Into the Vignes

12/08/2026

Following the quad bikes, I realised we were quite close to Le Grand Étang de La Jemaye. Another one of my favourite lake beaches, but one we don’t often go to as it’s just that little bit too far to go on a whim.

We hadn’t been this year and, as soon as we arrived, I was instantly reminded of why we love it so much. Free entry, toilets, three places to eat, a lovely sandy white beach, a nice nature walk (which was unfortunately, but understandably, closed due to the fire risk), a large play area, and free paddle boarding and kayaking sessions offered by Dordogne Périgord Tourisme

We got signed straight up for the paddle boarding. Children under 14 need to be accompanied by an adult, so I had a nice leisurely ride while Em did all the paddling 😂. It was fab!

We then tried to sign up for a later kayaking session, but unfortunately we didn’t have our water shoes with us. Won’t forget those next time!

The main downside to this beach is that there isn’t much shade, so thankfully we had a sunshade from another lake visit in the boot. Definitely worth remembering if you’re heading there on a hot day.

The water is really clear and so lovely to swim in. It gets deep enough to do proper swimming, with a lane at the back for those who are more serious about it.

We had lunch at one of the beachside cafés. My mam and Em had the menu du midi and said it was restaurant quality. I had a delicious Caesar salad, and I’d definitely recommend eating here too.

I certainly feel incredibly blessed to have somewhere like this within driving distance. It might not be on our doorstep, but it’s absolutely worth the drive.

A perfect day out for all the family ⛱️

12/08/2026

Took Emily to last week as part of the Été Actif programme, organised by and , and she had such a brilliant time! 🏍️

It was incredibly good value for money too. Even though it was a reduced price through the programme, they still got a full hour on the quads. And these aren’t little kids’ electric quads either, they’re a proper size and the course is definitely not easy! It’s an adrenaline activity and great fun.

Gregory, the owner, was fab and really welcoming. My only disappointment was that there weren’t any spaces left for me! 😂 So I’ll definitely remember to book earlier next year because I want a go too!

Definitely one to recommend if you fancy trying something a bit different and a lot of fun. 🏍️💨 The motocross course looked insane, so as responsible parents do, I've booked her up to have a session on that too...... 😱

06/08/2026

Who knew one day out could pack so much in? 🌞⛵️🤿🍕

Last Thursday, the kids and I went to do a baptême de plongée. It was run by Cyrano Bergerac Plongée and organised by Dordogne Périgord Tourisme as part of the Été Actif programme.

Held at 'La Guillou' Camping du Moulin de La Guillou swimming pool in Lalinde, the setting was wonderful. Such a lovely little pool, and warm too. We only had a short session, but we had loads of fun. Emily was a little nervous at first, as she had never tried it before, but the team were very supportive and she absolutely loved it.

We then went on to Lalinde market. I think this is one of the most underrated markets in the region. There were loads of stalls and fantastic local produce, but I rarely see it mentioned on lists of markets to visit.

Although Lalinde isn't that far from us, we decided to take the opportunity while we were over that way to visit Mauzac. Wow, what an incredibly beautiful little place. I am shocked that, in the almost six years we've lived here, we've never visited before.

We stopped at .bella.ciao24 and were lucky enough to get a table in this gorgeous riverside setting. The starters were incredible. The mains were a little pricey for what they were, but you're paying for the stunning riverside location, and it really is a lovely place to sit and enjoy lunch.

As an extra little treat, we took the free Navette Fluviale Mauzac–Calès to the other side of the river. Great fun, and the driver was incredibly friendly too.

I loved seeing the boats along the river, and I noticed they also do sailing lessons. I'll definitely be putting that on my bucket list for next summer.

If you haven't visited Mauzac yet, it should definitely be on your list!

Are there any other hidden gems like this along the Dordogne that we should visit?

I'd love to hear your recommendations!

31/07/2026

Throwback to last Friday when we had signed up for the all-terrain electric scooters as part of Été Actif, with

As we had an old friend visiting, the whole family was signed up. Little did I realise, though, that these trottinettes weren't your average electric scooters that you see around the villages. They were a little too much to handle for my mam, who is almost 70 and not the most agile when it comes to things like this, and she had a tumble.

