Maison de Camille belongs to the commune of Pinsac, between Rocamadour and Sarlat, in the famous Dordogne River Valley.   The Dordogne Valley is in Southwestern France, about 4.5 hours south of Paris and 1.5 hours north of Toulouse on a direct train route (Souillac).                                                                       country lane Souillac is the main and lively market town nearby (8km to the west), with regular Friday outdoor market, a Romanesque Abbey, annual jazz festival, ample services and shops, restaurants, cafes, the Louis Roque distillerie, a medieval quarter and a movie theater.      The fabulous town of Martel (City of Seven Towers) is about 10km away to the northeast, and Gourdon is about 20 minutes southwest.   For those in need of larger cities, Brive with its old quarter and bustling Saturday shopping is 25 minutes away, via the autoroute.    5km from the house, at the foot of the hills is St. Sozy, where one can find an artisan boulanger, butcher, cafes and a Sunday market.

Although the house is convenient to all amenities and extremely central for the touristic sites, it is well situated in a peaceful hamlet, off the main roads down a quiet lane (perfect for cycling or walking).   There are several listed walks in the GR guidebooks.   A spectacular view over the Dordogne river valley is an easy 2km stroll away to the east;   to the west you can find a trail that leads to a view of the Chateau Belcastel and the grottos in the limestone cliffs at Lacave.

To top off your finds from the local markets, delicious milk can be obtained "fresh from the cow" from a neighbor at roughly 50 centimes a liter.   Asparagus season is May to early June;  the local producers offer several delicious varieties.   The adventuresome might also find wild cepes and girolles (chanterelles) in the local woods.   Fresh butter (similar to buying cheese off of a wheel) is available at the fromagerie at the Souillac Friday market, and foie gras is available daily just down the road at the local producer. 

Chateau de la Treyne, Pinsac               Lamb at La Terrasse in Meyronne             The terrasse at Pont de l'Ouysse

   Fine gourmet dining:    3 very fine ($$$) restaurants within 5-10 km:

• Chateau de la Treyne (14th cent. chateau) in Pinsac - 5km
• Pont de l'Ouysse (below Chateau Belcastel) in Lacave - 10km
• La Terrasse (12th cent. chateau hotel) in Meyronne - 5km   

For the more modest budget there are ample choices in St. Sozy (5km), Cales (8km), Souillac (8km) and beyond, ranging from pizzerias, Moroccan cuisine, and the local specialties of Quercy Perigourdine cuisine.

Canoeing and kayaking are at St Sozy and Souillac, and you can go past the limestone cliffs from Gluges to Chateau Belcastel or Pinsac, or from Carlux or Grolejac, further downstream as far as Chateau Beynac in the Valley of the 5 Chateaux. 

Swiming is at the river at Meyronne and pools in Souillac. 

Paragliding and cave diving are other options apart from the numerous tourist attractions.

Golf is at Souillac Country Club, St Cere/Montal, and Vitrac.