THINGS TO DO IN THE VILLAGE OF VERTEILLAC, DORDOGNE: A SHORT GUIDE.
Verteillac is a small village in the north of the Dordogne, not far from the Charente border. It’s not the most obvious place to add to your Dordogne itinerary, but don’t let the size of the place fool you. Verteillac feels like a typical rural French village, and for that reason, it is well worth a little of your time to explore and enjoy the slower pace of life.
Where is Verteillac?
Verteillac sits about 40 minutes’ drive from Périgueux, the Dordogne’s capital, and an hour from Angoulême in the Charente. It’s surrounded by idyllic countryside – sunflower fields in summer, walnut groves and quiet lanes and footpaths for walking year-round.
It makes a good base if you want to explore both Dordogne and Charente without staying in a big town.
When to Visit
Summer: Best for the marchés nocturnes (night markets) and lazy afternoons by the pool. But, note that August is the busiest period of the year.
Spring and Autumn: Quieter, with pleasant weather for countryside walks and exploring the brocante.
Winter: Life slows down, but the essentials (like the bakery and cafes stay open).
Expect a much more local vibe outside of July and August.
Where to Stay
There’s a hotel which has recently opened in the heart of the village – Les Papillons. This is an ideal place to stay if you want to be in the action and able to walk to restaurants and the market.
Outside of the village, there are plenty of pretty guesthouses with outdoor space, like Maison Blanche.
Alternatively, there’s a campsite, Camping Dordogne, within walking distance of the village which offers space for tents or glamping options.
Things to Do in Verteillac
Start at the Bakery
Every good French village has its bakery, and Verteillac is no exception. The boulangerie here is the morning hub of village life – the place to pick up a still-warm baguette, croissants, or a slice of something sweet for later on.
Eat, drink and be merry at the Night Market
In July and August, Verteillac’s night markets transform the main square. Stalls set up selling everything from duck breast and sausages to crêpes and cheese, and communal tables fill with locals and visitors. Expect music and dancing late into the evening.
Hunt for Treasures at the Brocante
Once a month on a Sunday, Verteillac hosts one of the region’s best-loved brocantes. Antique hunters, collectors, and curious browsers descend on the village to search for treasures – enamel jugs, rustic tables, stacks of books, old records, vintage linens.
Dine in the Village
For a small place, Verteillac has a good choice of restaurants and cafés. Expect hearty, local food, duck, confit, steaks, and seasonal produce, often served in generous portions.
For coffee, or indeed pastis, La Calice is one of the most popular spots with a great vantage point. La Cour des Miracles is a top-rated restaurant for lunch or supper, it occupies a quieter spot on the corner of the square.
Browse the Bookstore
A newer arrival on the high street, Verteillac’s independent bookshop is a welcome addition. Inside are books to browse, and the outdoor tables offer an alternative spot to linger.
Shop in the supermarket tardis
It might sound odd to include a supermarket in a travel guide, but this one in Verteillac, owned by Monsieur Merlaud, deserves it.
From the outside, it looks like a small village store. Step inside, though, and it just keeps going and going. You’ll even find mattresses in here. But for most travellers, it’s worth a visit to collect a few bottles of wine and local gourmet specialities, like confit de canard.
Take a Walk
The surrounding countryside is perfect for walkers.
From the village, head towards the campsite and turn off onto trails shaded by trees and showcasing some of the prettiest rural scenes.
Swim at the Municipal Pool
On hot summer days, the municipal pool, just outside the village, is a welcome escape. It’s simple and affordable, with plenty of space to swim.
Where else in France?
You can find more travel guides for France below.
- How to spend one day in Issigeac
- Lille
- Aubeterre Sur Dronne
- Visiting Food Markets in France: A guide for the best ones
- How to spend one day in Périgueux
- Things to do in Riberac
- Things to do in Verteillac
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
British travel writer and long-distance hiker, native to Kent. Emma has walked the Camino de Santiago more than ten times, completed trails across Europe from the Corfu Trail to the Fisherman’s Trail, and covered thousands of kilometres on foot. She always writes from first-hand experience. Her goal? Inspire just one person to go on their first long-distance hike.
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