La Berge de Rivière Dordogne France

As you are greeted with the most wonderful views of the Dordogne, it’s hard to imagine a more privileged setting in Castillon-la-Bataille. With its own garden so close to the riverside and just a few steps from authentic restaurants and inviting shops, La Berge de Rivière has been stunningly renovated to create a unique place to stay in this charming and historic town.
Its recent restoration has been a labour of love and guests should expect both stylish and high-end interiors, after all its artistic owner once ran a boutique hotel in Bordeaux. Alongside open-plan living spaces, sumptuous bedrooms and gorgeous bathrooms, every care has been taken to preserve the house’s historic features which date back as far as the 16th century.
The arched window in the state-of-the-art kitchen-diner frames the river views so beautifully whilst the elegant lounge’s wrought-iron balcony is exquisite. Outside, al-fresco meals and barbecues can be enjoyed in the upper terrace garden or carefully follow the steps and steep historic path through the archway all the way down to the lower garden. Here you will find roses, palms, a majestic olive tree and a freshwater well – a little corner of paradise where you can watch the world go by as you gaze out towards the calming river.
Step out of this former Maison de Maître and in one direction you can wander down to the river’s edge or instead stroll to the boulangerie, cheese and wine shops, French restaurants and atmospheric cafes. The Monday morning market gives you the opportunity to soak up the ambience of this authentic and historic town – pick up some local delicacies, then head towards Castillon-la-Bataille’s riverside beach for an idyllic picnic, perhaps followed by canoeing or kayaking along the Dordogne.
As well as impressive re-enactments of the Battle of Castillon that take place in the height of the summer, this area is also known for its rich wine heritage with endless vineyards leading all the way to Saint-Émilion, only 12km away. One of France’s most loved destinations, admire its UNESCO World Heritage vineyards alongside the village’s immense charm and historic treasures.
Bordeaux and Bergerac also await for a fine day out either by train or car, or venture to delightful villages and market towns – Sainte-Foy-la-Grande’s superb market is a must on a Saturday morning. You could even drive as far as the Atlantic coast for sand dunes, surfing and oysters or stay closer to home for hikes, cycling trails or even hot-air balloon rides across the glorious landscapes of Gironde and Dordogne.
What you should know…
Air-conditioning is featured in the three double bedrooms only.
Discreet friends of the owners live in an apartment which is part of the property. Whilst it is completely self-contained, you share the house’s main entrance and hallway. There is another private entrance by the terrace garden you may use as well.
With such historic surroundings, care must be taken outside by low walls and when walking down the steps and steep pathway to the lower garden, especially when wet.
Maison Interiors
Main Level
– Lounge with doors leading to riverside balcony
– Open-plan kitchen and dining area with river view
– Open-plan TV room
– Bedroom with king-size double bed (can be divided into twin beds), air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with shower
– WC and laundry room
Upper Floor
– Bedroom with king-size double bed, air-conditioning and en suite bathroom with bath and shower
– Family suite. Bedroom with queen-size double bed, air-conditioning and en suite shower room. Connects (via hallway) to bedroom with single bed
There are two ways to access La Berge de Rivière – either via the main entrance and hallway (which is shared with a self-contained apartment within the property) or via a private entrance by the terrace garden.
Below the main house is a 16th century cave which is not accessible to guests.
Outside Grounds
– Front terrace garden with al-fresco dining area and barbecue (low walls)
– Balcony overlooking the river
– Lower garden with riverside view and seating areas (via steep and historic path and steps)
– Natural spring well
– Reserved on-road parking (near the terrace garden entrance)
Facilities
– Wi-Fi
– Air-conditioning (three double bedrooms only)
– Smart TV including Netflix and Sky channels
– Washing machine
La Berge de Rivière enjoys such a privileged setting in Castillon-la-Bataille, overlooking the banks of the Dordogne and a few steps from the bustle of this historic town. Close to famous Saint-Émilion and only an hour from Bordeaux, this is a fantastic location for exploring some of the many highlights of the Gironde and Dordogne regions.
You are so close to the Dordogne and there are such lovely views from the terrace, balcony and lower garden – only a little road and walking path separates the lower garden from the river. There is no direct river access from the lower garden (as the gate to the road is kept locked), but you can easily reach the river by walking a couple of minutes from either of the entrances to the house.
Follow the river eastwards (passing a highly regarded winery) and within a 10-minute stroll you will find a riverside beach, a picture-perfect spot for picnics as well as canoe and kayak hire in the summer months.
The heart of Castillon-la-Bataille is just a few steps away as well – the tourist office is only a minute on foot whilst the town’s boulangeries, a supermarket and other shops are all easily reached within walking distance. As well as the atmospheric market on a Monday morning, make the most of authentic French restaurants, a butcher, specialist cheese and wine shops and of course charming cafes.
If staying in late July or August, look out for the area’s most famous event, the re-enactment of the battle of Castillon which usually takes place on Friday and Saturday evenings lasting two hours with over 250 actors and many horses. The event takes place a short drive from the town and tickets should be arranged in advance.
At the top of the town, Castillon-la-Bataille’s train station has departures towards Bordeaux and Bergerac, also stopping off at picturesque Dordogne villages such as Lalinde (67km) and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande (22km). Indeed, a visit to Sainte-Foy-la-Grande is a must on a Saturday morning with its superb market, one of the best and most beautiful in the area showcasing all sorts of local produce.
Follow the road to Saint-Émilion and pass endless vineyards and wineries, starting off in Saint-Magne-de-Castillon, only a 5-minute drive outside of Castillon. Saint-Émilion (12km) itself is one of France’s most beautiful places to visit in an idyllic hilltop setting surrounded by landscapes of vineyards which are classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site. As well as discovering exquisite wineries, spend time exploring the cobbled lanes of the old village, admire its incredible architecture including the monolithic church and tour the village’s fascinating catacombs.
There’s a charming little market on a Wednesday and Sunday morning in Saint-Émilion whilst food lovers will also appreciate the ambience of Libourne (20km) on market day, best visited on a Tuesday, Friday or Sunday morning.
Of course, the wineries of Bordeaux are close enough for a brilliant day out or drive to the city to experience its impressive sights, vibrant restaurant scene and La Cité du Vin wine museum on the banks of the Garonne.
A little further afield, you could be sampling the Médoc peninsula wines of Margaux and Pauillac in a 90-minute drive, surfing the Atlantic waves of Lacanau or enjoying tranquil strolls, watersports and lake swimming at the wonderful Étang de Lacanau, just under two hours away.