Villefranche-du-Perigord
The Market Halle
The Market Halle
The Market Arcades
Music night under the arcades
Founded in 1261 in the Perigord Noir, Villefranche-du-Perigord is a picturesque medieval bastide set around a handsome arcaded market hall and retains many beautiful medieval buildings dating back to the 16th century.
Stroll the narrow streets and arcades, enjoy panoramic views over the Lémance valley, and use the village as a convenient base to explore nearby Sarlat, Domme and the Dordogne's river châteaux.
The village's relaxed atmosphere, summer music nights under the arcades and excellent regional restaurants make it an ideal stop for food, history and outdoor activities.
Villefranche-du-Perigord is a charming medieval bastide village full of history and character located in the breathtaking valley of the Lémance between the stunning Dordogne and Lot rivers and is the oldest bastide village in the Dordogne.
A village rich in wonders and friendliness, especially on market day (Saturday mornings) where you can soak up the ambience and vibrant colours of French life while sampling local specialties — foie gras, walnuts, cèpes and truffles — and to meet producers from the surrounding countryside.
Villefranche-du-Perigord is only 40 mins drive from the stunning towns of
Sarlat and
Domme overlooking the river Dordogne. Both the Lot and Dordogne valleys offer stunning medieval riverside towns to enjoy, overhanging both beautiful rivers.
There are numerous historic and geographical sites to explore that must be visited and are easily accessible from Coustalou such as;
- Must-see sites: Lascaux caves at Montignac and Padirac for prehistoric caves; Sarlat, Domme, La Roque Gageac and Beynac for medieval architecture; Rocamadour and the gardens of Limeuil for spectacular views.
- Outdoor activities: Canoeing or river cruises on the Dordogne, hiking and cycling routes through bastides, and seasonal markets offering local produce.
- Historic sites: Don’t miss the Lascaux Caves at Montignac, Chateau de Castelnau, and the cliffside village of Rocamadour. Many sites require advance booking.
- Bastide towns: Explore nearby bastide towns such as Monpazier, Belves in the Dordogne, Monflanquin and Villeneuve-sur-Lot in the Lot Valley.
Chateaux and Bastides
With over 1,000 castles and fortified villages and towns in the Dordogne region, there is no shortage of stunning chateaux and bastides to visit. Here are just a few of the must-see locations within easy driving distance from Coustalou:
Chateau de CastelnauOne of the most iconic, well-preserved castles in the region
RocamadourA UNESCO World Heritage site on a cliff-side setting.
Limeuil Hanging GardensClassified as one of the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”
Roque GageacAdmire picturesque houses and stunning views
MonflanquinA bastide in the Lot-et-Garonne dating back to 1256
Saint-EmilionWorld-famous wineries, architecture and monuments
MonpazierAn example of a fortified medieval village from 1284
Sarlat la CanedaA 15th century Renaissance styled fortified town
Local Markets
The Dordogne region is famous for its vibrant local markets, where you can find fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local delicacies.
Don't miss the chance to taste local delicacies and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the markets
Here are some of the best markets to visit Coustalou:
- Bergerac Market - On Fridays, Bergerac hosts a lively market with a mix of fresh produce, clothing, and antiques.
- Domme Market - Held on Sundays, Domme's market is a great place to find local specialties and enjoy the stunning views from this 150m high hilltop bastide.
- Monpazier Market - Held on Wednesdays, this market is one of the largest in the region, featuring a wide variety of goods from fresh fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts.
- Saint-Cyprien Market - Taking place on Sundays, this market offers a wide range of products, from fresh fruits and vegetables to clothing and household items.
- Sarlat Market - Taking place on Wednesdays and Saturdays, Sarlat's market is renowned for its gourmet food stalls, including foie gras, truffles, and local wines.
- Villefranche-du-Perigord Market - Every Saturday morning (08:30-12:30), the heart of Villefranche-du-Perigord comes alive with a bustling market offering local produce, crafts, and more.
For up-to-date local market days, check the town tourism offices or village noticeboards on arrival.
Various goods
Under the Market Halle
Bags
Market Halle interior
Cheeses
Music event venue
Cheeses
Music nights festival
Tourist Information:
Discover the rich history and culture of the Dordogne region. Visit local museums, participate in guided tours, and explore the stunning landscapes.The Dordogne (Périgord) is rich in prehistoric sites, medieval towns and rolling countryside — ideal for history, food and outdoor activities. Key tips for visitors:
- Local food & wine: Taste foie gras, walnuts, cèpe mushrooms and truffles at markets and local restaurants. Many small domaines offer tastings — bookings are recommended in high season.
- Practical info: The main tourist offices provide maps, event calendars and guided tours — useful links below. Peak season is July–August; late spring and early autumn offer milder weather and fewer crowds.
- Getting around: Renting a car gives the most flexibility; regional trains and buses serve major towns but schedules are limited in rural areas.
Helpful official resources: Dordogne Valley Tourism, Sarlat Tourism Office.
Emergency numbers:
- 15 - SAMU. The French Emergency Medical Assistance Service.
- 17 - Emergency Police number.
- 18 - Fire Brigade.
- 114 - French Emergency number for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.
- 112 - Unique European Emergency number (Operators can speak English - For Police, Ambulance or Fire emergency)