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A Day for Workers, and for the Garden

May 1st in France is both Labour Day and a time for a lovely tradition — giving lily of the valley flowers for luck and happiness. I celebrate it quietly in my garden, picking the first blooms of muguet and enjoying their sweet scent, a simple way to mark the day with peace and meaning.

#LesParmeries #Carlux #Dordogne #SarlatTourisme #GiteInFrance #FrenchGite #GiteLife #HolidayGite

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☀️ Lunch in the Sunshine at Lidentique, Carsac — A Bike Ride from Carlux on the Voie Verte

Starting from the hilltop village of Carlux, enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the Voie Verte to Lidentique in Carsac-Aillac, a charming restaurant perfect for a sunny outdoor lunch. The 6–7 km route winds through peaceful countryside and takes about 45 minutes each way. After dining, explore nearby gardens or relax by the Dordogne River before cycling back—an ideal way to spend a relaxed day in the Dordogne.

#LesParmeries #Carlux #Dordogne #SarlatTourisme #GiteInFrance #FrenchGite #GiteLife #HolidayGite #Lidentique

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🍓 First Taste of Nabirat’s Strawberry Tart Fête

Visiting the Nabirat Strawberry Tart Fête was a delightful surprise. The small Dordogne village came alive with music, markets, and community spirit. The highlight was a massive, freshly made strawberry tart shared among locals and visitors. With lively performances, traditional bread baking, and friendly conversations, the festival offered a heartwarming taste of rural French life—one worth returning to.

#LesParmeries #Carlux #Dordogne #SarlatTourisme #GiteInFrance #FrenchGite #GiteLife #HolidayGite

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Escape to Tranquility: A Day at one of our Gîtes

Tucked away in the peaceful countryside, our gîtes offers more than just a place to stay—it’s an experience. Imagine waking up to birdsong, picking up fresh produce at the village market, and enjoying lazy lunches under the trees. Afternoons bring vineyard adventures or poolside lounging, and evenings are all about good food, golden sunsets, and stargazing.

Whether you're seeking a romantic escape, a family retreat, or simply a break from the everyday, our gîtes are the perfect place to slow down and soak it all in.

#LesParmeries #Carlux #Dordogne #SarlatTourisme #GiteInFrance #FrenchGite #GiteLife #HolidayGite

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🌧️🐾 Golden Chaos & April Showers: An Easter Carrot Hunt to Remember

There’s something beautifully unpredictable about Easter in April — one minute the sun is shining, and the next, you're sprinting through your garden, dodging raindrops and chasing a soggy golden retriever puppy through flower beds. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.

This year, our Easter celebration turned into an impromptu adventure full of mud, marshmallow fluff (aka Violet), and magical moments between April showers. Here’s a little peek into our garden’s soggiest, wiggliest carrot and duck hunt yet. 

Happy (Soggy) Easter from our garden to yours! May your rain clouds pass quickly, your eggs, carrots and ducks stay dry (ish), and your four-legged friends find all the treats their little noses can sniff out. 

#LesParmeries #Carlux #Dordogne #Easter🐾💛🌦️

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Above the Clouds: Sunrise Over the Dordogne River

Mist blankets the valley, the river hidden beneath a sea of clouds. Slowly, golden light spills over the hills, revealing a world suspended between sky and earth. 🌄✨ #DordogneMagic #SunriseViews #RuralFrance #LesParmeries #Carlux #Dordogne

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A Rainy Day in the Dordogne
Rain in the Dordogne arrives gently, adding a quiet, timeless charm to the region. It softens the landscape, from misty hills to glistening village stones, creating a peaceful atmosphere. Locals slow down, enjoying cozy cafés, warm food, and scenic views, making even a rainy day feel magical and part of the region’s story.  #LesParmeries #Carlux #Dordogne

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<h2>☀️ A Sunny Morning Above the Dordogne Valley: Pure Escape into Silence</h2>

<p>There are moments in life that feel suspended in time — when nature, light, and stillness come together to offer something deeply restorative. This morning at <strong>Les Parmeries</strong>, above the sweeping <strong>Dordogne Valley</strong>, was one of those moments.</p>

<p>We stepped outside with coffee in hand, greeted by warm July sunshine and the soft shimmer of light on dew-dusted leaves. The world below stretched out in layers: rolling green hills, sleepy stone villages, and the meandering ribbon of the <strong>Dordogne River</strong> catching the morning light.</p>

<p>And the silence? Almost complete — a rare, golden kind. Not empty, but full: of distant birdsong, the rustle of leaves, the hum of bees somewhere in the wild lavender. There were no cars, no screens, no pressure to be anywhere but here.</p>

