Location | Charlotte & Isaiah

The Venue: Chateau Lagut

The center of the event will be a old vineyard about 15 minutes south of Thiviers called Chateau Lagut. It has buildings dating back hundreds of years, indoor and outdoor gathering spaces, and big grounds to explore. Charlotte and Isaiah will stay here for the entire week of the event along with some friends and family.

Learn more about Chateau Lagut on their website or find it on Maps!

The Area: Dordogne Region of France

The celebration is happening in the middle of the Dordogne region where Charlotte grew up. Below a few different places in the area that are connected to Charlotte's upbringing that we are excited to share with you. Here is a bit of history and meaning for each of these spaces.

Charlotte's Hometown

St Jory de Chalais

The is the closest village to Charlotte's home and were she went to school for her daycare and kindergarden. It's a very small village of only 200 inhabitants with one Auberge ( a restaurant) that many lunches were eaten at.

This serene village is characterized by its charming rural landscapes, traditional stone houses, and a sense of timeless tranquility. Central to the village is the Church of Saint Jory, a historical edifice that adds a touch of architectural elegance to the area. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling countryside, Saint-Jory-de-Chalais offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. The village's small but tight-knit community is known for its warm hospitality.

Fun fact: every year in September they host a crayfish festival with a thrift market that was the life of the town with hundreds of people and the streets full of fun.

Historic Neighboring Village

St Jean De Cole

Saint Jean de Cole, nestled in the picturesque Dordogne region of France, is a charming medieval village renowned for its timeless beauty and rich history. It boasts cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and the stunning 12th-century Romanesque Church of Saint Jean Baptiste, which stands as a testament to the village's historical significance. The village is set against the backdrop of lush, rolling hills and the serene Cole River, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting. Saint Jean de Cole is also celebrated for its vibrant flower displays, earning it the title of one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France." With its historic architecture, enchanting scenery, and warm, welcoming atmosphere, Saint Jean de Cole provides a quintessential experience of rural French charm.

Kris & Annemie's Home

Goursolas

Goursolas is the name of the property where Charlotte's parents now live. It has many acres of woods and is surrounded by rolling hills of farmland. It is just a few houses down from where Charlotte grew up.

The Hangare

Thiviers

Thiviers is just a 15-minute drive from Charlotte's parent's home. Located in the heart of the Dordogne region in southwestern France, Thiviers is a vibrant market town renowned for its rich culinary heritage and historical charm. Often referred to as the "Capital of Foie Gras," Thiviers is a gastronomic haven where local markets burst with regional specialties such as foie gras, truffles, and walnuts. The town's historic center features beautiful stone buildings, narrow winding streets, and the impressive Saint-Martial Church, which dates back to the 12th century. Thiviers is also a gateway to the scenic Périgord Vert area, offering picturesque landscapes of lush green hills and forests. With its lively atmosphere, cultural festivals, and deep-rooted traditions, Thiviers provides a delightful blend of history, culture, and culinary delights, making it a must-visit destination in the Dordogne.

On Saturday morning, we will visit to the famous Thiviers Farmer's Market followed by a bring-your-own-farmers-market-lunch at the HanGare. L'HanGare is a community center and wellness cafe that was co-founded by Charlotte's parents and is managed by a community non-profit.

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Getting There

Flying In

Visa Note: the new ETIAS visa is not live until 2026 (https://travel-europe.europa.eu/etias_en).

You'll likely have the cheapest flight flying into Paris. If you fly into Paris, you'll then want to take a train to Bordeaux or Limoges to rent a car, or catch a train to Thiviers. You can't rent a car in Thiviers (See car section if you take the train to Thiviers)

If you're willing to spend a bit more on airfare and want to minimize ground transportation, the two closest airports to Thiviers are Limoges and Bordeaux (each about 1.5-2 hour drive).

Our favorite flight searching websites are Kayak.com, Skyscanner.com, and Google Flights. You're bound to find your cheapest itinerary on one of these. Let us know if you would like guidance on finding good flights!

Cars & Trains

Most people will want to rent a car in Paris, Bordeaux, or Limoges. There are no car rentals within an hour of Thiviers. You could take another train to Thiviers instead, but there are no car rentals in Thiviers, and no other public transport. You would need to carpool to and from the venue about 15 minutes from Thiviers. The areas surrounding Thiviers are easiest by car, or some long bike rides.

Note that the roads are small country roads that often are bi-directional but only one car wide and with speedy drivers. Drive with caution! Driving in France is on the right, and many rental cars are manual, so be sure to specify automatic if you can't drive stick!

There are also radar speed traps all over French highways, so stay within 5 kmph of the posted speed limit or you'll like get ticketed!

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Emergencies & Groceries

Emergency

Emergency Response: In case of an emergency, you can call European emergency services at 112. In France, you can also call 15 for an ambulance, 17 for the police, and 18 for fire response. This website has useful info!

Hospital: The closest hospital is the Centre Hospitalier in Periguex, about 30 minutes from Thiviers.

Clinic: For non-urgent medical care, there's a clinic in Thiviers. The contact information of the clinic and the doctors in the group is on the Thiviers town website.

Groceries

1. Thiviers Farmer's Market: Be sure to save some space and money for the Saturday morning Farmer's market in downtown Thiviers from 9am-12pm. We'll all go!

2. UExpress: Closest grocery store to downtown Thiviers, decent variety.

3. Lidl: a bigger and cheaper grocery store about a 3 minute drive from downtown Thiviers on the way to the venue in Négrondes.

4. Vegetables & Local Foods: check out the new Gare d'Manger for vegetables and other locally produced foods right next to L'HanGare.

5. Bread: get your bread from bakeries instead of the grocery store, it's so much yummier! We think this is the best one in Thiviers, opposite L'HanGare.

