La Paponie - Eco-Friendly Gîtes on a Preserved Family Estate in Périgord Noir
Welcome to La Paponie, your destination for sustainable tourism and unforgettable holidays in gîtes in the heart of Périgord Noir. Our family estate welcomes you in a preserved natural setting in Calviac-en-Périgord, near Sarlat-la-Canéda, to discover the natural beauty and rich historical heritage of the Dordogne Valley.
About the Estate
La Paponie is an orchard estate offering gîtes in Dordogne, nestled in the Dordogne Valley in Périgord Noir, at the heart of a quiet cul-de-sac hamlet, offering peace and serenity. It comprises three dwellings: La Grande Paponie, a spacious house elevated on a terrace of over 300 m², offering breathtaking views of Château de Fénelon, accommodating up to 13 guests; La Haute Paponie, a charming cottage with a covered terrace, ideal for 4 guests; and a third house, reserved for the hosts.
Guests enjoy private spaces including the rented houses and their respective terraces. Additionally, they have free access to the farmyard, orchard, fields and surrounding woods, providing an ideal setting for relaxation and outdoor activities. The estate's pool, shared between hosts and guests, offers an additional place to unwind. At the heart of a historic agricultural estate with its walnut groves, preserved forests and restored dovecote, the property offers magnificent valley views.
The estate welcomes you in a century-old setting preserved with passion. Since the 1950s, three generations have cared for this estate, once a walnut producer, now a haven of peace where heritage and nature meet. Our eco-responsible approach with solar panels, saltwater pool, and organic orchard of over 100 fruit trees continues this tradition of environmental respect.
A Caring Family
Our family, present in Périgord since the 15th century, has cared for this century-old estate since 1950. Régis Delbru, co-president of Mémoire et Patrimoine du Pays de Fénelon, and his daughter Audrey, active in the Périgord Pierre Sèches association, continue this tradition of heritage preservation while warmly welcoming visitors from around the world.
The Setting
Our gîtes in Calviac-en-Périgord are located 500 metres from the village of Calviac with its grocery shop, bread depot and post office. Less than a kilometre away, on the Dordogne River, you'll find swimming beaches and canoe rental for your Périgord Noir holidays. A cycle path connecting Sarlat to Souillac allows you to explore the countryside on foot, by bike or roller skates amidst nature. At 3 kilometres, Carlux, a cantonal seat, offers shops and local services: doctor, pharmacy, dentist, physiotherapist, etc. At 11 kilometres, the jewel of Périgord Noir, Sarlat, is also a sub-prefecture of 10,000 inhabitants, with numerous supermarkets, swimming pool, museums, etc. At 11 km, Souillac, a town of 3,000 inhabitants with Paris-Toulouse motorway access, also offers supermarkets, swimming pool, museums, etc., as well as a railway station on the main Paris-Toulouse line.
Our Commitment to Sustainable Tourism
We continuously work to minimize our environmental impact
100% Renewable Energy
Solar panels and 100% renewable electricity power our gîtes for clean, sustainable energy.
Organic Orchard
Over 100 fruit trees with 40 different species. Organic vegetable garden with seasonal produce sharing.
Saltwater Pool
Saltwater pool, gentle on skin and environmentally friendly. Ecological alternative to traditional chlorine.
Sustainable Management
Recycling system and sustainable land management. Beehives and pollinator-friendly plantings. EV charging station available.
Cultural Visits
La Paponie is ideally situated at the heart of major tourist sites in Périgord: Les Eyzies, world capital of prehistory, the Lascaux caves, the medieval castles of Castelnaud and Beynac, the medieval city of Sarlat, the Quercy plateaus, the Gouffre de Padirac, and Rocamadour, France's second most visited site.
Activities
Leisure activities in Périgord Noir near Sarlat are varied. You can discover the region and the beauty of its landscapes through hiking, horse riding, cycling or canoeing. Two tree-top adventure courses for adventure lovers can be found on the road to Sarlat. For thrill seekers, you'll find paragliding launch sites nearby. You can also try rock climbing on limestone cliffs. During summer, water parks and aquatic leisure centres and the Dordogne River will allow you to cool off. In the evening, traditional village festivals welcome you in a musical and friendly atmosphere. Our village of Calviac celebrates its traditional votive festival, the Fête du Chabrol, every year on the first weekend of August.
Gastronomy
Périgord Noir and the Dordogne Valley are a region highly appreciated for their gastronomy. Gourmet restaurants and village markets in the surrounding area allow you to discover numerous gastronomic products such as porcini mushrooms, truffles, walnuts and walnut oil, chestnuts, plums, strawberries, but also its geese and fattened ducks and their foie gras, confits, duck breasts...