<p>This is what <strong>Les Parmeries</strong> is all about:</p>

<blockquote>

<p><em>A quiet refuge from the busy world, where your mind can breathe and your body can rest.</em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>Whether you're lounging on the terrace with a book, exploring the winding trails that dip down to the river, or simply enjoying the view — this is a place designed to help you disconnect and recharge.</p>

<h2>☀️ Un Matin Ensoleillé au-dessus de la Vallée de la Dordogne : Une Évasion Silencieuse</h2>

<p>Il y a des moments dans la vie qui semblent suspendus dans le temps — lorsque la nature, la lumière et le silence s’unissent pour offrir quelque chose de profondément apaisant. Ce matin à <strong>Les Parmeries</strong>, surplombant la vaste <strong>vallée de la Dordogne</strong>, en était un.</p>

<p>Nous sommes sortis, un café à la main, accueillis par le doux soleil de juillet et le scintillement léger de la lumière sur les feuilles perlées de rosée. Le monde en contrebas s’étendait en strates : collines verdoyantes, villages de pierre encore endormis, et le ruban sinueux de la <strong>rivière Dordogne</strong> captant la lumière du matin.</p>

<p>Et le silence ? Presque total — un silence rare, doré. Non pas vide, mais plein : du chant lointain des oiseaux, du bruissement des feuilles, du bourdonnement des abeilles quelque part dans la lavande sauvage. Aucun bruit de voiture, aucun écran, aucune obligation — seulement l’instant présent.</p>

<p>C’est exactement ce que propose <strong>Les Parmeries</strong> :</p>

<blockquote>
<p><em>Un refuge paisible loin du tumulte du monde, où l’esprit peut respirer et le corps se reposer.</em></p>
</blockquote>

<p>Que vous soyez installé sur la terrasse avec un livre, en train d’explorer les sentiers sinueux qui descendent vers la rivière, ou simplement en train d’admirer la vue — cet endroit est conçu pour vous aider à déconnecter et à vous ressourcer.</p>

<h2>🛶 A Day Canoeing the Dordogne: Crystal Waters, Hidden Villages & Timeless Beauty</h2>

<p>Some days stay with you forever — and canoeing down the <strong>Dordogne River</strong> is one of those unforgettable experiences. At Les Parmeries, we’re lucky to be just a short drive from some of the most scenic stretches of the river. It’s a perfect day out for families, couples, or anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the <strong>natural beauty and history of the Périgord Noir</strong>.</p>

<h3>🌞 Setting Off: Calm Waters & Big Skies</h3>

<p>We started our day early, picking up our canoe near <strong>Vitrac</strong>, where friendly staff set us up with paddles, dry boxes, and a route map. As we gently pushed off from the bank, the water — <strong>crystal clear and surprisingly warm</strong> — sparkled beneath us. You can see pebbles and fish just below the surface, and with the sun overhead, everything feels bright and alive.</p>

<h3>🏰 The Route: From Riverbank to Fairytale</h3>

<p>The canoe glides silently past <em>cliffside villages</em>, green forests, and golden stone <em>châteaux</em>. Along the way, we stopped for a picnic lunch on a hidden pebble beach — the kind you can only reach by boat. The silence here is only broken by birdsong and the occasional ripple of water against the hull.</p>

<p><strong>Highlights included:</strong></p>

<ul>

<li><strong>La Roque-Gageac</strong> — A picture-perfect village built into the cliffside</li>

<li><strong>Château de Castelnaud</strong> — Towering above the trees, perfect for photos</li>

<li><strong>Beynac</strong> — With its medieval fortress watching over the valley</li>

<li><strong>Secret caves and beaches</strong> — only visible from the river</li>

</ul>

<h3>🌿 Nature, Peace, and Play</h3>

<p>For kids, the day is full of simple pleasures — <em>splashing in the shallows</em>, spotting dragonflies, and exploring sandy riverbanks. Adults get a rare moment of <strong>quiet immersion in nature</strong>.</p>

<p>You don’t need to be athletic to enjoy the experience. The current helps you along, and there are plenty of places to stop, rest, and just float.</p>

<h3>🏡 Return to Les Parmeries</h3>

<p>After hours on the water, we returned to <strong>Les Parmeries</strong> sun-kissed and smiling, ready for an apéro in the garden or a jump in the pool.</p>

<blockquote>

<p>Canoeing on the Dordogne is more than a tourist activity — it’s a <strong>journey through nature, history, and peace</strong>.</p>

