
with spectacular views all the way up! 
After peering off each side of the highest tower, 
we swirled down circular stairways to the lowest level, where the kitchen was set up as it was when knights occupied the fortress – 
swords at the ready at the tables. Kirk drove down to the lower parking and our guests and I stepped carefully down the ancient cobbled paths,
passing pretty homes that have hugged the lane for centuries. 
Our table awaits on the pretty terrace of La Petite Tonnelle, 
where the food is as delicious as the setting. Check out this unique gazpacho topped with a creme fraiche fluff – 
and of course there’s no better dessert than a luscious Café Gourmand!
It’s a short drive to the riverside drama of La Roque Gageac, 
where we walk up steep stairs to the cliff-hugging homes.
No, we did NOT climb that staircase tacked high onto the cliff – see it above the roofs?!
Last on our trio of Plus Beaux Villages today is hilltop Domme. Driving through one of the impressive gates, three of which remain in the powerful medieval walls, we then walk along the Belvedere (more awesome countryside views!) 
to the center, with its ancient market hall (the bastide town was founded in the 1200s by Philip the Bold). 
Domme is a great place to buy Dordogne specialties, and we wave goodbye with a few bags of chocolate covered walnuts (we passed those groves on the way here!) in tow.
Our days in this gorgeous part of France have been filled with such delights….there’s so much more we could see if we had more time, but we and our guests are thoroughly satisfied with what we’ve enjoyed.
The best way to describe us (Kirk and Anne Woodyard) is that we're interested in the stories that make the places we visit come alive.
We've visited Europe more times than we can count, learned some entertaining stories there, and met some warm and helpful people who also enjoy the wonders of music and life in Europe. Between our music-related travels, we split our time between our homes near Washington DC and in the the south of France. We look forward to sharing these stories and friends and experiences with you.