Villages of Perigord

©Albert

“Because it’s been so well preserved, discovering

Villefranche is a truly authentic experience.The village

has conserved a beautiful Consuls House and a series

of narrow corridors between buildings called ‘andrones’

originally designed to prevent fires from spreading.

Magnificent chestnut forests, just perfect for relaxing walks,

surround the area. Chestnut trees prospered here because

of the iron-rich, acidic and well-drained soil. Locally known

as the“bread tree”, chestnuts have fed generations in

this region since the Gallo-Roman era.With this wealth

of knowledge handed down to us from times gone by, we

grow several acres of chestnut trees and produce organic

products from A to Z with our harvest…”

Villefranche is the first village in Dordogne to have

received the “Outstanding Place of Taste” label

awarded by the French Ministries of Culture,Tourism,

Environment and Agriculture. Gourmet Tours, organized

from springtime onwards, give you the opportunity to

see for yourself! Starting out from the village, an eleven-

kilometer hike to taste chestnuts and foie-gras with local

producers.

“There’s nothing like

a stroll through the

chestnut groves!”

The Vigouroux,

chestnut growers

A first in Périgord

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

Take the time: in Springtime, sip a drink in one of the

patio-bars, under the archways in the village square; in

the Summer, listen out for the melodious tones of the cep

growers on Market Day; in Autumn savor the aroma of

roasted chestnuts… And for a taste of poetry, just listen to

Serge Vigouroux express his love for his native Périgord.

He will give you a tour of his property the Domaine de

Rapatel

, where you can visit the splendid chestnut

groves and the old stone-mill where the harvest is trans-

formed, while his wife Camille, will be busy creating some

sweet or savory delicacy—chestnut based of course.

Enjoy the “Dolce Vita” in Périgord

159

24+1 VILLAGES OF PERIGORD

158