We are forever telling the guests staying in our holiday rentals, that the "shoulder-seasons" are often our favourite time of year, we feel it's been our mantra since moving here!

It’s the season of mist over the valleys, crisp morning air, and the chance to truly experience authentic French life in the Perigord Noir.

No crowds, No rush, Just You!

The terrace is the best place to sit with a grand crème or chocolat-chaud, and watch the village awaken. 

If you’re lucky enough to be on holiday in Hautefort at this time of year - here is our personal routine for a slow, soulful morning— local pace guaranteed! 

1. A Misty Wake-up at Étang du Coucou

Étang du Coucou

Start your day slow..make yourself a cuppa and head back to bed for an extra hour!  Afterwards take yourself to the peaceful lake of Coucou, which is just a short stroll or drive from most of our holiday rentals and is the heart of our local landscape.

• A Natural Escape: Perfect for a gentle, flat walk around the water. Or if you have a little more time, there is a beautiful 5km route through the forest which is well worth it, but be prepared for muddy boots! 

• Pet-Friendly: One of our favourite spots for guests traveling with dogs, with plenty of scents to explore and wide-open views, safe and with good visibility. Feel a sense of community as you watch the locals gather for their morning walk. 

2. L’heure du Café  -  'La Cabane'

After your walk, head into the village centre for the ultimate Sunday ritual: coffee at La Cabane! 

• Authentic Atmosphere: Even on a quiet Sunday morning in mid February, the terrace is the best place to sit with a grand crème or chocolat-chaud, and watch the village awaken. 

• Neighbourly Charm: It’s a wonderfully dog-friendly spot where the locals gather, giving you a front-row seat to the slow pace of life in one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. The welcome is always warm and friendly by your host Claire. 

3. The Sunday Essentials: Boulangerie, Épicerie & Brocantes

Sunday in a French village is all about the simple pleasures.

• Local Treats: Stop by the boulangerie for freshly baked pastries and breads. Pick up dinner at the épicerie which is full of regional delicacies like walnuts, foie gras and freshly prepared meals to take-away —perfect for a lazy lunch back at your gite.

• Brocante Treasures: One of our guests favourite past-times while on holiday, is to keep an eye out for local brocantes or vide-greniers. Hunting for vintage French linens or antique pottery is a classic Sunday pastime and the best way to find a unique souvenir of your Dordogne holiday. There's also a permanent brocante which is open six days per week so there's always the chance of a bargain.

4. Iconic Views of Château de Hautefort

As you finish your errands, don't forget to look up. The Château de Hautefort dominates our skyline, and in the soft off-season light, the golden stone glows against the sky. While it’s one of the top tourist attractions in the Dordogne, on a Sunday morning, it feels like it belongs just to the village. Be sure to keep an eye out for the resident goose!!

5. Retreat to Your Gite, Your Home-away-from-Home. 

The best part of choosing a self-catering rental in the South of France is the freedom to retreat. Head back to your Voilà Villas HQ with your sweet and savour treats to enjoy a long, slow afternoon whether that be on the terrace reading a book or in front of the wood burner. 

This is what a holiday in the Dordogne Valley is all about: no rush, no crowds, just pure joie de vivre.

If you would like us to help you plan your holiday in Dordogne or help you find the perfect holiday home, please let us know. We are only just a phone call, email or message away! 

Bon Dimanche

Joni et Ross