</blockquote>

<h3>✅ Planning Your Trip</h3>

<ul>

<li><strong>Best routes:</strong> Vitrac to Beynac (12km) or Carsac to La Roque-Gageac (8km)</li>

<li><strong>Rentals:</strong> Available in Vitrac, Cénac, and Carsac (we can help you book)</li>

<li><strong>What to bring:</strong> Water, sunscreen, hat, waterproof bag, snacks</li>

<li><strong>Skill level:</strong> Easy – great for beginners and families</li>

</ul>

<p>Your base at <strong>Les Parmeries</strong> puts you within minutes of some of the <em>most stunning canoe routes in France</em>.</p>

<h2>🛶 Une Journée en Canoë sur la Dordogne : Eaux Cristallines, Villages Cachés & Beauté Intemporelle</h2>

<p>Il y a des journées qui restent gravées à jamais — une descente en canoë sur la <strong>rivière Dordogne</strong> en fait partie. À Les Parmeries, nous avons la chance d’être à seulement quelques minutes en voiture de certains des plus beaux tronçons du fleuve. C’est une sortie parfaite en <strong>famille, en couple ou entre amis</strong>, pour s’immerger dans la <strong>nature et l’histoire du Périgord Noir</strong>.</p>

<h3>🌞 Le Départ : Eaux Calmes & Ciel Ouvert</h3>

<p>Nous avons commencé la journée tôt, en récupérant notre canoë près de <strong>Vitrac</strong>. L’équipe sur place était accueillante et nous a remis pagaies, bidons étanches et carte du parcours. En quittant doucement la rive, l’eau — <strong>claire comme du cristal et étonnamment chaude</strong> — brillait sous notre embarcation. On voyait les galets et les poissons juste sous la surface. Avec le soleil au-dessus, tout semblait vibrant et vivant.</p>

<h3>🏰 L’Itinéraire : Entre Rives et Contes de Fées</h3>

<p>Le canoë glissait silencieusement devant des <em>villages perchés</em>, des forêts verdoyantes et des <em>châteaux en pierre dorée</em>. En chemin, nous avons fait une pause pique-nique sur une plage de galets cachée — un endroit accessible uniquement en bateau. Le silence n’était interrompu que par le chant des oiseaux et le doux clapotis de l’eau.</p>

<p><strong>Moments forts :</strong></p>

<ul>
<li><strong>La Roque-Gageac</strong> — Un village de carte postale niché dans la falaise</li>
<li><strong>Château de Castelnaud</strong> — Dominant la vallée, parfait pour les photos</li>
<li><strong>Beynac</strong> — Avec sa forteresse médiévale impressionnante</li>
<li><strong>Grottes et plages secrètes</strong> — visibles uniquement depuis la rivière</li>
</ul>

<h3>🌿 Nature, Sérénité et Plaisir</h3>

<p>Pour les enfants, c’est un jour d’aventures simples — <em>barbotages dans l’eau peu profonde</em>, libellules à observer, rives à explorer. Pour les adultes, c’est un rare moment de <strong>calme et d’immersion totale dans la nature</strong>.</p>

<p>Pas besoin d’être sportif : le courant vous accompagne doucement, et il y a de nombreux endroits pour faire une pause, se reposer ou tout simplement dériver au fil de l’eau.</p>

<h3>🏡 Retour aux Parmeries</h3>

<p>Après plusieurs heures sur l’eau, nous sommes rentrés à <strong>Les Parmeries</strong>, bronzés et souriants, prêts pour un apéritif au jardin ou un plongeon dans la piscine.</p>

<blockquote>
<p>Faire du canoë sur la Dordogne, ce n’est pas juste une activité touristique — c’est une <strong>véritable traversée de nature, d’histoire et de tranquillité</strong>.</p>
</blockquote>

<h3>✅ Préparer Votre Sortie</h3>

<ul>
<li><strong>Meilleurs parcours :</strong> Vitrac à Beynac (12 km) ou Carsac à La Roque-Gageac (8 km)</li>
<li><strong>Locations :</strong> Disponibles à Vitrac, Cénac et Carsac (nous pouvons vous aider à réserver)</li>
<li><strong>À prévoir :</strong> Eau, crème solaire, chapeau, sac étanche, encas</li>
<li><strong>Niveau :</strong> Facile – idéal pour débutants et familles</li>
</ul>

<p>Votre hébergement à <strong>Les Parmeries</strong> vous place à quelques minutes de certains des <em>plus beaux parcours de canoë de France</em>.</p>

<h2>🎈 Floating Above the Dordogne: A Ballooning Adventure You’ll Never Forget</h2>

