How – One Guest Message- Inspired a New Space at La Maison Louverie

It all started with a message we received from a family that has been coming to La Maison Louverie for the past several years. They’re now spending two weeks with us this June, and in their message, they wrote:

“When we first came to stay at Louverie there were a couple of tables in the garden which we really enjoyed sitting at to do our various bits of work; drawing, writing, etc. as well as eating sometimes! Is there any chance that we might be able to reinstate one of those tables as an extra place to sit? …
I hope you don’t mind us asking!”

That simple question is where the ball started to roll. In the past, we had more seating areas and tables around the property. But over time, it became clear (or we thought) that nobody was really using them. They felt more like a nuisance than an addition—taking up space without truly serving our guests. So we removed them, thinking less was more.

But that message made us pause.
Their request sparked a deeper conversation with ourselves:
Who are the guests that choose La Maison Louverie?
Why do they come to us again and again?
What do they truly need and enjoy during their stay in the Dordogne?
Our target group is clear: people seeking a slower, more authentic rural life for a short while. Multi- generation-families, couples, friends and pet owners who value comfort, space, interior style with a history, a pure ‘esprit’, and a warm, home-like atmosphere. They come for nature, forest walks, the big garden with trees, fruit and flowers, the location, and memorable evenings on the terrace with the lovely view. But they also want comfort, a place to work, draw, write, let their creativity out, eat outdoors, enjoy the local wines—and ofcourse having fun and play.

When we thought about that, the old seating areas didn’t make sense anymore—but the idea behind them did. Guests want cozy places to gather, to talk, or to have ‘me-time’, escape to recharge, to relax, or to focus on their creative projects. They want spaces that feel inspiring and welcoming.

From a simple request to a bigger plan:
That message became the catalyst for something bigger than just “putting back tables.” We started making a new plan:
What should we bring back?
What can we improve?
What would genuinely add value for our guests’ holiday experience?
We began re-imagining our old barn not just as storage, but as a multi-purpose space that reflects what our guests truly value: comfort, connection, space, shade, a bit of movement, and room to play.

We’re currently transforming the barn into a space designed with that in mind. Without giving everything away just yet, we can say it will include a fun area —perfect for families, active travellers, creative guests, and anyone who loves a friendly competition in the moment they stay at Louverie.

Not ready to show photos…
We’re in the final stages of preparation, and we’re not ready to reveal the full space or share photos just ..yet. But we’re excited to say that this new ‘project’ will officially open in the coming month.
Returning guests—like the beloved family whose message started it all—will be among the first to experience it.

Follow along, or be among the first to try it.
We invite you to:
Follow our Instagram and Facebook – @lamaisonlouverie – for the first sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the transformation.
Consider booking your stay for later this year to enjoy the most beautiful: September and October and explore this new space in person.

This journey started with a simple, honest request from a family we cherish. We’re deeply grateful for guests who inspire us to keep improving La Maison Louverie, and we can’t wait to welcome you into this new space later this year.
Thank you for being part of our story—and for helping us shape a home away from home that truly fits the guests who make it special

The view from the barn to the house

First Day of Spring at La Maison Louverie

It is the 21st of March, the first day of spring, and everything around La Maison Louverie is waking up. The trees are budding, the birds are getting louder, and the Dordogne light is doing that lovely thing it does when it suddenly makes everything look more hopeful.

Last week, Pontours had a soft spring mix of days and nights: cool mornings, milder afternoons, and that in-between feeling that tells you winter is finally on its way out. It is exactly the kind of weather that makes you want to open the windows, step outside, and start planning where to put the next bench.

A few spring changes behind the scenes

We also had a delivery from Chausson: 7 bags in total, made up of 6 bags of gravel and 1 bag of sand. Three of those bags are already going to work on the driveway, helping to make it smoother and giving Louverie a little extra curb appeal.

And the other three bags? Well, that is part of our still-secret project. We are thinking, planning, adjusting, and prepping as we go, because sometimes good things need a little time before they are ready to be revealed.

New places to sit, pause, and enjoy

Spring also brought us some new additions outdoors:

  • A new bench for the front of the house, perfect for poets, thinkers, writers, and of course butterfly and bee enthusiasts.
  • A bench under the old oak tree in the field, reached by following the path from the end of the garden and walking over the broad mowed lane. It is the kind of place where you sit down, look out, and suddenly decide the sunset deserves your full attention.
  • Hammocks, new seats, chairs, and a table, all helping to create more idyllic corners around the property.