My nerves then kicked in. Elliott from was amazing, so patient and helpful. But my legs were already hurting from horse riding two days earlier, and I just couldn't get the hang of stopping with the brakes and not my feet (I kept jumping off!), so I decided to just stay with my mam for a coffee and let the others enjoy their ride.

To be fair, the advert did say this was an "adrenaline" activity. I don't know why I ignored that! I think I just assumed it would be like when the French say something is spicy... and it never is. Turns out they weren't exaggerating this time! 😂 I won't be making that mistake again.

I regret that decision because I really missed out. They all had an amazing time, including my 15-year-old son, who originally didn't want to go because he thought a "tour around the Monbazillac vineyards on a scooter" would be boring.

Next time I will definitely be growing a pair and getting on with it. But at least everyone else had a fab time.

Everyone decided to have a quick drink before we headed off to lunch, so we called into Honestly, they have the friendliest waitress you could ever meet, and it's such a beautiful setting. I noticed they also do wine tastings, but unfortunately we didn't have time for one. We'll definitely be back!

Huge thanks to for putting on the Été Actif programme. So far we've done diving, horse riding, Arc Touch, trottinettes, and a nature walk, all at reduced prices. We still have more diving, quad bikes, and motocross (Emily, not me! 😂) to go. This really is a summer to remember.

28/07/2026

27/07/2026

Had a lovely time this morning taking part in a "balade découverte des plantes sauvages, comestibles et médicinales" as part of the été actif programme organised by Pays de Bergerac Tourisme

18/07/2026

We had the most amazing evening at one of FIELDS OF FLAVOUR Farm to Table events last night. Sorry the photos don't do it justice as I was so busy eating and having fun.

Everything was just perfect from start to finish, and the food was made with organic ingredients, either direct from Helen's farm or via local producers.

The evening was kicked off with delicious canapés and a glass of fizz while all the guests got to know each other. We then sat down at one long communal table, and the food was brought out – the most incredible salads, potatoes, and juicy pork. The conversation and laughter flowed as everyone complimented Helen on her delicious food. Then the desserts were brought out on serving boards. The meringue was the best I've ever tasted.

The setting at Helen's small farm is perfect too.

Guests were welcome to bring their own drinks.

Honestly, this was such a wonderful experience. She only hosts a small handful of these events during the summer, and reservations are required. I can't wait for us to return next year!

13/07/2026

I absolutely love finding pretty places when its unexpected.

One day last week we had an hour to kill so thought i'd take my daughter to try the Bergerac Skatepark 🛹

What I hadn't realised is how gorgeous the surrounding area is. The skatepark was pretty cool too

11/07/2026

Almost one year ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer.

I honestly still find it hard to believe how much has changed in that time.

Before anything else, I want to say a huge "thank you" to everyone who has supported me over the last year. Those who sent messages, checked in, or offered kind words — your support has meant a lot to me ❤️

This is a journey I never expected to be on, and it has made me look at so many things differently — my health, my priorities, and the way I want to live moving forward.

I know I haven’t posted here for a long time, but I wanted to share a little update.

I’ve decided to keep the 'Into The Vignes' page, but with a slightly different focus. As part of my healing journey, I’ve realised how important it is to find more joy in life and make time for the things that make me happy.

One of those things has always been exploring France — discovering new places, visiting beautiful villages, enjoying the scenery, food, culture and everything that makes this country such an amazing place to live.

So this page will now be where I share the places I find and the things I love about this incredible area we are lucky enough to live in.

For those of you who would like to follow the more personal side of my journey — including life after a cancer diagnosis and the holistic choices I have made around my health — I have created a new page: Thriving in France

I have also started a Substack, where I share longer, more honest reflections about living with cancer — the ups, the challenges, the things I’m learning, and everything in between.

https://substack.com/

Thank you again to everyone who has been part of this chapter. I’m very grateful ❤️

Rhiannon x

26/12/2025