<p>Some experiences take your breath away — not from speed or noise, but from the <strong>sheer beauty of the world unfolding below you</strong>. Early this morning, just after sunrise, we rose gently into the sky aboard a hot air balloon, beginning an unforgettable flight over the <strong>Dordogne Valley</strong>.</p>

<h3>🌄 Lift-Off at Dawn</h3>

<p>The fields were still draped in soft mist as we arrived at the launch site near <strong>Domme</strong>, only a short drive from Les Parmeries. The balloon crew worked quietly and efficiently, and before we knew it, we were climbing steadily above the treetops.</p>

<p>The only sound? The occasional whoosh of the burner and a few early birds greeting the day.</p>

<p>Beneath us: the winding <strong>Dordogne River</strong>, golden stone villages like <em>La Roque-Gageac</em>, and fairytale castles rising from forested hills. The <strong>light was golden</strong>, the air completely still — and time seemed to pause.</p>

<h3>🏰 A Bird’s Eye View of History</h3>

<p>From above, you appreciate the incredible geography and rich history of the Périgord Noir in a whole new way. We drifted gently past:</p>

<ul>

<li><strong>Château de Beynac</strong>, perched dramatically on a limestone cliff</li>

<li><strong>Castelnaud-la-Chapelle</strong>, with its medieval turrets and forested backdrop</li>

<li>The symmetrical layout of vineyards and ancient farms</li>

<li>Villages that looked like they hadn't changed in 400 years</li>

</ul>

<h3>💦 A Soft Landing… in the River!</h3>

<p>And just when we thought the magic couldn’t get better — we began our descent.</p>

<p>As the balloon approached the river near <strong>Carsac-Aillac</strong>, we could see our reflection on the water. Then, gently, almost imperceptibly, the basket touched the surface of the <strong>Dordogne River</strong>.</p>

<p>We hovered there for a moment — a surreal, mirror-like world — then rose again before landing safely in a nearby meadow.</p>

<p>We celebrated with a traditional <em>balloonist’s toast</em> (a glass of Crémant!) and swapped smiles with fellow passengers who were just as awestruck.</p>

<h3>✨ Why Ballooning is Unmissable</h3>

<ul>

<li>No crowds, no engines — just <strong>silence and sky</strong></li>

<li>Perfect for special occasions, proposals, or memory-making</li>

<li>Flights usually last 1 hour; available April–October</li>

<li>Morning flights offer the clearest air and best light</li>

<li>Pickup & return arranged easily from Les Parmeries</li>

</ul>

<h3>📍 Les Parmeries: Your Base for Dordogne Magic</h3>

<p>Ballooning is just one of the many breathtaking experiences near <strong>Les Parmeries</strong>. Whether you spend the day on the river, in the air, or relaxing by our pool, you’ll return to a place of quiet beauty and complete comfort.</p>
<blockquote>

<p><strong>Bring your camera, your sense of wonder, and your love for unforgettable adventures. We’ll help you book your balloon flight when you stay with us.</strong></p>

<p>Because some memories are meant to rise above the rest.</p>

</blockquote>

<h2>🎆 Fête Nationale à Carlux : Une Soirée d’Été Magique en Perspective</h2>

<p>L’excitation monte à l’approche du <strong>14 juillet</strong> — et ici à <strong>Carlux</strong>, nous attendons avec impatience l’une des soirées les plus magiques de l’année : les <strong>festivités de la Fête Nationale</strong>.</p>

<p>À l’ombre du <strong>magnifique château médiéval</strong>, le village se transforme en un lieu de fête en plein air, vibrant d’énergie, de rires et de convivialité. Située à <strong>quelques pas seulement de Les Parmeries</strong>, c’est la sortie idéale pour petits et grands.</p>

<h3>🍷 Au programme</h3>

<ul>
<li><strong>Dîner champêtre</strong> sous les étoiles, avec de grandes tablées et des produits locaux</li>
<li><strong>Musique live et bal</strong> sur la place du village</li>
<li><strong>Feu d’artifice spectaculaire</strong> illuminant la vallée et le château</li>
</ul>

<p>Il y a quelque chose de vraiment inoubliable à regarder les feux d’artifice éclater au-dessus des vieilles pierres, dans une ambiance festive rythmée par la musique et les verres qui s’entrechoquent. C’est une <strong>véritable célébration de l’esprit français, du patrimoine et de la joie de vivre</strong> — et tout cela, juste à deux pas.</p>

<h3>☀️ La météo</h3>
<p>La météo s’annonce parfaite — ciel dégagé et température douce — une soirée prometteuse. Que vous soyez en <strong>famille ou entre amis</strong>, c’est l’occasion rêvée de vivre un moment inoubliable et de partager la magie d’une nuit d’été en Dordogne.</p>