For the best version of that oak tree bench? Take a glass of local wine with you. Nature and a good Dordogne bottle tend to get along very well.

The pool area is having a makeover

We are also changing the pool area, although this one asks for a little patience. There is hacking away, fencing out, rearranging, and a little battle with the cement mixer going on behind the scenes. But slowly, this corner is becoming exactly what we want it to be: a small, beautiful space in the best sunlight.

Sometimes a project looks a bit messy while it is happening. That is normal. A little patience is a virtue — especially for us.

Dates still available

If you are thinking about a spring or autumn stay, here are the dates still open:

  • 18 to 27 April
  • 10 to 14 May
  • 17 to 24 May
  • 20 to 24 June
  • From 19 September onwards

The really lovely months for booking are September and October, and if you are coming with 2, 4, or 6 guests, just inquire for an adjusted price for the spring and autumn season. http://www.lamaisonlouverie.com/cal

Why we love this time of year

Spring at La Maison Louverie is not only about new flowers and longer days. It is also about making the place more welcoming, more comfortable, and more beautiful, one little project at a time. We may not reveal everything at once, but we do promise this: there is more coming next week, including a special reveal.

So stay tuned, follow the blog, and keep an eye on this little corner of the Dordogne.

From Sunshine to Hedgehog Havens: Behind the Scenes of a Greener La Maison Louverie

While the Dordogne sun is finally warming the soil and our terrace is calling for apéros, we’re still very much in “behind the scenes” mode at La Maison Louverie. This year, that means taking real, practical steps to make your holiday home more comfortable and more sustainable for the long term.

Part 2: Super double glazed windows, Less Energy Waste

This week we completed part 2 of our “making Louverie more eco‑friendly” with installing five new windows certified NF–FCBA ACOTHERM n°87.1 A3 E7B VA2 Uw: 1.6 incl. Periglass 25 S2 CEKAl 627.

In normal-people terms, that means:

  • Periglass 25: Brand + thickness (25 mm total glass unit).
  • S2: Safety glass class 2 – tempered or laminated for impact resistance.
  • CEKAl: French CEKAL certification mark (since 1989) guaranteeing:
    • Thermal performance (low U-value, good insulation).
    • Air/water/wind tightness (matches your NF-FCBA A3 E7B VA2 ratings).
    • Durability + quality controls on manufacturing.
  • The Uw 1.6 value describes the overall insulation of the window; the lower this number, the better it keeps heat in.
  • 627: Internal product/reference code (thickness combo or spec variant).

In layman terms: High-quality French-certified double/triple glazing – safe, insulated, storm-proof. -Energy sufficient-

Planting a Future Park: 28 New Trees

Just as the sun started warming the ground – and just before the rain returned – we went outside with spades and muddy boots and planted 28 new trees.

Among them:

  • 14 walnut trees
  • 1 fig tree
  • 1 small pine
  • And a mix of other young trees to add variety and shade

We planted them outside the main fenced garden, with the idea of slowly creating a park‑like environment around La Maison Louverie. This will take time, of course, but each sapling is a small promise for more shade, more birds, more colour, and more life in the years to come.

Why Our Field “Chaos” Is on Purpose

If you look closely, behind the fence and further away from the property, you’ll notice something we don’t do: we don’t burn our heaps of garden waste.

Instead of sending weeds, branches and cuttings up in smoke, we:

  • Create piles of branches and green waste in selected corners.
  • Let them slowly break down and create their own micro‑climate.
  • Allow moisture to stay in the ground longer, which is very welcome in dry periods.

These piles:

  • Become a beautiful feeding and shelter area for the new trees as the material decomposes.
  • Offer a safe haven for small wildlife: hedgehogs, rabbits, insects and many other small creatures that share the land with us.

It may look a little like chaos at first glance, but nature rarely grows in straight lines. Out of this “chaos” comes a quieter kind of order – and a healthier ecosystem around the house.

Sunshine on the Roof: Our Solar Panels in Numbers

On the roof, our 32 solar panels continue to work away quietly whenever the Dordogne sun shines.

