Château de la Treyne
Upgraded luxury along the Dordogne River.
The Château de la Treyne was our favorite château of the 2019 trip as it was both grand and welcoming. As you enter, walk through the cozy bar and past the comfortable room with a large fireplace to check in. We were ensconced in front of the fire for drinks and “amuse bouches” before dinner. The wonderful dining room allowed us to relax and absorb the atmosphere for many hours both during dinner and breakfast. The high view and soundtrack of the Dordogne river in the rain, the formal gardens and paths through the estate all added to our deep appreciation for this place.
The chateau has been owned by the same family since 1982 and the Gomberts have more than maintained this medieval gem with modern comforts and stylish adaptations of the original era throughout. The husband and wife team have created the quintessential grandeur that the Relais et Châteaux organization strives to achieve. We would return to the Perigord region just for another few nights and many more meals here.
We had a one star Michelin dinner on both nights with an incredible cheese cart. The first night was the prix fixe menu and the second was a la cart, but just as impressive. The next morning we had a full breakfast with the dining room mostly to ourselves. This is the benefit of getting up a bit late and not rushing off. The rain showers on and off throughout the day only added to the atmosphere as we watched them roll in across the farmland from our high perch.
Because we subscribed to Andrew Harper Travel, we were guaranteed an upgrade to the next best room if it was available. Traveling in the middle of the fall, we found everything less crowded and were rewarded by an upgrade to the Junior Suite which usually costs around 1000 Euros per night.
Rocamadour
Climb the steep rock stairs for a view into the past.
Rising from the cliffs, this famous monastery and pilgrimage site spans back to the 12th century and has attracted kings, bishops and nobles. The steep steps throughout the town climb from the river Dordogne through many chapels, sanctuaries and to the famous Black Madonna.
Le Vieux Logis
An old priory with the clubby feel of your grandmother’s place if she was a one star Michelin chef. This was our last stop in the countryside of the Périgord before heading back to Paris. The booths in the dining room give an intimate feel to what was once a tobacco drying barn.