<h3>📍 Les Parmeries : Votre point de départ idéal</h3>
<p>Une fois les feux d’artifice terminés, il ne vous restera qu’à faire une douce promenade pour retrouver le confort de votre gîte à <strong>Les Parmeries</strong>. Aucun besoin de prendre la voiture ou de chercher une place — profitez simplement de chaque instant.</p>

<p><em>Rejoignez-nous pour une soirée de musique, de lumière, de rires et de fête — c’est l’été dans toute sa splendeur à Carlux.</em></p>

<h2>🎆 Bastille Day in Carlux: A Magical Summer Evening Awaits</h2>

<p>There’s a special kind of excitement building in the air as <strong>July 14th</strong> approaches — and here in <strong>Carlux</strong>, we’re eagerly awaiting one of the most magical nights of the year: the <strong>Bastille Day celebrations</strong>.</p>

<p>Set in the shadow of the <strong>magnificent medieval château</strong>, the village transforms into a vibrant open-air venue, buzzing with energy, laughter, and community spirit. Just a <strong>short walk from Les Parmeries</strong>, it's the ideal evening outing for guests of all ages.</p>

<h3>🍷 What to Expect</h3>

<ul>

<li><strong>Open-air communal dinner</strong> under the stars, with long tables and local fare</li>

<li><strong>Live music and dancing</strong> in the heart of the village square</li>

<li><strong>Spectacular fireworks</strong> lighting up the valley and château</li>

</ul>

<p>There’s something truly unforgettable about watching the fireworks explode above the ancient stone walls, with the warm air filled with music and the sound of clinking glasses. It’s a <strong>celebration of French spirit, heritage, and joy</strong> — and it all happens right on our doorstep.</p>

<h3>☀️ Weather Forecast</h3>

<p>The weather is looking perfect — clear skies and warm temperatures — promising an evening to remember. Whether you're coming with <strong>family or friends</strong>, it's the perfect opportunity to join in the local festivities and soak up the magic of a summer night in the Dordogne.</p>

<h3>📍 Les Parmeries: Your Ideal Base</h3>

<p>After the last fireworks fade, you’ll be just a gentle stroll away from the comfort of your holiday home at <strong>Les Parmeries</strong>. No need to worry about driving or parking — simply enjoy every moment.</p>

<p><em>Join us for a night of music, light, laughter, and celebration — it’s summer at its best in Carlux.</em></p>

<h2>☀️ Another Amazing Day in the Dordogne Valley</h2>

<p>Some days don’t need planning — they simply unfold perfectly. Today in the Dordogne Valley was one of those days: <strong>not a cloud in the sky</strong>, the sun shining brightly over rolling green hills, and the landscape more beautiful than ever.</p>

<p>From the garden at <strong>Les Parmeries</strong>, the views stretch endlessly across the valley — villages glowing in the sun, birds circling quietly overhead, and the gentle shimmer of the Dordogne River winding below.</p>

<p>What makes this region so special is the <strong>freedom to choose</strong> your own pace. You could head out to explore a medieval château, take a dip in a wild river beach, or wander through a local market…</p>

<p>Or — and this might be the best choice of all — you could do <strong>absolutely nothing</strong>. Just sit back, breathe deeply, and soak it all in.</p>

<blockquote><em>Sometimes, doing nothing is everything.</em></blockquote>

<hr>

<h2>☀️ Encore une journée magnifique dans la vallée de la Dordogne</h2>

<p>Il y a des journées qui ne demandent aucun programme — elles se déroulent tout simplement à la perfection. Aujourd’hui, dans la vallée de la Dordogne, c’était exactement cela : <strong>pas un nuage à l’horizon</strong>, un soleil radieux illuminant les collines verdoyantes, et des paysages plus beaux que jamais.</p>

<p>Depuis le jardin des <strong>Parmeries</strong>, la vue s’étend à perte de vue sur la vallée — des villages baignés de lumière, des oiseaux planant dans le calme du ciel, et le doux miroitement de la rivière Dordogne qui serpente au loin.</p>

<p>Ce qui rend cette région si particulière, c’est la <strong>liberté de vivre à son rythme</strong>. Explorer un château médiéval, se baigner dans une crique sauvage, flâner dans un marché local...</p>

<p>Ou — et c’est peut-être le meilleur choix — <strong>ne rien faire du tout</strong>. Juste s’asseoir, respirer profondément et tout simplement profiter de l’instant.</p>

<blockquote><em>Parfois, ne rien faire, c’est tout faire.</em></blockquote>