So far, they have helped us save around 2243 kg of CO₂ emissions, which is roughly equal to 90,733 km driven in a small car – kilometres powered by sunshine instead of fossil fuels. (If you’re curious, we share more about this under the “Sustainability” menu on our website.) It’s not perfect, and we are still learning, but every kilowatt-hour of solar power is one more step in the right direction.

When You Can Experience It All: 2026 Dates

When you stay at La Maison Louverie, you don’t have to choose between comfort and caring for the planet. The better windows mean a cosier house, the solar panels quietly turn Dordogne sunshine into electricity, and the “wild” corners in our field give hedgehogs and other small animals a safe place to live. You can simply enjoy your holiday, knowing that your stay supports gentle choices for this little corner of France.

If you’d like to see all this for yourself – here are the weeks we still have available in April, May and June, plus the post‑19 September period and our favorite month, October:

  • April: From 17 till the 27th
  • May: From the 10th till the 14th – the 17th till the 24th
  • June: From the 20th till the 24th – and the 29th till the 4th of July
  • From 19 September onwards:
  • October Our most beautiful month: soft light, warm days, cool nights)

You can always find the most up‑to‑date availability on our website: www.lamaisonlouverie.com

Spring Awakening at La Maison Louverie: Behind the Scenes

Saturday, March 7, 2026 @ 10:30 CET

Like Périgord bears waking from winter sleep, we at La Maison Louverie have emerged after weeks of biting cold and frost. Then came storms Nils and Pedro — read our full story here. Suddenly, our first spring burst forth: yellow butterflies dancing, magnolias blooming, soft white flowers blossoming. We’re now pruning fruit trees in T-shirts instead of fleece, with March sun hitting 22°C (mostly 16-19°C).

Waking the Grounds

We’re clearing trees toppled by Storm Nils. We are mindfully pruning the orchard before birds nest. Although it means less fruit overall, the remaining fruit grows bigger and stronger. With summer storms, some of which are spectacular with electric thunderstorms. Un-pruned branches grow too long. They bear too much weight and snap under wind gusts building from our lower valley fields. We are always eco-friendly. We skip regional burn practices. Instead, we pile branches into hedges for shade, moisture, and homes for hedgehogs, bunnies, and other wildlife. Keep an eye on our blog for more about our environmental friendliness and sustainability efforts.

House & Gîte Revival

We open the shutters, so the house warms naturally with March sun — and they’re soon to be freshly painted. We clear the gutters and do a full spring-clean. Barns get cleared for the season. We’re adding and refreshing new things inside our 4‑star gîte. The pool area is prepped, and new features are arriving. Gardens are raked, with raspberries budding. Bedrooms are fluffed and almost ready for guests.

Guest Plans & Pride

Super proud to welcome returning and new guests (and of course their furry family members — dogs always welcome!) for their stays. Our biggest compliment? Greeting guests with a royal jester saying “Welcome home” at the door. La Maison Louverie is a home away from home. (8–10 guests and dogs come for free)

We’re working hard to get our new reveal out — finalizing plans and turning ideas into reality. We’re so eager to share what’s been waiting for you. This is for you as a returning guest. It is also for new guests. Additionally, it’s for those who might become our guests soon. However, we need just a few more steps before telling the world (and our booked guests) WHAT AWAITS!

Your Spring Availability

Entire private gîte open:

  • April: Until 27th
  • May: 10th–14th and 18th–24th
  • June: 20th–24th
  • July: 29th June–4th July
  • Autumn Bliss: After 19th September through October (our most beautiful months!)

Stay Updated: Subscribe to our blog for behind‑the‑scenes, Dordogne discoveries, Bergerac/Périgord news, and La Maison Louverie exclusives. Book direct via this link: lamaisonlouverie.com/cal


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Escape the ordinary: Dordogne’s countryside bliss is just a quick flight away—no crowds, no chaos, pure charm!

In need of a long weekend getaway or a midweek retreat? Ditching the city crowds for something refreshingly real? The Dordogne’s magic is closer than you think—easy flights await!

Why La Maison Louverie Fits Your Plans Perfectly

Our 3-night minimum in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) syncs spot-on with flight days. Short, smart stays for your countryside escape—no fuss.

