Pays de Fénelon: a stone's throw from Sarlat, a stay between charming villages, castles, natural sites...

We will transport you with us to the Pays de Fénelon, a perfect destination for discovering the Périgord Noir! Between Vézère Valley, Dordogne Valley, but also Lot and Corrèze, the Pays de Fénelon is a territory which combines the advantages of being less touristy than its neighbors, while offering ideal proximity to the biggest sites of the region! A little corner of rural paradise, there is no shortage of attractions to seduce you: Castles, authentic charming villages of Périgord, activities for the whole family between countryside and river, heritage and culture, it is a place to seriously consider for your holidays in Dordogne. Shall we discover it together?

Photos from the article: Pays de Fénelon Tourist Office and additional mentions in the ALT (Photo opening Comimages)

The Pays de Fénelon, for a breath of rejuvenating nature

It is the birthplace of the writer Fénelon (more precisely François de Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon, born at Château de Fénelon in Sainte-Mondane). What could be better than the calm of these hilly regions, which quiver to the rhythm of the seasons, lulled by the Dordogne river (the Espérance River, World Biosphere Reserve protected by UNESCO)? For a stay in Périgord Noir, the location is ideal, here you are at the crossroads of the biggest tourist sites and areas, while being quiet.

Stay visiting castles…

They say that the Dordogne is the land of 1001 castles, it's true! Whether private or open to visitors, they are scattered throughout the department and in Périgord Noir, we are particularly well off. If you like beautiful stones and even more beautiful stories, you will enjoy visiting these famous castles that are more confidential, but just as interesting and intimate.

In Pays de Fénelon, come and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Château de Fénelon in Sainte-Mondane! A residence located on a hillock, surrounded by nature, far from the main roads, it is elegant in architecture and has a defensive appearance at the same time. Climb its 3 fortified enclosures before admiring its round towers which face a superb landscape. Inside, you will find 3 furnished floors taking you from the Middle Ages to the Napoleonic era.

The Château de Fénelon - Photos Les Coflocs

Château de Lacypierre is one of the smallest castles in Périgord! It is a family home, completely restored with love and pugnacity. A touching story to discover during a guided tour rich in anecdotes and details. New this year, a lodging at the castle!

The Château de Lacypierre - Photos Les Coflocs

The Château de Salignac is an old stronghold, abandoned, but about to be saved thanks to the commitment of its new passionate owners! Each visit helps to bring this witness to the past back to life, take part in this adventure by coming to discover it.

The Château de Salignac - Photos Les Coflocs

The Château de Carlux which is located in the commune of the same name. You independently visit the impressive ruins which have things to tell you! It offers a very beautiful panorama.

Garden visits in Périgord Noir…

Do you like gardens? The beautiful landscaped areas, where you can stroll in the tranquility of a soothing and bucolic environment? You are in the right place ! Take the time to come and admire nature in the gardens of Pays de Fénelon.

Eyrignac and its Gardens are a haven of beauty... 10 hectares made up of 7 gardens with different personalities with one thing in common: elegance and character. In this unique place, one of the most beautiful gardens in Périgord, you will enjoy admiring beautiful topiary art, massive plant sculptures against a breathtaking view! Many events, including garden parties, are organized in the summer.

Eyrignac and its Gardens - Photos les Coflocs

The Carsac Aillac Water Gardens transport you to an unparalleled aquatic world. Lotus, water lilies and water plants are arranged harmoniously. Ponds, an aquatic labyrinth, a bamboo grove... Real artists' paintings where nature expresses itself in its most beautiful colors.

The Water Gardens - Photo Les Coflocs

The Cadiot Gardens are typical English gardens. You will stroll there as you wish, taking a break in the tea room, discovering collections of peonies, grasses, old roses, hydrangeas, sages, daylilies, agapanthus... Let yourself be surprised by their romantic beauty.

The Cadiot Gardens - Photo Les Coflocs

The Calviac Zoological Reserve is a walk in nature, but also a space dedicated to animals. A favorite with children, it is an informative, educational site, which includes a conservation program for endangered species. The course is 2km long, it will take you across the 5 continents through mammals, birds, animals known and to be discovered, on 2 or 4 legs.

Calviac Zoological Reserve

Nature and charming villages: everything is there for pleasure!

The pretty villages of the Pays de Fénelon are revealed, each with their own particularities, which make them unique and fascinating. Come and see the technicality and know-how of the slate roofs of the entire village of Saint-Geniès, take its medieval streets and enjoy the magnificent, renowned Sunday market.

Gare Robert Doisneau - Photos Les Conteurs

Many marked hikes classified by difficulty are available in the region (and at the Tourist Office reception). It's a very good way to explore the small heritage of villages like : Salignac-Eyvigues, Archignac, Saint-Crépin-et-Carlucet, Simeyrols ... Also don't miss the Chemins des Meuniers which allow you to discover, on several loops, the local mills!

To enjoy the banks of the refreshing Dordogne, you can take the greenway from Sarlat to Saint-Julien-de-Lampon (from where you can also set off for magnificent canoe descents on a natural and little-known route !) or even to Carsac-Aillac : it will allow you to reach Sarlat via a shaded route.

Events of the year and summer in Pays de Fénelon

The main events in the region are the very famous Ronde des Villages (in fr) in October (book your tickets and accommodation in April!), the Estivales (in fr) en Pays de Fénelon (program of sporting, cultural and fun events) and the Night Week (in fr) at the beginning of August (to meet Nature at dusk).

Hiking in Pays de Fénelon

Pleasure of nature and small country producers - Photo Les Coflocs

Do you like traditional weekly markets? In addition to the one in Saint-Geniès on Sundays, a market is held in Calviac and Carsac-Aillac. Tuesday is in Salignac and Thursday in Saint-Julien-de-Lampon.

And the summer gourmet markets? They are real institutions, the perfect place to discover the gastronomy of Périgord, with delicacy, like true epicureans! Accompanied by music and artisan stands, the night markets are a pleasure for the whole family, all tastes and all ages. Monday in Sainte-Mondane, Wednesday in Saint-Geniès, Thursday in Paulin, Friday in Salignac and Aillac (in summer).

We wish you a wonderful vacation in Pays de Fénelon!

Did you like our article? Find others in the Guide du Périgord BLOG! Join us on the Facebook page of the Guide du Périgord , we are also on Instagram @guideduperigord