Discover Carlux and the Dordogne Valley
Les Parmeries is situated in Carlux, a small and characterful village in the Périgord Noir, between Sarlat and Souillac. Surrounded by rolling countryside, woodland and the Dordogne River, Carlux is an ideal base for discovering some of the most beautiful places in the Dordogne.
Staying at Les Parmeries gives you the best of both worlds: the peace and space of a countryside retreat, while Sarlat and many of the Dordogne's famous villages and attractions are only a short drive away.
From medieval towns and impressive châteaux to river beaches, canoeing, local markets and spectacular caves, there is plenty to explore — or you can simply enjoy the views and slow down at Les Parmeries.
Carlux & the Dordogne Valley - Discover the Dordogne from Les Parmeries
Les Parmeries is set in the peaceful village of Carlux, in the heart of the Périgord Noir, overlooking the beautiful Dordogne Valley. Surrounded by countryside and oak woodland, our 14-acre estate offers a tranquil base for discovering the best of the Dordogne. From medieval towns and hilltop villages to castles, caves, local markets and canoeing on the Dordogne River, there is something to discover in every direction. And when you have finished exploring, you can return to Les Parmeries, cool off in the heated swimming pool, enjoy the views and simply slow down.
Carlux – A Peaceful Dordogne Village Carlux is a small, traditional Dordogne village with a wonderful sense of history and character. Its position between Sarlat-la-Canéda and Souillac makes it an ideal base for exploring the Périgord Noir. The village is home to the impressive Château de Carlux, with its historic ruins rising above the surrounding countryside. From the village and nearby countryside, walking routes lead through woodland, fields and the beautiful Dordogne landscape. Carlux also has the advantage of being away from the busiest tourist centres while remaining close to many of the Dordogne's most famous attractions. At Les Parmeries, you can enjoy the peace of the countryside while still being within easy reach of restaurants, shops, markets and the major attractions of the region.
Sarlat-la-Canéda – Around 15 Minutes Away. One of the great pleasures of staying at Les Parmeries is being close to Sarlat-la-Canéda without having to stay in the busy centre. Sarlat is famous for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, golden stone buildings, narrow lanes and atmospheric squares. Spend a morning wandering through the historic streets, browse the local market, stop for lunch or return in the evening when the town takes on a completely different atmosphere. The famous Sarlat markets are a wonderful opportunity to discover the flavours of the Périgord, including local cheeses, walnuts, foie gras, fresh produce and regional specialities. Whether you visit for a few hours or spend the whole day exploring, Sarlat is an essential part of any Dordogne holiday.
Souillac – Around 12 Minutes Away. Just a short drive from Les Parmeries, Souillac sits on the Dordogne River and provides a useful combination of history, shops, restaurants and local markets. The town is known for its Romanesque abbey church and historic centre, while its location makes it a convenient starting point for exploring both the Dordogne and neighbouring Lot. Souillac is also useful for everyday shopping during your stay, with supermarkets and local shops close by. The Dordogne River.
The Dordogne River is one of the defining features of the region and provides endless opportunities for exploring the valley. One of the best ways to experience it is by canoe. Paddle beneath limestone cliffs, pass medieval castles and beautiful riverside villages and stop along the river for a swim or picnic. Popular canoeing areas include Vitrac, La Roque-Gageac, Beynac and Castelnaud. For a slower day, simply find a riverside beach, enjoy a picnic and watch the canoes drift downstream.
La Roque-Gageac. Built between the Dordogne River and dramatic limestone cliffs, La Roque-Gageac is one of the most spectacular villages in the Dordogne. Explore the narrow streets, enjoy lunch beside the river or take a traditional boat trip along the Dordogne. It is also one of the best starting points for a canoeing day on the river.
Domme – A Hilltop Village with Spectacular ViewsPerched high above the Dordogne Valley, Domme is one of the most beautiful bastide towns in the Périgord Noir. The village is surrounded by historic walls and offers spectacular panoramic views across the Dordogne Valley. Wander through the stone streets, explore the old gateways and enjoy a coffee or lunch while taking in the views. Domme is particularly beautiful in the late afternoon when the light begins to soften across the valley.Beynac-et-Cazenac & Château de Beynac.
Rising dramatically above the Dordogne River, Château de Beynac is one of the most impressive medieval castles in the region.The village of Beynac-et-Cazenac sits beneath the château, with traditional stone houses leading down towards the river. A visit can easily be combined with canoeing, a river cruise or a trip to nearby La Roque-Gageac and Castelnaud.Castelnaud-la-ChapelleAcross the valley from Beynac stands Château de Castelnaud, another spectacular medieval fortress. The château houses a collection devoted to medieval warfare and offers wonderful views across the Dordogne Valley.Its location makes it easy to combine with Beynac, La Roque-Gageac and Marqueyssac for a full day exploring the valley.
Château de Fénelon. Closer to Les Parmeries, Château de Fénelon is a magnificent fortified château surrounded by woodland and countryside. Its impressive towers, defensive walls and beautifully preserved interiors provide an insight into the history of the Périgord. It is a particularly good choice for visitors looking for somewhere a little quieter than some of the Dordogne's more famous attractions.