Easy Directs from Rotterdam (Transavia)

Transavia flies straight from Rotterdam (RTM) to Bergerac (EGC). It operates on Mondays, Fridays, and Sundays from April to June. In September, add Wednesdays to the schedule (Mon/Wed/Fri/Sun). October is our gem with Mondays and Fridays.

UK Hoppers? Ryanair & Co. Deliver

Ryanair offers flights up to 8 times weekly from London Stansted (Wed/Fri/Sat/Sun, more in summer). It also serves Bournemouth twice weekly from May to September on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Bristol is served three times weekly from May to September on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. East Midlands is served three times weekly from June to September on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Liverpool is served twice weekly from June to October on Wednesdays and Sundays. Edinburgh is served twice weekly on Tuesdays and Saturdays. BA hits London City (Mon-Fri 5x mid-Jun–early Sep) and Stansted (Sats late Jun-Aug); Jet2 from Leeds Bradford (Sats late May-Sep).

No German flights on EGC’s 2026 lineup—here’s hoping for next year’s upgrade! Entschuldigung Deutschland..

Snap Up These June Gems (Verified Dates)

June 20–24, 2026 (Saturday arrival, 4 nights, Wednesday departure)—perfect with Ryanair Saturday flights from Stansted/Bristol or Jet2 from Leeds.
June 29–July 4 (Monday arrival with Transavia, Friday July 3 departure for midweek magic, or stay till Saturday). Afternoon Bergerac landing, 25-minute drive to terrace heaven—book before they vanish!

Your Insider Dordogne Playbook

We’ll dish the goodies: forest walks that recharge the soul, must-sees like Limeuil, Sarlat, Beynac & Cazenac, La Roque Gageac, Monpazier, Sunday’s Issigeac market (local loot heaven), and our top 3 restaurants within 8km—our witty little secret (unlocked post-booking!).

Storm Nils at La Maison Louverie:

Behind the Scenes

On February 11th, 2026, Storm Nils slammed into the Dordogne with 150+ km/h winds. Here at “La Maison Louverie”, high on our forest hill, we felt every gust. Our 11th-century stone gîte demonstrated its resilience, showing what centuries of Périgord weather taught us. Across southern and south‑western France, up to 900,000 homes lost electricity during the peak of Storm Nils. Approximately 450,000 households were still without power the following day. Enedis crews worked to reconnect the grid. In our corner of the Dordogne, we were without power from about 23:00 until 15:00 the next day. This outage lasted roughly 16 hours. We were considered “lucky” compared to some nearby villages that only got their electricity back on Sunday (15th) afternoon.

Record soil saturation

Storm Nils also left a legacy of exceptional flooding across south‑west France. France’s flood agency Vigicrues reported record soil saturation. They also noted unprecedented numbers of rivers on orange and red alert at the same time. The Dordogne around Bergerac and the villages of Limeuil and La Roque‑Gageac swelled and ran fast. Our hilltop position above the valley meant La Maison Louverie stayed safely above any flood risk. Many low‑lying areas along the Garonne and Charente were placed under red alerts. Thousands of homes were affected by high water.

and then.. Storm Pedro a few days later

And just as the waters from Nils were slowly receding, Storm Pedro brought more heavy rain. Gusts reached up to 100–140 km/h in the south‑west. Several departments remained on red flood alert. Around 5,000 homes in the Lot‑et‑Garonne (our neighboring region) were left without power, and over 9,000 homes in Dordogne were effected. For us at La Maison Louverie, the storm confirmed the value of our location. Our robust old stone buildings proved essential when the weather turns wild. Only the Route du Plateau was closed off for a couple of hours because of a fallen tree.

Nature’s Heavy Toll – What We Saw

Tuesday, February 11th evening: A majestic pine with an 80 cm+ base crashed down around 11 pm. We had watched and loved it for years. It took electricity lines and internet cables with it.

Wednesday, February 12th morning: An oak in the field had fallen overnight. And another 20-year-old tree behind the barn was uprooted too. Valley winds funneled upward, smashing the old cow barn wall and ripping off an entire row of tiles. By late morning, our sun drenched poolside awning—where guests sip rosé all summer—lay crushed.

