Our first trip to the Dordogne will always stay in my heart.

It was just after our wedding, so we were still in that happy, glowing “newlywed” bubble — and we decided to make it our little honeymoon.

We booked a stay at Le Clos du Peintre, a small chambre d’hôte just outside Sarlat-la-Canéda, and it turned out to be exactly what we needed: quiet, romantic, and perfectly located for exploring the Dordogne Valley as honeymooners.

Where Is This Chambre d’Hôte Located?

Le Clos du Peintre is located only a 5-minute drive from Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of the most famous medieval towns in the Dordogne.

(Nouvelle-Aquitaine, southwest France). This region is famous for its medieval villages, castles perched on cliffs, prehistoric caves, the Dordogne River winding through the countryside, and one of the best cuisine in France (cuisine means food).

If this is the first time you hear about the Dordogne Valley, make sure to check out my guide about how to get here before planning!

Staying here means you’re perfectly positioned to explore both Sarlat’s cobblestoned streets and the wider Dordogne — without giving up peace and quiet at the end of the day.

Parking in Sarlat, however, can be tricky in summer. Luckily, the hosts showed us a shortcut walking path that cuts through a neighborhood and a little forest. At a relaxed pace, we could reach the old town in about 20 minutes on foot.

What I liked: being so close to Sarlat without being in the middle of the busy center.
What’s less practical: the area is hilly, so while the walk is lovely, it isn’t the easiest without a car.

👉 Accessibility note: All the rooms are on the ground floor, making them suitable for guests with reduced mobility. However, the walk into town would not be realistic for those with mobility challenges.

The Hosts & Atmosphere

Le Clos du Peintre is family-owned.

The hosts weren’t constantly present, which some travelers might miss, but for us, it worked perfectly. We had all the privacy we wanted, and whenever we asked, they gave us excellent local tips — including restaurant recommendations that turned out to be spot-on.

If your main goal is to spend time chatting with locals, this may not be the most social chambre d’hôte.

But if you want a balance of privacy and friendly advice, it’s just right.

Rooms & Suites: Our Private Garden Retreat

Le Clos du Peintre has only a handful of rooms, from simple doubles to suites. We chose a suite with a private garden, and it instantly felt like our own little hideaway.

The first thing I noticed was the baldaquin bed — I’ve always dreamed of sleeping in one, and it was every bit as romantic as I hoped. The suite was also equipped with air conditioning, which was a blessing during the July heat, and a modern, spotless bathroom (always one of my non-negotiables when booking).

What I loved: the sense of space, the private garden where we could sit in the evening with a glass of wine, and the calm atmosphere.
What I didn’t love as much: the décor is fairly simple, not luxurious, but honestly the comfort more than made up for it.

Breakfast with a View

Breakfast here is one of those little rituals that makes your stay.

Served outdoors on the terrace overlooking the pool, it’s the kind of setting where you can linger with coffee and fresh bread while the day slowly begins.

Unlike many French chambres d’hôtes that only offer a croissant and coffee, this buffet breakfast was surprisingly generous: breads, pastries, fruit, yogurt, cereals, even savory bites. For me, it felt like the perfect balance of French tradition and practical variety.

The Pool & Gardens: Almost Just for Us

Every afternoon after sightseeing, we would come back and swim — and most of the time, we had the pool almost entirely to ourselves.

That little detail made our stay feel special, like we’d stumbled on a private oasis.

The pool is surrounded by a leafy garden, with trees and flowers that keep the space calm and shaded.

I also appreciated the design of the building itself: although it’s modern, it was built in traditional Dordogne style so it blends into the countryside beautifully.

Unique Experiences

One of the best parts of staying near Sarlat is how much there is to see and do nearby. From Le Clos du Peintre, you can easily reach some of the Dordogne’s highlights:

Prehistoric caves: If you’re interested in history, the Lascaux caves (about 40 minutes away) are world-famous for their prehistoric paintings.

Explore Sarlat-la-Canéda: Wander the medieval streets, visit the lively Saturday market, and climb the panoramic lift of the Sainte-Marie Church for rooftop views.

Visit Dordogne castles: Château de Beynac, Château de Castelnaud, and the fairy-tale Château des Milandes are all less than 30 minutes away.

Discover “Les Plus Beaux Villages de France”: Villages like La Roque-Gageac, Domme, and Beynac-et-Cazenac are picture-perfect and full of history.

Canoe on the Dordogne River: A must-do in summer — paddle past castles, limestone cliffs, and sandy beaches.

Or simply take a boat ride on one of the most beautiful rivers I have ever seen!

Who This Hotel Is Best For

From my experience, Le Clos du Peintre is perfect if you are:

• A couple looking for a romantic stay near Sarlat (choose a suite for more space and privacy).
• A traveler with a car, planning to explore the Dordogne Valley.
• Someone who values comfort, peace, and a pool without paying château-hotel prices.

Final Thoughts: Our Stay at Le Clos du Peintre

Le Clos du Peintre isn’t a luxury château-hotel, but that’s exactly its charm. It’s a comfortable, mid-range guesthouse in Dordogne with everything you need: cozy rooms, a pool, generous breakfast, and a location close to Sarlat.

For us, it was the perfect introduction to the region. We spent mornings sipping coffee by the pool, afternoons wandering through medieval streets, and evenings returning to our suite with its garden and that dreamy baldaquin bed. It felt calm, personal, and wonderfully romantic — exactly what we hoped for our mini honeymoon.

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