| The Dordogne, also known as the Perigord is without | | | | Castelnau-Bretenoux and the rolling hills and ridges |
| a doubt one of the most interesting and diverse | | | | beyond. Biking trails wind around the hills to arrive at |
| regions in the world. It is one of the best regions for | | | | the castle. Constructed between the 11th and 13th |
| active vacations for families, combining history, great | | | | centuries, Castelnau-Bretenoux is one of the most |
| cuisine and adventure outdoors with one of the most | | | | striking examples of medieval architecture in southern |
| beautiful countrysides in all of France. For those who | | | | France. Built as an impregnable triangular fortress with |
| love to test their limits -walking, water sports, | | | | deep ditches and a solid rampart, it sits on a high |
| horse-riding cycling, rock climbing and cave exploration | | | | terrace overlooking the valley. It was taken by Henry II |
| are all here. | | | | of England in 1159, and returned to the barons of |
| The "Perigord Noir" overlooks the Vezere and | | | | Castelnau at the end of the Hundred Years' War. |
| Dordogne valleys, while the Dordogne River meanders | | | | Cycling in the Dordogne is superb. The quiet country |
| gently through Southwest France from Auvergne to | | | | roads suit all levels of riding, the scenery is beautiful, |
| the Bordelais. A day in a canoe drifting down the River | | | | and the river is always nearby. Biking routes abound |
| is an experience not to be missed. The wooded | | | | and cycling along the small country lanes through fields |
| valleys on the river banks give way to small villages | | | | of corn and tobacco provide great views back to |
| not visible from elsewhere. Pass by Beynac and La | | | | Castelnau-Bretenoux. Villages with red-tiled roofs, |
| Roque-Gageac; then stop in Beaulieu, a typical | | | | manor houses, and chateaux punctuate the region and |
| Dordogne village with its old city walls, its narrow | | | | are well on the biking route. The route of the Cirque de |
| cobbled streets and its 12th century Abbey- church | | | | Montvalent includes delightful villages like Carrenac, |
| with a carved doorway depicting the Last Judgment. | | | | Vayrac, and Fleurac, all parts and parcel of the biking |
| There is also an interesting exhibit about the history | | | | trails along the river. This is one of the most beautiful |
| and construction of gabares (river boats) here. | | | | parts of the Dordogne Valley, where chateaux perch |
| Dominating the landscape is the impressive castle of | | | | high above the cliffs. |