« Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is a picturesque medieval village known for its old abbey, its narrow streets with their small shops and its relaxed way of life by the river. This village in the Limousin region is also the next stop on our journey through Huttopia.”
« This is the first time since the start of our road trip that we’ve gone down a village street to find the entrance of a Huttopia campsite. We even cross a little bridge over the river Dordogne to get to the site reception. Which makes sense, as the campsite is located on an island in the Dordogne. A little slice of unspoilt nature just for us, where we find a pitch right beside the water for our van.
We go on a little wander round the island and as well as trappeurs tents and chalets, we see two pretty cabins on stilts. There’s a holidaymaker who has chosen this spot to do some fly fishing. And it seems he’s not the only keen fisher at this site where you can fish from your pitch!
For us, the river offers a more contemplative pastime: sitting on the bank and watching the water flow past, the light glinting on the surface. Listening to the constant burbling sound. Gazing over at the other side. And occasionally spotting a duck letting the current carry them along. »
« As day breaks, we swing the back doors of the van wide open to enjoy the view of the Dordogne from our bed. The sound of the flowing water almost lulls us back to sleep. But it’s market day today, so we get ready, stop by the toilet block and set off on foot for the centre of the village. It’s nice that it’s only a short walk from the calm of nature to the hustle and bustle of a small village. At this time of year, the strawberries are just right. We buy a punnet before sitting down in the little outdoor seating area at the back of Pilea Café. We order a delicious chai latte for me and a proper coffee for Pierre – what a treat!
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We couldn’t not go for a walk around the medieval village. From Rue Sainte Catherine to Quai de Beaulieu, we get lost in the maze of narrow little streets, admiring the beautiful buildings and the turrets above our heads and breathing in the sweet smells of the flowers bringing colour to the low walls.
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We had so many interesting things to go and see over these two days: the Gouffre de Padirac cave, the villages of Collonges-la-Rouge and Rocamadour, the Cascade d’Autoire waterfall and the Château de Castelnau-Bretenoux. But we’re enjoying the slow pace of life here. We decide not to get in the van and venture miles away in every direction because there’s so many wonderful things to see and do on foot. So we opt for some ultra-local slow tourism! And that’s perhaps what makes this site such a wonderful place to stay.
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The rest of our stay involves reading in the sun on our pitch, going back and forth over the Passerelle des Aubarèdes bridge, paddling in an arm of the Dordogne, dozing in the warmth of the sun, picnics on the grass and wonderful evenings watching the sun slowly go down, reflecting on the water until dusk.
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Now we really understand how this medieval village became known as the ‘Limousin Riviera’! It’s got everything, all with a friendly feel and within easy reach on foot. The perfect formula for a great stay.»
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Written by The Roadtrippers
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