BEAULIEU-SUR-DORDOGNE
Just a couple of minutes away in the car, or 20 minutes on foot, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is a medieval town on the banks of the river. Here you can meander around the ancient town, sit and watch the world go by in one of the cafés, take a river cruise on the gabare, or simply sit and relax by the river (and go for a swim if the mood takes you).
COLLONGES-LA-ROUGE
A 25 minute car ride away and you arrive in the beautiful medieval village of Collonges-la-Rouge. Famous for its red sandstone buildings, the village is designated as one of the most beautiful in France and is certainly worth a visit. There are a selection of shops to browse, stunning architecture, and plenty of places to eat and drink.
TURENNE
Another of the most beautiful villages in France, Turenne is a mere 40 minute journey from La Chabanaise. With its unique hill-top position, you are guaranteed panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and a visit to the castle is certainly recommended.
CUREMONTE
Just 20 minutes in the car, and you are spoilt with another of the most beautiful villages in France. Curemonte is perched on a hilltop with stunning views across the valleys, and is home to no fewer than three chateaux.
ARGENTAT
A picturesque 30 minute drive by the banks of the Dordogne river and you arrive in the riverside town of Argentat. It is a perfect place to spend some time relaxing on the restaurant and café terraces by the river, taking in the beautiful surroundings.
AUBAZINE
Heading north from Beaulieu, a trip to Aubazine, just 35 minutes away, is certainly worthwhile. Perched on a hilltop with stunning views, it is home to a large 12th century Cistercian abbey. It is also a great base to explore the Canal des Moines which was built by monks to supply the monastery with water. It runs for a distance of 1.5km and has some spectacular vantage points.
CARENNAC
Just 20 minutes drive over the border into the Lot department, Carennac is classed as one of the most beautiful villages in France. Sitting on the banks of the Dordogne river, it is a delightful place to visit with rich architecture and history - an 11th century priory, a romanesque church and Renaissance buildings are just some of the things to see.
LOUBRESSAC
Another beautiful village, about 25 minutes drive, just over the border into the Lot department. Loubressac is perched on a hilltop with enchanting views all around, including that of Castelnau castle in Bretenoux. The village is prized for its floral displays and its church dating from the 12th to 16th centuries.
AUTOIRE
Another 25 minute drive from Beaulieu takes you to Autoire, another village well worth a visit. The dramatic cliffs of the edge of the Causse form the backdrop for this village, with its beautiful 16 and 17th century houses built in the local honey-coloured stone. For the energetic, a nearby winding footpath takes you up above a 30m waterfall with panoramic views of the village and the surrounding countryside.