To the Dordogne

From the Loire Valley it was on to the Dordogne but with a stop at the Cite royale of Loches on the way.  It is built on a rocky spur and surrounded by a 2km long wall.  It has two major constructions at either end (the donjon or keep and the royal lodge) which stand out for different phases of construction over a 500 year period.  The monumental keep was the first, built between 1013 and 1035.  While it was a place of residence, it also acted as a prison for political prisoners over the years.  Henry II of England later added many of the additional fortifications.  The Royal Lodge was added in the 14th century and was a favorite of Charles VII who met Joan of Arc there in 1429.  The Keep, Lodge and Church are the only things you can tour as the rest of the Cite royale is still occupied with several impressive mansions.  No doubt, the place to live in Loches.

Our journey south took us to the picturesque village of Sarlat-La-Caneda in the Dordogne where we’ll be for two weeks soaking up the atmosphere.  This is one of our favorite area of France, both for the scenery and history.  More of that in later posts, but I have to highlight our accommodation here as we consider it one of our best ‘finds’!  Maison d’Elise is a farmhouse built in 1694 and still in the same family!  It’s not your typical French farmhouse as they did very well growing tobacco among other crops.  It’s been added onto over the years and the current owner ‘restored’ the lower level a few years ago in order to rent it out.  Filled with family heirlooms, it’s filled with character and charm that we just love and the owner, Annie, is the most welcoming and considerate hostess possible.  We feel right at home and had to come back for a longer stay after discovering it last year.