2 Best Sights in The Dordogne, France

There are more grandiose castles in France, but few can offer a more intimate a look at how 16th-century nobles lived than the Château de Losse. Built in 1576 on the site of the family's original 11th-century stronghold, the graceful Renaissance-style structure retains the furnishings, artwork, and other authentic trappings of daily life during the Wars of Religion. The beautiful wooded grounds and extraordinary gardens—winner of the Institute de France's Art of the Garden award—overlooking the Vézère River make for a lovely stroll, and a charming café with a grassy terrace is the perfect place for a gourmet lunch. Although tours of the interior are offered only in French, a detailed text and audio guide in English is provided.

With France as the world's third-largest producer of caviar—much of it from sturgeon raised in basins fed from the abundant rivers around the Dordogne—you'll be assured when a menu says "local caviar" it truly is. At this 50-acre estate, visitors are shown how caviar is produced, from the breeding ponds to harvesting, before tasting the homegrown delicacy. Neuvic offers "initiation" visits along with masterclasses (all booked in advance online) or you can just stop in between Monday and Saturday for a visit of the domaine that includes nature walks along the river and "swimming" with the sturgeon (in waders). The on-site boutique sells all of the various caviars along with a host of other local delicacies. There's also a gourmet restaurant and a chic boutique hotel in the 19th-century Tudor-style château if you're looking for the full caviar experience. The domaine is almost equidistant (about 30 km/19 miles) between Périgeux and Bergerac.