La Pierre Plantée

Local Area

There is a new restaurant in Baladou called "Madam" only 2.5km away, great for food and beers, run by a friendly couple, who speak English. The local town of Martel 7km, is a market town where there are many good restaurants and bars centered around the covered market area which is pedestrianised. There are parking areas on the outskirts of the town. There is an Intermarche supermarket on the D803 west of Martel. Saturday and Wednesday markets of local produce are held in the covered market area. A pretty town, well worth a visit.

Our other local town of Souillac 8km, is a larger town with more retail outlets, and a historical Abbey dating back to the 12th century. Also, many restaurants centered around the Abbey area, and a large parking area central to the town. On Friday mornings there is a market of local produce centered around the covered market area near the Abbey.

Day Tours in the Dordogne Valley

We are situated in the Lot department of the Mid-Pyrenees region, we also have the advantage of being on the borders of the Dordogne in the Aquitaine region and the Corrèze in the Limousin region, which means the many attractions of all 3 regions are easily accessible.

Lot

To our south is the famous 900-year-old pilgrim town of Rocamadour which is full of history and interesting architecture,
with spectacular views along the valley. Brilliant ride out via Martel and Montvalone and returning
via Belcastel taking in the panoramic views then onto Souillac. 55km in total approx.
To our southeast is the cascade at Autoire, with the ancient "Les Chateau de Anglais" overlooking the valley, both are good walks with stunning views. Another good day's ride out,via Miers, Padirac then Autoire, and returning via Loubressac with its panoramic vista. 80km in total approx.

Corrèze

A few kilometers to the north is the Corrèze department. Here is the ancient viscounty capital of Turenne, a very important and powerful place long ago, it has spectacular views and colorful gardens. From there on to the village of Collanges-la-Rouge, with its quiet traffic-free lanes and unusual red stone buildings which is very photogenic. A good day's round trip via Les Quatre Route, and returning via Meyssac. 60km in total approx.
Going east is a good day trip to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, which is a gathering place for day tour bikers. The town is by the Dordogne River and is very picturesque. Going via Saint Denis de Martel along the river, very nice views and a pretty village, then onto Carrenac which is famous for its cloisters and worth a stop. From there via Bretenoux onto Beaulieu. The return trip goes north through nice countryside back via Meyssac and St Denis. 115km total approx.

Dordogne

Equally a few kilometres to the west lays the Dordogne department. This area is well know for stepping even further back in history with its troglodyte dwellings. A pleasant tour going west via Souillac through the valley to Salignac-Eyvigues and on to Sarlat, where a grand market is held every Saturday morning. From there return via Vezac taking in some exquisite scenery along the Dordogne River via Vitrac and Carsac-Aillac. 90km in total approx.
Alternative tour from Souillac via Carlux, Sarlat and then north towards the many grotte and cave dwelling attractions along an attractive route retuning back along the Dordogne River and crossing over to Domme and Le Roc.

Local Area Video