Superb Dordogne Holiday Estate Situated in the Countryside, 8 km from Lascaux - Manoir de La Prandie Reviews

It's hard to put into words how this holiday exceeded my expectations. The area is incredibly rich and diverse in history, architecture and tradition. Certainly, one week barely scratches the surface of what there is to see and do within even an hour of this Manoir.

I made the decision to accept the optional package of having the host serve as a guide. For me, it certainly facilitated my stay but equally, one could roam and explore on your own – with a good map! There are numerous small roads in the region winding their way through the countryside. It would be great for those with bicycles too as many of the sights would be within a days pedal. Or, if canoeing is your forte, rivers are close by and rentals can be arranged.

The local cuisine was fascinating and with the specialty of the region being foie-gras, duck and goose preparations prevail. Equally unique to the area are truffles, a rare and expensive form of mushroom although they are only harvested in the fall. This is certainly the place to go in France if these culinary items interest you.

Something else that struck me was how peaceful and quiet it is at this residence. There is very little traffic on the road that passes by and the property is very private. As old as the buildings are, the interior of the house is tastefully done with true antiques and bathrooms have been modernized. Equally fascinating to me is the horizontal stone roof design (lauze) dating back to the 12th century and used on many of the houses, manoirs, churches and castles in the region. Incredibly heavy at up to a ton per sq. meter, the design must be supported by thick walls. It gives a unique character to the architecture of this region. Ask your contractor for a 1,000 year guarantee next time your roof needs replacing!

In summary, I think you will find this property a delightful spot to relax or to serve as a base to see the spectacular delights this region has to offer. I would definitely return to see all that I missed the first trip.