PERIGORD VERT, LA COQUILLE, DORDOGNE, FRANCE - IN THE HEART OF PERIGORD VERT
The routes that the Roman Legions took when transversing through France to their domains have little changed over the centuries, particularly when travelling north to south. LA COQUILLE is situated on the main Route Nationale 21 (RN21), which was long ago established as an arterial highway and is still on the pilgrimage route to St Jacques de Compostelle. Through Medieval times it was a small hamlet, but when the railway arrived the town's population grew. Today the population is 1515 and growing. The SNCF railway still has a station with connections to any city in Europe.
The town acts as a centre for services and amenities for all the small hamlets and villages surrounding it and our village of St Priest Les Fougeres is conveniently located just 2.5kms away, making it very convenient for our guests. The bank, Credit Agricole, has a branch in the town, with a cash machine. There are two supermarkets, two pharmacists, a post office, bakeries, a newsagent where you can get an English newspaper, several bars/cafes, a pizzeria and an excellent restaurant, Les Voyageurs, hair dressers, a clothes shop and a beautician, as well as an antique shop for the avid browser/collector. Also internet facilities are available. There are several doctors and a dentist. Thursday is market day, where you can buy fresh vegetables, fish and locally produced cheese, poultry and a wonderful selection of seasonal fruits. Situated in the heart of Perigord Vert this is very much a farming community and the people are friendly with always a smile and an outstretched hand of greeting.
In July the town prides itself on hosting a bread festival to which everyone is welcome and where one can watch all the traditional ways of baking and savour the delights. On August 14th there are always celebrations for the holiday of Assumption with live music and a dance and a firework display. Through the year there are regular vide greniers (bric-a-brac/antique stalls) in the main square and in December, a Christmas market. Throughout the year there are a number of dinner dances to which everyone is invited.
Being in the centre of a natural park (the Parc Naturel Regional Perigord-Limousin) there are some 270kms of well sign-posted walking routes, cycle tracks and bridal paths. This is Aquitaine – the land of water – so named by the Romans for its abundance of beautiful lakes, rivers and streams. Over the years many lakes have been developed by communities to serve the local populace and visitors with recreational facilities. If one is fortunate enough to own one privately then it provides a wonderful opportunity to offer guests the use of this unique, natural resource, and the opportunity to swim, fish and sail.
The area has a wealth of caves, chateaux, historic remains, beautiful villages and historic towns. LA COQUILLE is conveniently located mid way between Limoges – famous for its porcelain, and Perigueux – the capital of the Dordogne with its roman remains, medieval streets and landmark cathedral. A journey of 50 kms to either town in opposite directions. Just a 5 minute drive from LA COQUILLE our guests are ensured of a quick and easy access to a main road for a day’s sight-seeing. Brantome, known as the Venice of the Dordogne, is just 40 minutes away and en route take in St Jean de Cole, designated as one of the beautiful villages of France, where they hold a flower festival the first week of May every year. The caves at Villar, in the same vicinity, are well worthy of a visit as is the Chateau Puyguilhem. The famous Lascaux caves at Montignac are just 40 minutes away and a ‘must’ is a visit to the impressive Chateau of Hautefort.
To speak of this beautiful area with its undulating countryside, dotted with small farms, with Limousin cows, and not to mention food would be sacrilege. Perigord is food; famous for poultry and game, particularly duck with all its by-products, walnuts, apple orchards, fruit trees and truffles. To compliment the wonderful food combine with a visit to the wine growing region of Pomerol and St Emilion. This is a lovely area in which to have a memorable holiday; good communication for sight-seeing, plenty of interesting places to visit and a variety of recreational facilities plus delicious food and fine wines.
Written by Mrs. Gaynor Gunn - Owner of Property 5198 in La Coquille, France
