This stone village house is located in the heart of one of the “most beautiful villages of France”, La Roque-Gageac, named for the cliffs against which it is nestled.  Situated on the banks of the Dordogne river, La Roque-Gageac is an enchanting town, beautiful and full of ancient history.  This three-bedroom house has been lovingly restored and adapted in the past year to suit modern conveniences while retaining the exceptional details of its ancient past. 

The House

Built directly into the cliff face that forms the dramatic backdrop of the village, the rear walls of all three stories of the house bear remnants of the Troglodytic caves of which it forms a part.  Details such as exposed wood beams and thick walls of stone with built-in shelf nooks add to the authentic charm of the house.  

On the main floor you will find the kitchen, decorated with colorful tiles and equipped to suit those who love to cook and entertain; appliances include an electric oven, gas stove, full-size refrigerator/freezer, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine and good knife set.  In the adjacent dining room there is room to seat eight, a wood-burning stove, a seating area for reading or relaxing, and for added enjoyment, an I-Pod docking stereo and MP3 CD radio.  One may also choose to dine on the sunny garden patio outdoors, which has a table, chairs and barbecue. 
The staircase to the first floors winds through the rock at the back of the house to a livingroom with a huge ancient fireplace that has been outfitted with a clean new woodburning stove, large sofa and armchair for cozy lounging.  This year the owner installed a satellite television with widescreen LCD TV, multi-zone DVD player and a desk with wireless internet setup.  A hallway from the living room leads to two bedrooms, one with a king-sized bed and one with two twins.  This floor also has a spacious family-style bathroom with tiled bath, shower and toilet.  Up one more flight of stairs is another double bedroom with a king-sized bed and stunning views across the river valley.  There is a second bathroom on this floor. 

The Region

If you can manage to take a break from your lovely vacation home, you will find yourself in the midst of one of the most naturally beautiful and historically rich parts of France.  La Roque-Gageac’s geographical placement, tucked between a cliff and an alcove in the river, provides it with an unusually warm climate as well as a strategic position of shelter.  From the Neolithic era when the caves were inhabited, to the Hundred Years War, during which people staked out refuge in the Troglodytic forts, archeological evidence of a long and complex past abounds in the village and surrounding towns. 

From La Roque-Gageac, one may embark on a picturesque tour down the serpentine Dordogne river, by canoe or by Gabarre, a traditional flat-bottomed boat, to view several of the most spectacular perched castles in the valley, such as Beynac and Castelnaud, both lovely villages worth exploring in their own right.  Just a few miles to the north is the charming town of Sarlat-la-Caneda, known for its beautifully preserved medieval facades and sprawling Saturday market featuring regional delicacies such as foie gras, confit de canard, black truffles and walnuts.  The tiny walled city of Domme also makes for an excellent afternoon trip, whether to stroll through its quiet medieval ramparts or to gaze out onto the breathtaking views of the Dordogne Valley. 

The earliest evidence of pre-historic art has been discovered at nearby Les Eyzies-de-Tayac; at the Grotte du Font de Gaume one may view original cave paintings and etchings dated at seventeen thousand years old.  The cave paintings at Lascaux have been beautifully reproduced at a site called Lascaux II, and are also well worth seeing.  To the east, one can explore more geologically interesting caves, such as the Gouffre de Padirac, with its spectacular stalactite formations and caverns that dwarf the tallest cathedrals. 

Other spectacles within a close drive of the house include the hanging gardens of Marqueyssac, whose impressive topiary maze is perched high a hill, allowing for yet another set of spectacular views of the castle-strewn valley, and the vast ruins of the Chateau de Commarque. 

Whatever compels you to come to this part of France, be it relaxing with your family, historical research, love of the outdoors, an interest in architecture or a taste of some of the best cuisine in France, no one will be disappointed by the unique beauty, exquisite food and fascinating past of the Dordogne region.