Location, Surroundings & Activities
Maison Bellevue is set in a peaceful rural location, just 3.5 km from the friendly village of Saint-Saud-Lacoussière, making it easy to enjoy both countryside tranquillity and village life.
Saint-Saud is a lovely, welcoming village where you’ll find:
- A baker’s for fresh bread and pastries
- A village shop for everyday essentials
- A lively and friendly bar and restaurant, L’Odyssey, well worth a visit
- Another restaurant in the village offering additional dining options
Just beyond the village lies Le Grand Étang, a popular local lake where you can relax, sunbathe, and swim. There is also a restaurant and bar overlooking the lake, perfect for enjoying an alfresco meal with beautiful views.
Nearby Towns & Villages
Saint-Pardoux-la-Rivière (short drive)
A charming small town and very convenient for day-to-day needs, Saint-Pardoux offers:
- A supermarket with extended opening hours
- Excellent patisseries
- A post office
- Several restaurants, including the popular Italian La Italienne
- A friendly, relaxed atmosphere – you’ll often see motorhomes parked here, as it’s a well-used stop for travellers
It’s a lovely place to pop into without needing to drive further afield.
Nontron (approx. 20 minutes)
Nontron is the nearest larger town and a hub for shopping and services.
Here you’ll find:
- Supermarkets including Super U, Intermarché, and Lidl
- A range of independent shops and cafés
- A historic town centre with plenty of character
Nontron also hosts a weekly market on Saturdays, which is a great place to experience local produce and atmosphere.
Brantôme – “The Venice of the Dordogne” (well worth a visit)
Brantôme is one of the most beautiful towns in the Dordogne and a must-see during your stay. Built around the River Dronne, it’s famous for its waterways, historic abbey, and picturesque setting.
Highlights include:
- The Abbaye de Brantôme, carved into the rock
- Riverside walks and cafés
- Canoeing on the River Dronne, a very popular activity
- A lively Friday market, full of local produce and regional specialities
Brantôme is ideal for a full day out, combining sightseeing, food, and gentle activity in a stunning setting.
Local Markets
If you enjoy markets, you’re spoilt for choice:
- Nontron – Saturdays
- Thiviers – Saturdays
- Piégut-Pluviers – Wednesdays (a large, lively market and well worth the visit)
- Périgueux – Wednesdays and Saturdays
- Brantôme – Fridays
Each offers a slightly different feel, from small local stalls to larger regional markets.
During the season, you’ll find lively flea markets and traditional French vide greniers almost every day – perfect for browsing antiques, local treasures, and unique finds.
Activities Nearby
There’s plenty to do within easy reach of Maison Bellevue, including:
- Canoeing (Brantôme)
- Fishing at local lakes and rivers
- Go-karting
- Horse riding
- Golf courses
- Caves and underground sites, a classic Dordogne experience
- Vélorail, a fun and unusual way to explore the countryside
Back at the house, guests will find a collection of local leaflets and visitor information by the front door. These include attractions, activities, and places recommended by previous guests – you’re welcome to browse, take ideas, and add your own discoveries for others to enjoy.
A Perfect Base to Explore
Whether you’re looking for lively markets, gentle countryside walks, family activities, or relaxed meals by the water, Maison Bellevue is perfectly placed to explore this beautiful part of the Dordogne – while always returning to peace, space, and beautiful views at the end of the day.