Château des Reynats, day 1

Thanks to Groupon, Monday evening we had an overnight with dinner at the Château des Reynats in the Dordogne near Périgueux. With beautiful weather, we decided to make two little driving tours of the area (from the Michelin green guide for the Dordogne), rather than visiting Périgueux itself. Since this was definitely the highlight of our week, we'll show you our vacation photos and take you on a little tour.

On the way down, we joined the Périgord Blanc tour. (The area is named for the color of the local stone.) We stopped first at the Église St-Martin in Agonac, a small church with an interior from the late 11C and 12C. One curious feature is the tiny side aisles.

There are many bits of the old wall painting and carving still visible (as well as Ed tucked in the corner).

This is the decorated arch leading to the domed choir.

The square belfry is a 16C addition.

From Agonac we drove on to Sorges, where Ed declined to stop at the Maison de la Truffe. From here we circled back towards our hotel, swinging by the Château des Bories. We skirted the north edge of Périgueux and arrived at our château/hotel in Chancelade. We checked in, offloaded our bag, and continued our way to the Priory of Merlande. The chapel and the prior's house (occupied) are all the remains of a 12C priory . Pillars in the chapel's chancel are topped by some impressive carvings.

 

Outside, you can easily see that the chapel was fortified during various religious wars. 

There's even a proper little fort over the east end chancel.

On the path next to the chapel we saw our first orchid of the year. Found some here after our return.

From here we returned to our château for a little rest and a delicious dinner in the Bistro La Verrière. As we were choosing our meals, the waiter brought a covered bowl containing three golf-balled sized truffles. Several starter and main choices could be truffled for an extra €10. We declined. Ed offered him €10 for the bowlful. He declined.

To be continued ...