One of our favourite places in the Dordogne is Limeuil, listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, because of it’s mix of dramatic architecture, great panoramic views across the valleys from Les Jardins Panoramiques de Limeuil – the lovely hill top garden, choice of restaurant, interesting arty shops, and the exercise that is required to get up the hill (which is not for the faint hearted). For folk that do take on the climb, there are rewards to be had at the top so we’d say it’s totally worth it. We would recommend parking in the car park to the right of the main river bridge to Limeuil where you will find signage to a more direct path leading up to the top of the hill rather than walking up through the village. The direct path is steep but a shorter climb in general and then you can head down the longer winding (yet still steep) hill through the scenic village. 

 

If you don’t fancy tackling the climb at all then the beach at the very point where the Vezere River and Dordogne River merge is a great spot for a picnic and a cooling paddle. Canoe trips can also be booked from here.

 

 

All in all Limeuil is a very visually interesting place with a relaxed vibe, however it can get busy on very hot days in the high season, so we’d recommend getting there early to select your picnic spot in the shade. There are restaurants on the lower level as well as the very top, and a fab ice cream shop if picnics are not your thing.

 

A restaurant we can recommend in Limeuil:
Garden Party https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100039796123564
This restaurant is on top of the hill and has an outside terrace with magnificant views. The food is top notch and good mid-weight value – well worth the climb.

 

The other restaurant we’ve yet to try that looked great – more high-end french cuisine with a price to match, and also at the top of the hill is Mamie M Restaurant. https://www.restaurantmamiem.fr/