La Cloche

were mostly built around the Lot valley and the Dordogne. They are generally buzzing places, with lively markets and little cafes, excellent restaurants and pretty shops all around. You will find many bastides near La Cloche, including Villefranche-du-Périgord, Monpazier and Belvès.

jewel of the Dordogne is about 45 minutes' drive away. If you like a bustling atmosphere head there on Saturday morning when the market is in full swing. Perhaps combine with a visit to the Lascaux caves a little further north to see the famous paintings?

in Lacapelle-Biron (25km) - 14 hectares of trees and fields where you'll find mini golf, a farm of baby animals, a snail museum, and an adventure playground through the trees with different courses suited to the age of the children.

can enjoy a game at 2 courses in Siorac (20km).

The aeroclub in Belvès (20 minutes drive) offers plane trips above the famous sites and chateaux of the Dordogne.

Take a stroll around the centre of the village to admire the church, Eglise Saint Maurice, with its unusual flat bell-tower (known as a ‘bell-wall’ in French) over 20 metres in height. Inside the church is a beautiful and unusual wooden carving of Christ whose clothes are painted in vibrant red and gold colours. Or head just outside the village to the special 'Nordic walking' park which was created in 2009, which has marked routes of differing lengths to follow.

is a visit to the remote hamlet of Les Arques (30 minutes) in the Lot. Visit the Zadkine Museum, with exhibitions by the Russian sculptor who made this tiny village his home. Whilst there you must enjoy a delicious meal in the much-acclaimed 'La Recreation' restaurant converted from the old school house.

around Puy l'Eveque (30km) and try the dark Cahors wine, a largely undiscovered great wine of the region. You will see many 'caves' selling the wine and most will offer the chance to taste it first. Don't forget to stop in the little villages en route as well - there are many dotted along the River Lot down to Cahors (50km)

This small and attractive market town with little winding lanes and some lovely houses is about 40 minutes from the house by car. It has two specific attractions: an aquarium; and the 'Village du Bournat', a reconstitution of a 19th century village.

on either the Lot or the Dordogne. Usually you will get dropped off upstream and can enjoy a downstream paddle back to base. The gradients are generally very low here and suitable for all ages.

Elevated above the oak woods it appears to have no strategic reason for being there except for our magical pleasure. You can enjoy a tasty meal followed by a long walk in the surrounding countryside. In summer this chateau is a venue for theatre festivals and classical music concerts.

There are plenty of these to visit along the Dordogne river, including the Chateau de Beynac, the Fortress of Castelnau and its medieval war museum, the garden of the Chateau de Marqueyssac that overlooks Laroque-Gageac and the Dordogne valley and the nearby Chateau de Biron, set in a beautiful village.

There is a tennis court in the village, in walking distance, for budding tennis players to hone their skills.

On Saturday morning, a farmers’ market is held on the top square of the medieval Bastide of Belvès, around and under the 15th century covered Halle. There, you can find many local and seasonal fruit and vegetables – strawberries, apricots, peaches, melons, grapes, etc..depending on the season. Asparagus, artichokes, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, courgettes and aubergines, green beans, etc. Everything grows well in south-west France. There are also local cheeses, honey, beers, wines and many other more local specialities. Markets like this with lovely food and atmosphere can be found in most villages around, and one could visit a different market in a different village every day. No need for supermarkets except for bananas!