Where we are

Saint-Pompont — the quieter side of the Périgord Noir

Sol du Mazel sits in the commune of Saint-Pompont, a small Périgord village in the 24170 postcode. The village is a fifteen-minute walk from the property down an old footpath — enough distance to feel rural, close enough to collect croissants on foot.

The nearest town of any size is Domme, 8 km to the north — a cliff-top bastide with one of the best views in France, a Romanesque church, and a Tuesday market. Sarlat, the undisputed capital of the Périgord Noir, is 20 km away. The Dordogne river itself — and with it the canoe hire points and the great sweep of castles at Castelnaud, Beynac and La Roque-Gageac — is 15 minutes by car.

Dordogne river Sarlat Domme Castelnaud Beynac Sol du Mazel ✈ Bergerac (55km) Périgueux Brive Périgord Noir DORDOGNE · FRANCE

Days out

What to do from Sol du Mazel

Sarlat Saturday market — medieval square, stalls and summer crowds

Sarlat

The finest medieval town in France, most say. Its Saturday market fills the entire old town with foie gras, walnut wine, charcuterie and cheese. The Wednesday and Saturday markets run from May through October. The town is 20 km — twenty-five minutes by car.

Canoeing on the Dordogne river with castles in the distance

Canoeing the Dordogne

The classic Dordogne holiday activity. Hire canoes at La Roque-Gageac and paddle downstream past Castelnaud and Beynac — the medieval castles lining the cliffs above you as you pass. Drop-off service collects you downstream. Excellent for all ages from about six upwards.

Castelnaud medieval castle above the Dordogne river valley

The Castles

Castelnaud, Beynac, Les Milandes, Fénelon, Montfort. The Dordogne valley has more medieval castles per kilometre than almost anywhere in France. Castelnaud — a museum of medieval warfare — is the most child-friendly. Beynac gives the best views.

Font-de-Gaume cave — prehistoric paintings in the Périgord Noir

Prehistoric Caves

The Périgord Noir has more decorated prehistoric caves than anywhere on earth. Font-de-Gaume and Les Combarelles (both near Les Eyzies) still show original paintings — Font-de-Gaume is one of the last in the world where that is true. Lascaux IV, at Montignac, is the spectacular recreation. Book Font-de-Gaume well in advance — numbers are strictly limited.

Hot air balloon over the Dordogne valley at dawn

Balloon Flights

Montgolfières du Périgord run dawn and dusk flights over the Dordogne valley. The property itself lies on a flight path — two balloons landed in the Sol du Mazel grounds in 2024. Flights from Beynac and Domme; about £200 per person; worth every centime for the dawn views over the river.

Dordogne market produce — foie gras, walnuts and local cheeses

Markets

The Périgord Noir runs on its markets. Sarlat (Wed & Sat), Domme (Tuesday), Daglan (Sunday in season), Belvès (Saturday), Le Bugue (Tuesday). Each has a different character and produce. The Jardel foie gras family at Sarlat market have been there for decades — their stand is unmissable.

The village

Saint-Pompont — fifteen minutes on foot

The old footpath from the property leads down to the village boulangerie, a small Viva supermarket and one of the loveliest Romanesque churches in the Périgord.

Eating out

Where to eat near Sol du Mazel

Michelin starred

Le Grand Bleu, Sarlat

One Michelin star — the finest restaurant within striking distance. Modern French cooking of real ambition. Book well ahead in July and August. 20 km from Sol du Mazel.

Michelin Bib Gourmand 2025

Ô Moulin, Daglan

Outstanding value, Bib Gourmand-rated. In a converted mill at the edge of Daglan village, 15 minutes from Sol du Mazel. Relaxed, family-friendly, excellent Périgord cooking. One of the best meals in the area at a sensible price.

Michelin Bib Gourmand 2025

La Belle Étoile, La Roque-Gageac

A terrace directly above the Dordogne river, the cliffs of La Roque-Gageac rising above you. Traditional Périgord cooking, generous portions. Worth booking in summer — the riverside setting makes it one of the most memorable tables in the valley.

Local favourite

La Forge, Daglan

A reliable village restaurant in Daglan — set menu, local produce, relaxed atmosphere. Good for a family midweek dinner when you want good food without the fuss. Note: limited hours — typically evenings only. Worth calling ahead.

Restaurant information verified May 2026. We recommend calling ahead for current hours and seasonal opening, particularly outside July and August.

Ready to explore the Dordogne from Sol du Mazel?

Five bedrooms, exclusive use, heated pool. Available from Easter 2026.

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