Eymet is where you come to "get away from it all". A picturesque bastide town nestling amongst the rolling green hills and winding rivers of the Dordogne, it is the ideal destination for a family holiday or a romantic weekend away. There's plenty to keep busy with from walks in the shade of the old defensive walls, marvelling at the quaint medieval houses or sampling local produce at the weekly market. Our collection of the best places to stay in Eymet have a charming and authentic feel, ideal for relaxing holidays.

While there is evidence of both prehistoric and Roman settlement in the area, it was only in 1270 that the town was officially founded, by Alphonse de Poitiers. The charming cobbled streets, wide market squares and beautiful medieval houses are so well-preserved that you feel as if you've stepped into a time warp. The houses and shops around the central square, for instance, date all the way back to the 13th-century, with stony-faced arched entrances and collonades. Unlike many other bastide towns, Eymet still retains much of its old defensive walls. The castle, dating from the 13th-century, is still entombed by walls, a keep and a large circular tower and is wonderful to explore for a few hours. For lunch, consider having a picnic in the wide open green grounds and soak in the enduring sunlight.

Over a quarter of the town is British, but it is easy to see why Eymet has such a large population of expats. The heat is never unbearable, the wine is aplenty and the food is utterly divine. The market held on every Thursday morning is a delight to visit - full of everything from rare objet d'art and bread to wine and cheese - and if you're staying in the summer, you can enjoy the market on a Sunday as well. As for wine, you are spoilt for choice. The Dordogne teems with amazing wineries and Eymet is no exception; consider going on a wine tour with Bergerac Wine Tours for variety and a fun day out, but if you're going solo, head to either the Chateau de Tiregand or Chateau de Monbazillac. To get a full picture of the gorgeous countryside, hire a bike and ride across the rolling green hills.

What not to miss

• Head to the market (every Thursday morning) and sample local produce, from wine to cheese.
• Explore the old castle and defensive ramparts, built in the 13th-century.
• Cycle through the gorgeous landscape of hills and vineyards by bicycle.
• Explore the Chateau de Bridoire, a castle nearby with woodland and beautiful grounds. Ideal for families, it offers traditional games to keep the kids entertained.
• Go on a wine tour and discover the produce of the region.

During the summer this is a popular spot so if you are planning a trip during those months we recommend booking ahead to ensure a room at one of the best places to stay in Eymet.

The best places to stay in Eymet

Value chic

• 52 Eymet: a charming guesthouse offering traditional, unfussy rooms - ideal for couples looking for intimacy and authenticity.

For an apartment or villa

• Our partner Booking.com has a wide range of villas and apartments.

Travel information

• Fly to Bergerac just 20km north of the town.
• If you want to rent a car, contact our partner Rentalcars.
• The best time to go is during the summer months when the temperature flits between 14 and 28 degrees.

Still not sure?

• Browse through all our properties in France recommended for wine lovers!
• Expand your search to include the best places to stay in Dordogne.
• Or contact one of our Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Eymet