Across southern France, 900,000 homes lost power at Nils’ peak, 450,000 still dark the next day. We were out from 11pm February 11th until 3pm the 12th (16 hours)—nearby villages waited until Sunday the 15th…

Our Personal Recovery Timeline

February 11th, 11pm – February 12th, 3pm: No power. A fireplace was roaring and candles were lit.
February 12th: Winds still 100km/h+—too dangerous for chainsaws or ladders.
February 13th, 4pm: Internet/WiFi back online. Still rain
February 15th: We rolled up our sleeves do the tree work ourselves. Cutting, re-locating, cleaning the road. Assessing the barn roof and decided that this we can also do ourselves.

February 19th: Aftermath Pedro, Awning at the terrace gave up but… We stayed lit and dry.

The Silver Lining We Shared

Zero damage to main the main house, and the tobacco barn has NO damage. No tile was hit by the enormous pine that went down (cm work)

February 17th: Blue skies, our tree cleanup almost finished

Book Spring Confidently: Louverie weathers storms better than most. April/May weeks open → check our calendar

Next week: Behind-the-scenes reveal of something completely new and exciting at Louverie – you won’t want to miss this!

#StormNils #StormPedro #DordogneGite #BehindTheScenes

Wine tasting at “La Maison Louverie” with Dordogne Vineyard Tours

Last weekend we had the pleasure of welcoming Dordogne Vineyard Tours to “Louverie” for a private wine tasting here in the heart of the Dordogne. Our guests enjoyed a relaxed Bergerac wine tasting at their holiday home, discovering a range of Bergerac, Dordogne wines, different grape varieties and lots of information about the process of making wine.

We were completely surprised and absolutely in love with the local Bergerac bubbles – a cuvée Signature, demi-sec from Château La Tilleraie – a delicious, elegant alternative to Champagne, even if it cannot officially carry the Champagne name because we are outside that region. Personally, we were also in awe of Château Court Les Muts, a dry white we might never have chosen ourselves because of its more “old‑fashioned” label. Yet again, we were happily surprised by the perfect blend: dry, with a delicate aftertaste and a citrus mélange that lingered beautifully.

This tasting really showed how important it is to have inside information and a knowledgeable guide. A wine you might walk past on the shelf suddenly becomes a favorite, and it is especially nice for our guests to have a wine tasting at the beginning of their holiday so they know exactly what to look for during the rest of their stay.

We also tasted a fresh and modern white, Prémices from Domaine de Combet, with a label and style that immediately speaks to the eye and mind in summer – bright, approachable and perfect for sunny days by the pool at “Louverie”. For the reds, we discovered a young and very light Baouillet from “Bergecrac”, (no, no spelling mistake) with lovely blackcurrant notes, and an absolute winner from Château Terre Vieille in the Pécharmant, a 2018 with depth, structure and a long, satisfying finish.

The tasting took place around the table at “Louverie”, accompanied by a generous cheese platter from local fromagerie Chez Pauline & Co, with plenty of time to ask questions, compare favorites and enjoy an easy-going evening together without leaving the house.
NB: Dordogne Vineyard Tours does not sell wine – they simply share their expertise to help you discover and love these local gems.

It was a wonderful way to experience Bergerac wines, support local vineyards and add a special memory to a holiday in the Bergerac wine region.

If you’re staying at “Louverie” and would like to add a Bergerac wine tasting at your holiday home in the Dordogne, let us know and we’ll be happy to help you arrange it with Dordogne Vineyard Tours.

Last Chance for Spring Family Escape Discount

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SPRINGBIRDS DISCOUNT ENDS

Valentine’s Day lovers, this one’s for you: Book a romantic family escape (or friend reunion) at La Maison Louverie with our SPRINGBIRDS code and save 15% (€375 off the €2500 weekly rate) for April/May weeks. Only 5 days left—deadline hits February 14! Picture swapping chocolates for wisteria blooms, woodburner dinners, and forest walks instead of crowded summer.

Romance Meets Family Adventure in Périgord

Spring paints our 4-hectare gîte magical: south terrace wisteria frames poolside aperitifs, lavender drifts from the fenced garden where kids (and dogs) chase deer shadows. April/May means mild days for canoeing empty Dordogne stretches, brocante treasure hunts, and bastide lunches minus queues. Our 4-star retreat sleeps 10 with king 4-posters, cool attic AC, ping-pong battles, and that massive dining table for shared feasts—perfect post-Valentine’s reset.

