Looking for somewhere in south-west France that works for a family holiday? The Périgord Pourpre ticks every box: medieval bastides, generous countryside, things to do for every age — and, above all, very little tiring driving.
Here is a practical guide to putting together a stay that is busy, cheerful and restful, all within 45 minutes of Villeréal and of our house, Les Terrasses, in Dévillac.
Choosing when to come
July and August are lively, with everything open and village fêtes throughout.
That said, June and September are often the months families prefer: mild temperatures, few crowds and better rates.
The heated pool at Les Terrasses is open from spring onwards, weather permitting — a real bonus for little ones.
What not to miss with children
Close to Villeréal and Dévillac — for unhurried days
- Monflanquin (15 min): one of the finest bastides in the south-west. A playful visit at the Musée des Bastides, with models and puzzles, from age 6. The highlight is the guided performance with Janouille la Fripouille, a wonderfully funny jester-guide who brings the history alive. Children love it.
- Château de Gavaudun (20 min): an impressive clifftop fortress, with an activity booklet and a treasure hunt.
- Lac de Lougratte (20–25 min): a sandy beach, lifeguarded swimming, pedalos, a water slide and play areas. Perfect for a relaxed half-day.
- Children’s farm (near Villeréal): stroking the animals, feeding the goats — often the favourite of the youngest.
A little further, but not to be missed (30 to 45 min) — history and heritage
- Château des Milandes: superb gardens and a free-flying birds-of-prey display. A magical hour for the whole family.
- Château de Biron: imposing and stately, with trails to follow and an outstanding view.
Nature and thrills
- Canoeing on the Dordogne or the Dropt: from age 4 or 5 in a two-seater with a parent.
- Treetop adventure: courses for every age. Parc En Ciel is 10 minutes from the house.
Culture and discovery
- Lascaux IV (45 min): the most immersive replica of the prehistoric cave. Unforgettable from age 7.
- Aquarium du Périgord Noir (45 min): a touch pool and an underwater tunnel. Ideal on a wet day.
A free extra: The Tèrra Aventura app turns a walk round Monflanquin or Villeréal into a treasure hunt with puzzles to solve. Children get hooked. · · ·
Shaping the days: the rhythm that makes the difference
With children, this pattern works: one main outing in the morning — canoeing, a castle, Janouille or Lascaux — and free time in the afternoon — a nap, games, the heated pool or a swim in the lake.
Leave one or two days with nothing planned: the weekend market at Villeréal or Issigeac, a wander round a bastide, or an afternoon at the lake are often what everyone remembers.
What to budget
Paid activities — Lascaux, the castles, the birds-of-prey display, canoeing, treetop courses — come to around €300 to €450 for a family of four over a week.
Happily, a great deal remains free or very cheap : swimming, markets, walks round the bastides, Tèrra Aventura and the children’s farms. The budget stays entirely reasonable.
What about staying at Les Terrasses?
Our large timber house in Dévillac — 10 minutes from Villeréal, 15 from Monflanquin — is made for families.
It has a fenced, heated pool (4 × 9 m), a wide shaded terrace and a large garden. Spacious at 140 m², air-conditioned and sleeping up to eight, it quickly becomes the base you come back to between outings.