The Gardens of Marqueyssac. For some of the finest views in the Dordogne, visit the Gardens of Marqueyssac. Set high above the Dordogne Valley, the gardens are famous for their beautifully clipped boxwood, shaded paths and spectacular viewpoints. Combine Marqueyssac with Beynac and La Roque-Gageac for a memorable day in the heart of the Dordogne Valley.
The Dordogne's Famous Caves. The landscape around the Périgord Noir and neighbouring Lot is rich in caves and prehistoric sites. From the prehistoric art of Lascaux to the spectacular underground chambers of Gouffre de Padirac and the prehistoric paintings of Pech Merle, there are fascinating places to explore beneath the landscape. Other caves and grottos, including Grottes de Cougnac, offer another perspective on the extraordinary geological and prehistoric history of this part of France.
Dordogne Markets. Markets are an essential part of life in the Dordogne. Sarlat, Souillac, Domme, Carsac and surrounding villages all host regular markets where you can discover local produce and regional specialities. Look out for Périgord walnuts local cheeses fresh fruit and vegetables foie gras duck and regional specialities bread and pastries local wines preserves and artisan products.
During the summer, marchés gourmands and evening food markets are a wonderful way to experience the local food and atmosphere. Pick up some local produce and enjoy a relaxed meal back at your gîte at Les Parmeries.
Walking & Cycling in the Dordogne. The countryside surrounding Carlux is ideal for exploring at a slower pace. Walk through oak woodland, follow quiet country lanes and discover small villages and viewpoints across the valley. Cyclists can enjoy the network of quiet roads and dedicated routes around the Dordogne Valley, with opportunities for both leisurely rides and more challenging routes.
For cycling enthusiasts, the Dordogne Valley and the route between Carlux and Sarlat provide particularly attractive ways to explore the area. After a day walking or cycling, return to Les Parmeries for a swim and some well-earned relaxation. Food, Wine & the Périgord Noir. A holiday in the Dordogne is as much about food as it is about scenery. The Périgord Noir is famous for its rich culinary traditions, including walnuts, truffles, duck, foie gras, cheeses and local wines. Explore a village market in the morning, enjoy lunch in a traditional restaurant and return to Les Parmeries in the evening to watch the sun go down over the valley.
For food lovers, the Dordogne offers an almost endless choice of restaurants, markets, producers and local specialities to discover. Why Stay in Carlux?Choosing where to stay can make a big difference to your Dordogne holiday. Staying in Carlux gives you easy access to some of the region's most famous destinations while allowing you to escape the crowds at the end of the day. At Les Parmeries, you can enjoy: A peaceful 14-acre estate. Panoramic views across the Dordogne Valley. Three characterful holiday gîtes. A heated swimming pool. Easy access to Sarlat and SouillacClose proximity to the Dordogne RiverBeautiful villages and castles nearbyExcellent walking and cycling opportunitiesLocal markets and restaurants within easy reach. The tranquillity of the countrysideIt is the perfect combination of location and escape.
A Day in the Dordogne from Les ParmeriesOne of the joys of staying here is that you can make every day different.. Start with breakfast on your terrace before heading into Sarlat for the morning market. Continue to La Roque-Gageac for lunch beside the river, then spend the afternoon canoeing beneath the cliffs. On another day, explore Domme and Beynac, visit one of the great Dordogne castles and finish with dinner in a village restaurant. Or perhaps do very little at all. Spend the morning by the pool, read a book beneath the trees and enjoy the views across the valley. At Les Parmeries, doing nothing is also part of the holiday.
Stay at Les Parmeries. With its peaceful setting, spacious grounds and convenient location, Les Parmeries is an ideal base for discovering Carlux, Sarlat, the Dordogne Valley and the Périgord Noir. Choose from our three characterful gîtes, relax beside the heated swimming pool and explore some of the most beautiful countryside and villages in southwest France. Whether you come for the food, history, cycling, canoeing, markets, castles or simply the chance to slow down, the Dordogne is waiting to be discovered. Explore our gîtes and start planning your Dordogne escape.
Explore the atmospheric medieval streets of Sarlat, one of the Dordogne's most famous towns. Wander through its narrow lanes, discover its restaurants and cafés and experience the wonderful weekly markets. Sarlat is particularly beautiful in the early evening when the crowds begin to disappear and the historic streets take on a magical atmosphere.
Just a short drive from Les Parmeries, Souillac is a lively Dordogne town with a traditional market, restaurants, shops and historic buildings. It is also a convenient place for everyday shopping during your stay.
The Dordogne River is at the heart of life in this part of southwest France. Spend a day canoeing beneath the cliffs, stop at a riverside village for lunch or find a quiet place beside the water and enjoy the scenery.
From Domme and La Roque-Gageac to Beynac-et-Cazenac and Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, the Dordogne is filled with beautiful villages and historic towns. Many are within easy reach of Les Parmeries, making it easy to explore a different part of the valley each day.