Last Chance Deal Details

  • Discount: 15% off (€2500 → €2125/week)
  • Stays: Full weeks April or May 2026
  • Code: SPRINGBIRDS (enter at booking)
  • Deadline: February 14—only 5 days from today
  • Why Now: Limited spring weeks, fills fast with early birds

Don’t let your perfect spring slip—apply SPRINGBIRDS before Valentine’s and lock in Périgord paradise!

    Pet-friendly, forest-edged tranquility awaits.


    Publish Setup: Jan 9, 10AM. Featured image: terrace at sunset or couple by pool. Rank Math keyword: “Dordogne spring gîte discount Valentine’s.” Links back to today’s post. Share on social 9th/10th. Ready to paste!

    Springbirds Continues

    15% Off Dordogne Gîte—Only 12 Days to Book by Valentine’s!

    Dreaming of Dordogne spring without the crowds? La Maison Louverie’s SPRINGBIRDS deal is still on: 15% off (€375 savings on our €2500 weekly rate) for April or May stays. But hurry—only 12 days left until the February 14 cutoff! Book now and swap winter for blossoms, mild weather, and empty forest trails.

    Why Spring at Our Périgord Gîte Shines

    April and May transform this corner of France: wisteria drapes our south terrace, lavender scents the 4-hectare garden, deer graze at dawn. Your family (and dogs) can enjoy the heated* pool as it warms up, ping-pong table, archery, darts, and fenced orchard freedom—off season prices, off-season peace. Nearby brocante markets pop up weekly, bastides come back to life, and the Dordogne river beckons for canoeing minus tourist boats. It is a fantastic season!

    Deal Details—Simple as That

    • Discount: 15% off weekly rate (€2500 → €2125)
    • Stays: Any full week in April or May 2026
    • Code: SPRINGBIRDS (enter at booking)
    • Deadline: Book by February 14—12 days from today
    • Perfect for: Families, pet lovers, nature escapes (sleeps 10, 4-star classified)
    • *Pool heating surcharge 20 euro a day

    Only 12 days to go—grab your spring Dordogne week before Valentine’s fills the calendar!

    Spring in the dordogne

    Are you dreaming of a dog-friendly holiday home in France with a private heated pool for a peaceful spring break? At La Maison Louverie in the Dordogne, in the sunny South West of France, you can enjoy style, privacy, and space – and a special 15% discount on the weekly rate of 2,500 € in April and May if you book before 14 February 2026.

    Our 4‑star country house is a stylish,h family‑friendly gîte with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, and a large, fully fenced garden for children and dogs. The heated in‑ground pool is set in complete privacy, surrounded by cherry trees and orchard views, so you can swim and relax without being overlooked. Inside, you’ll find a cosy playroom, fast fibre Wi‑Fi and all the comfort you need for a spring escape.

    Spring in the Dordogne is one of the best-kept secrets in the South West of France. The valleys around Bergerac are full of blossom, the weather is mild enough for riverside walks, and local brocante and vide‑grenier markets in Lalinde, Le Buisson, Trémolat, and Beaumont‑du‑Périgord are in full swing. It’s the perfect season if you love exploring villages, tasting local food, and coming home to your own quiet, stylish holiday home with a pool.

    La Maison Louverie is truly dog-friendly: dogs are welcome in the house, the garden is fenced, and there are walking routes straight from the door. After a day out in the Dordogne, you can come back for a swim in the heated pool, a barbecue under the trees, or a relaxing evening in the living room.

    SPECIAL DISCOUNT USE SPRINGBIRDS AS YOUR DISCOUNT CODE in the booking form

    If you’re planning a spring holiday in France with a pool, this is a great moment to book. We’re offering 15% off the weekly rate of 2,500 € for all stays in April and May, when you book before 14 February. Secure your dates now and enjoy a stylish, private, dog-friendly holiday home in the Dordogne this spring. (*pool heating for a surcharge of € 20 a day)

    #GiteDordogne #DogFriendlyGite #PrintempsEnDordogne #BrocanteDordogne #PerigordPourpre #BergeracAirport