Fontalbe

08/10/2025

The weather was uncertain. It was overcast but warm. The clouds were heavy but then the sun shone. Which matched the mood of the boat crews who didn’t seem to know if they were coming or going! With two on board who had never been in a canoe in their lives and weather which could have gone either way, a boat trip on the Dordogne was always going to be a gamble! Even the decision as to who would go in each boat was a challenge!
The Boat Race it was not . Two boats. One with two people in it – lighter but with less rowing power. The other holding three. So, heavier but one with an injured shoulder. Who would you bet on?
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07/10/2025

Beautiful sunset

25/09/2025

Perfect time of year for a day trip to Bordeaux from Fontalbe . Train from nearby Lalinde takes 90 mins . What’s on your itinerary ?

30/08/2025

Martin Walker’s series of books are better than any travel guide. Through the investigations of Bruno, Chief of Police Walkers tales of crime will immerse you into the culture, history, food and community that make up the rich tapestry of village life in the Dordogne. Based on the village of Le Bugue, Bruno, the town’s only police man, solves cases linked to international crime, historical murders and smuggling. (don’t worry they are not real!) His methods are not traditional; they include sharing a glass of Bergerac, preparing a truffle omelette or chatting to suspects at the local market. These are must reads for anyone who loves everything that is the Dordogne.

30/08/2025

Must visit when you stay at Fontalbe . Only 20mins drive away .

Monpazier is one of the best-preserved bastide towns in southwest France. Founded in 1284 by Edward I of England, it still follows the original grid plan with its central square, arcaded walkways, and straight streets branching out. Walking through, you can clearly see why it was built for both trade and defense.

The main square, Place des Cornières, is where markets have been held for centuries. Today it’s lined with cafés and small shops, but the layout hasn’t changed much since the Middle Ages. Many of the houses still carry carved stone details that hint at their age.

A tip if you visit: check the calendar for local festivals. The town often hosts medieval fairs and summer night markets that bring the square back to life in the way it once was.

📍 Monpazier, 24540 Dordogne

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24/08/2025

One of our favourite tasks at the start of the season is choosing the wine for the guests welcome hamper . We invest a lot of time sampling the various options and making sure we get it right ! It’s hard work and can be quite exhausting but we know how important our research is to you . Here’s this years choice …..
we’ve already started work researching for next year ! Peters loves a red wine and is thinking maybe a Pechamant - but which one ? We’ve not decided on a white yet as I think there’s a bit more sampling to be done but I am narrowing it down.
Making sure you feel welcome at Fontalbe is really important to us . To find out more about the welcome that waits you read our blog at https://fontalbe.com/youre-welcome/

22/08/2025

A few posts back I mentioned we had a new project to start . No one came close to guessing what it was . Here’s a quick preview ! A few weeks ago Peter arrived back with an old French hay cart - heritage he called it ! It had been looked away in a barn for over 100 years . It’s a bit of a jigsaw - in fact we may even have 2 hay carts . We are going to restore them and paint them the original cornflower blue that appeared after a freak rainstorm washed away the grime . We’re not quite sure where they will go or how we will use them . Any ideas please add in the comments 😊

17/08/2025

Room with a View.

15/08/2025

Pure Indulgence Retreat !
Where better than Fontalbe to host a ‘Pure Indulgence Retreat’? We are so excited to welcome Retreat Yourself. Run by Jodie and Claire whose aim to combine wellness activities such as yoga, detox and meditation with personal development and fun activities with like minded women. There’s the itinerary…
Sept 26th – 30th Wine, Cheese, Pamper treatments, Conversation, Cafe Culture
(and maybe a spot of cycling if you fancy!) Join us for 4 nights on a luxury retreat in the French countryside - immersing yourself in French culture, plenty of wine & cheese, indulge in some pamper treatments and lounge by the pool! Whether you want to spend your time relaxing by your own private pool or fancy something a little more active then there is something for everyone. You can enjoy horse riding, vinyard tours, amazing cycling and walking and even a canoe along the beautiful Dordogne river.
You are surrounded by some of the best food and produce in France and can easily while away a morning wandering around the bustling village markets picking up amazing cheeses, foie gras, bread & delicious cakes.

We’ve been setting up our stunning yoga studio, with views over the pool and woodland in preparation.
Sound like a bit of you? Click on the link Retreat Yourself Ltd to book. There are only a few spots remaining.
To book or for more information www.re-treat-yourself.com or DM me.

13/08/2025

When the temperature is in the thirties and the sun is shining not even our friendly croc will keep you out of the amazing salt water pool at Fontalbe. Grab a lilo and a glass (plastic of course) – chilled wine, a beer or a mocktail. What will cool you down ?

27/05/2025

French cuisine . So wonderful to experience the delicious culinary delights when holidaying at Fontalbe . But it’s not always easy . Which dessert to choose from? Crème brullee ? Chocolate praline ? Merangues with rhubarb and ginger ? Strawberry mouse ? What would you chose ? 🇫🇷