Le Moulin du Roc ★★★★

The Dordogne sits in the region of Aquitaine in the southwest France, nestled between the Loire Valley and the Pyrenees. Passing rich green meadows and honey coloured stone buildings in the quiet countryside, you’ll set eyes upon your hotel which is housed in an old 17th century mill.

Located by the side of a river and surrounded by lush gardens of blooming wildflowers, you’ll cross cute footbridges, pass traditional water wheels and wind your way through a maze of stunning terraces and stone pathways, en route to your accommodation.

Inside you’ll find old age elegance in the antique furniture, countryside style décor and exposed wooden beams. With romantic drapes over the beds, large antique wardrobes and old wood and stone walls, it may feel as though you’ve stepped back in time to the 17th century when you enter your charming and characterful room, but with all the deluxe home comforts such as high definition TVs, Wi-Fi and quality bathroom accessories, you’re surely in the 21st. Each also looks out towards the river, so you can also expect peaceful views to wake up to or just simply enjoy throughout the day.

With just 13 guestrooms, you’ll find that Moulin du Roc is both tranquil and intimate – plus you’ll always find plenty of spaces in which to relax in the house, gardens or by the outdoor pool.

Spend your time here getting to know the nearby department of Perigod – land of a thousand castles and exploring the historic towns of Periguex, Sarlat and Bergerac.

Further afield, within the Vézère Valley – well loved by film directors as movie locations - visitors can witness some of the world’s oldest examples of prehistoric cave paintings – the Great Ceiling of Rouffignac, which is believed to be around 12,000 years old. Here in the flickering candlelit interiors of the caves you can view more than 60 images of horses, ibexes and mammoths, created by some of the first members of the Homo sapiens in Europe.

The Dordogne, like most of France, is known for its excellent cuisine - and the hotel’s restaurant is a prime example of this. Having held a Michelin star since 1979, the chefs here know how to create some of the best dishes around, using all local ingredients. Step inside this attractive space and chef Alain Gardillou will ply you with dishes such as monkfish served with pork belly and braised with tomato and asparagus or roasted pigeon on bed of carrot spaghetti, all made using herbs and spices found in the hotel garden. The hotel even has its own wine cellar, so that you can pair the perfect glass with your meal.

Everything here is taken care of so that you can enjoy a relaxing and luxurious stay.