In May 2005 I spent a week at St Cyprien in the Perigord region of France. My accommodation was an 18th century bakehouse about ten metres from the Dordogne River.

From St Cyprien I explored the sourrounding towns and countryside - Beynac and its castle perched above; La Roque-Gageac clinging to the cliff beside the river; Castelnaud on the opposite side of the river; nearby Les Milandes and its chateau; Sarlat and its ancient buildings; Siorac; Bezenac; and tiny villages hidden away like Cladech.

I took a flight in a hot air balloon over the castles and chateaux along the river valley, and walked through the peaceful forests beside the Dordogne.