We decided to take a break from our fast-paced schedule and bask in the tranquility of the Dordogne countryside; today we were in the quaint medieval village of Beynac-et-Carneac. This town has been designated as one of “la plus belle” (most beautiful) in France. It is a 4-day holiday weekend for the French, and the highways and resort towns are booming. Lots of tourists on motorcycles, car (Porsche) clubs and families fill the roads, les restaurants and les auberges.
For the next 3 nights, we stayed in a charming B&B, Balcon en Foret, a 500-year-old farmhouse run by an amiable, earthy couple. Sandra and Baudouin have incredibly good taste and a passion for antiquity as you will see in the following pictures.
They are in the process of renovating the buildings, but have been careful to stay faithful to the property’s origins.
The yards are museums of old farm technology.
Our 2 story accommodation was so charming that we decided not to leave the first day. As a thunderstorm was passing, we put on a fire in the old stove, listened to jazz, drank some of the local wine, caught up on our blog, and then woke up the next morning to a chorus of birds. LE BONHEUR!
Our bed
A den with a refrigerator and cooler full of wine
Our upstairs bath
Old world charm with the convenience of modern technology. We were so glad they had wi-fi (8mbps no less).
The bathroom’s painted wood floor
Jill immediately spotted the ceramics.
Out patio
The view from the patio
Pete and Baudouin talking TECH.
Sandra, making us French toast
Anticipating a homemade breakfast, Jill looks excited.
Sandra makes her own yogurt, topped with granola.
Voilà, real French toast on a slate plate
A trail that goes from the farmhouse into the village
The Beynac Chateau overlooks the village.
Village streets
It is much warmer here; in fact, it’s shorts weather. We dined at this spot in the evening.
La Petite Tonnelle is a popular restaurant in town. The elderly owner, who did not speak English, but could say, “Wazzup!” LOL. We did not have reservations this evening, so we showed up early–7:45–and we were seated. The restaurant was packed by 8:30.
Velouté d’asperges (cream of asparagus soup). This region is known for its foie gras (duck & goose) and asparagus.
This was Pete’s appetizer–salmon.
Lamb & lentils
Veal in a tasty sauce
We walked up to Chateau Beynac. It is well preserved.
The Dordogne River viewed from the chateau ramparts
View from the backyard of the chateau
Our B & B has a matching fireplace radiator to this one in the chateau
Pete, looking like the master of the castle
Well-preserved medieval tapistry
Some rooms have been furnished.
We have coatracks in our dining areas; they had sword racks.
Infinite steps on the spiral staircase . . .
. . . provide a good workout
A room with a great view
Chateau chapel overlooking the river
This campground, viewed from the chateau, has a cool pool for tourists with tents or campers.
We will be continuing to describe our visit to this beautiful area over the next two posts.
À tout à l’heure
P&J
3 Comments
Beautiful setting. This looks larger than Belcastel, but is even more imposing. Boy – what a place to attend a Halloween Party! Pete – armor would be optional! Are you going to bring back any recipes? Glad you took an extra day to recharge the batteries (now you won’t get sick). Thanks again for sharing, and keep the posts coming!
What a charming place to stay, and what a treat: someone to cook breakfast for you.
The portions seem reasonable, and with all your walking, you probably won’t gain a pound.
The Dordogne River view is just magnifique.
Spiral steps like the ones shown in your photo wiped our my legs for 2 days in Jericho, Israel. Hope you’re having better luck than I did.
This is the loveliest town so far, but I’m sure others will be shown soon.
Keep sending the posts and making us all terribly jealous.
Hugs,
Flea
I am SOOO jealous! Wish we could be there. What a lovely place! Cheers and Hugs/Dana