What To Do

Day Trips

1. Sarlat-la-Canéda (about 45 minutes by car)

This medieval town is one of the most famous in the Dordogne region. With its narrow cobbled streets, ancient stone buildings, and impressive market square, it’s perfect for history and architecture lovers. Sarlat is also a foodie's dream, offering delicious local products like foie gras, truffles, and duck.

2. Les Eyzies-de-Tayac (30 minutes by car)

Known as the "Capital of Prehistory," this village is home to the famous National Prehistory Museum. You can explore caves with prehistoric art (such as the Font-de-Gaume and Combarelles caves), visit the shelter of Cro-Magnon man, and see prehistoric artifacts. It's an interesting stop if you're into history and archaeology.

3. Brantôme (40 minutes by car)

Often called the "Venice of the Périgord," Brantôme is a beautiful town on the banks of the Dronne River. You can explore its abbey, enjoy a peaceful boat ride along the river, and wander around its charming streets lined with cafes and shops. It's a perfect place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the region.

4. Périgueux (40 minutes by car)

The capital of the Dordogne department, Périgueux is a larger town with plenty to see. It’s famous for its Roman heritage, including the impressive Vesunna Gallo-Roman Museum and the Saint-Front Cathedral. The town also offers a lively market and a variety of shops and cafes. It's a nice blend of history and modern life. There's also a museum of the region here.

5. Castelnaud-la-Chapelle (1 hour by car)

This picturesque hilltop village is dominated by the impressive Château de Castelnaud, a medieval fortress that houses a museum dedicated to warfare in the Middle Ages. The views from the castle over the Dordogne River valley are breathtaking, and the village itself is a lovely place to wander with cobblestone streets and traditional stone houses.

6. La Roque-Gageac (50 minutes by car)

One of the most beautiful villages in France, La Roque-Gageac is located on the banks of the Dordogne River. Its limestone cliffs and cliffside houses create a stunning backdrop, and you can take a boat ride on the river to admire the scenery. It’s a peaceful, postcard-perfect spot that feels straight out of a fairytale.

7. Montignac and Lascaux (1 hour by car)

Montignac is the gateway to the Lascaux caves, home to some of the most famous prehistoric cave paintings in the world. While the original Lascaux caves are closed to the public to preserve them, you can visit the Lascaux IV, a high-tech replica that offers an immersive experience into the history and art of early humans.

8. The Cave of Villars (25 minutes by car)

This impressive cave features prehistoric paintings and stunning natural stalactites and stalagmites. It’s a fascinating visit combining both history and natural beauty.

9. Domme (1 hour by car)

A beautiful bastide town with spectacular panoramic views of the Dordogne Valley. Explore its well-preserved medieval streets and visit the underground caves beneath the main square.

10. Molières (1 hour by car)

One of the lesser-known bastide towns, Molières offers charming streets, historic architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere.

11. Bergerac (1 hour by car)

A vibrant town famous for its wines and half-timbered medieval buildings. Visit the Maison des Vins, explore the old town, and enjoy a riverside walk.

12. Collonges-la-Rouge (1 hour by car)

Known for its striking red sandstone buildings, Collonges-la-Rouge is a unique and picturesque destination perfect for photography and strolling.

13. Château de Hautefort (50 minutes by car)

This stunning Renaissance and classical-style castle offers beautiful gardens and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Shorter Activities

1. Explore Thiviers Town Centre

Stroll through the heart of Thiviers: The town itself is charming, with its beautiful old buildings, quiet streets, and vibrant atmosphere. The Saturday morning Farmer's Market is a must visit! You can also visit the Église Saint-Jacques, a lovely old church. If you want to relax, grab a coffee at one of the cafés around the main square and enjoy watching the world go by.

2. The Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park

Hiking or cycling: Thiviers lies within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, a haven for outdoor activities. There are numerous hiking and cycling trails that weave through the park, offering you a chance to enjoy the peaceful countryside, woodlands, and lakes. You can easily access a number of routes that start right from the town.
Picnic by a lake: The park has several lovely spots, like Lac de Gurson (about 30 minutes away), where you can enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature or go for a peaceful walk along the shoreline.

3. Visit the Château de Puyguilhem (about 10 minutes by car)

This stunning Renaissance-style château is just a short drive from Thiviers. It has beautiful gardens and interesting architecture. You can take a tour to learn about its history and the region, and enjoy walking around the estate, which is tranquil and scenic.

4. Visit the Forest of the Haute-Charente

The Haute-Charente Forest is just a short drive from Thiviers. You can enjoy a short walk surrounded by towering trees and streams. It’s an ideal place for a few hours of quiet reflection or to take a leisurely walk if you're looking to disconnect.

5. Château de l'Herm (15 minutes by car)

Located a short drive from Thiviers, Château de l'Herm is a historic site with lovely grounds to explore. It's a peaceful place for a short visit, with lovely views of the surrounding landscape and a quiet atmosphere perfect for an afternoon stroll.

6. Take a Short Boat Ride on the Isle River

You can explore the Isle River that runs through the region by boat. Some local businesses offer short boat tours, where you can float along and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It’s a gentle, relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

7. Forêt de la Double

About 30 minutes from Thiviers, this forest is a beautiful, peaceful place with great walking trails. It’s less crowded than some of the bigger parks, so you can have a quiet, refreshing walk in the woods.

8. Flea Markets (all around)

Throughout the summer months, many villages host charming flea markets where you can find antiques, handmade goods, and local produce. These markets are a great way to experience the local culture while discovering unique souvenirs.

9. Saint-Jean-de-Côle (15 minutes by car)

This village is officially recognized as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages of France." With its charming medieval architecture, a stunning 12th-century church, and a lovely riverside setting, it's an excellent place for a leisurely visit.