Les Eyzies de Tayac, situated in the heart of the Vezere Valley, an unspoilt area of great natural beauty with rolling hills, tranquil rivers and fascinating cliff and rock formations It is home to the world’s most beautiful caves and some with outstanding crystallisations. Les Eyzies is the home to the National Prehistoric Museum which houses one of the world’s most complete collections of prehistoric artefacts.

Friday, November 28, 2008

The REAL Vezere Valley

Dordogne Design has just launched a stunning new site that shows off the Vezere Valley in the Dordogne like you have never seen it before.
Beautiful photo's taken on Walking Dordogne's famous trips exploring the Vezere Valley.



For more info visit : http://www.thevezerevalley.com/

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Accommodation Les Eyzies


In the early 12th century 6 Monks from the Monastery of Paunat were travelling between Monasteries when one of the Monks became very ill, they set up camp in Tayac near a water source. The monk was dieing, but miraculously healed after drinking the water from the "Tayac Source". To the Monks of Paunat this was a "Sign" and round about 1123 they started building the magnificent and fortified church of Tayac, they called it "St Martin". At the same time, the Monks of Paunat started working the land in this lush Vezere valley, they built the farmhouse / monastery, which is now "Ferme de Tayac" that has been completely renovated, and is now a lovely B&B opposite the church. For hundreds of years the Monks lived here and worked the lands, bit by bit houses were built against the rock. The water from the "Tayac Source" was taken to other surrounding Monasteries, for it's healing powers, Tayac was thriving. Two centuries later, things took a turn, wars were breaking out, armies were constantly attacking areas and strongholds. Religion and all that went with it lost it's power, and very slowly the life in and around Tayac became what it is today. St. Martin still stands proud, and is without doubt the nicest Fortified Church in the Perigord, the "Tayac Source" is still there, although no longer in use.


fermedt1600


Most people visiting the Vezere and Dordogne Valley have an interest in history, so why not stay a few nights in an historic B&B in the heart of it all?. B&B Ferme de Tayac, a 12th century former farmhouse / monastery ideally situated in Les Eyzies de Tayac, in the heart of the Vezere Valley, known as the "Prehistoric Capital of the World" B&B Ferme de Tayac is a must place to stay if you are visiting the Dordogne, since it officially opened to the public 2 years ago, it has been rated the #1 B&B accommodation both years running. B&B Ferme de Tayac is a 12th Century former Monastery farmhouse, lived in and run by the Monks who owned and worked the land for hundreds of years. Located in the heart of the Vezere Valley in the picturesque small village of Tayac, just 8 minutes walk from the center of Les Eyzies. In 2001 Suzanne & Mike purchased Ferme de Tayac after it had been unoccupied for over 10 years. It was in a sorry state, and was deemed dangerous and a hazzard. It took Suzanne & Mike 7 years to bring Ferme de Tayac back to it's former glory. With among other things, meter thick walls, rooms built into solid rock, oak beam structures, and bedrooms in former monks quarters make Ferme de Tayac a speacial and very unique place to stay whilst visiting the Dordogne, and it is not hard to see why Ferme de Tayac has been the travellers choice of accommodation for 2 years. For more and updated info on Ferme de Tayac please visit their official web site http://www.fermedetayac.com/



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fdt5600


Read travellers reviews about Ferme de Tayac: Travellers Reviews Ferme de Tayac



Thursday, October 30, 2008

Les Eyzies Info excellent and informative

Planning a visit to Les Eyzies de Tayac or the Vezere or Dordogne Valley? then leseyzies.info is definitely a site you should take a look at.Find out what and where the main attractions are, when to go, when not to go, history, accommodation, les eyzies and dordogne related articles and lots of other useful info every visitor should know before they visit the area.
More than 450.000 years our ancestors chose and settled in the Vezere Valley .. thats correct, Les Eyzies de Tayac is where our ancestors called home, and it was here that in 1868 the link between Prehistoric Man, and Modern Man was discoverd.




The Vézère valley contains 147 prehistoric sites dating from the Palaeolithic and 25 decorated caves. It is particularly interesting from an ethnological and anthropological, as well as an aesthetic point of view because of its cave paintings, especially those of the Lascaux Cave, whose discovery in 1940 was of great importance for the history of prehistoric art. The hunting scenes show some 100 animal figures, which are remarkable for their detail, rich colours and lifelike quality.
The Vezere Valley and Les Eyzies should be on everyone's wish list, but it is only the lucky ones that actually make it back.


For more info : http://www.leseyzies.info/





Thursday, October 16, 2008

Dordogne SEO a MUST for everyone with a web site



Is your Internet Marketing in shambles? Does anyone know how to find your site? Need more targeted traffic? We can help!
Having a nice web site promoting your business is extremely important, but, unless it is high on the search engines, so that potential customers can actually find your site, it's pretty much useless, a bit like having a nice sports car, but no petrol.The average person will spend on average about 600 Euro for a web site, 200 Euro per year for domain and hosting, 150 on advertising costs, and lot's of free time but most people do not spend any time or money on having their site optimized.
Anyone serious about a meaningful online business presence needs Search Engine Optimization Services also referred to as SEO Services . With millions of web sites designed and published everyday in all kind of languages and topics, a long term and sustainable internet marketing strategy is crucial. There is no doubt that the following statement is true: An optimized web site, with SEO web design in mind, generates more internet traffic thus driving more leads, phone calls and sales which translate in revenue.
Have your site optimized now, and start making your site work for you, rather than you working for your site.

For more info visit: www.complete-seo.com


Sunday, September 14, 2008

Dordogne Link Directory .. Linking the Dordogne



Dordogne Link Directory is a link directory for all and any Dordogne related links. Add your link 100% FREE, all we ask for is a link back to our site.
This directory is a very good way to advertise your business, and get your link seen by potential customers world wide 24 / 7 / 365

For everyone that is serious about having their site completely optimized for the search engines, there is "Premium Dordogne Sites"

Key facts and for the Dordogne figures from 1 March 2007


  • over 3.1 million tourists
  • Average length of stay (all accommodation): 10 days
  • Representing almost 31 million nights' accommodation
  • A direct turnover of at least 980 million euros
  • Over 6,000 permanent jobs in tourism (6900 in July & Aug.)

    Tourism in the Dordogne represents over 31% of the local economy

    More facts and figures.
  • 77% booked part of their vacation online. (airline, ferry, rental car etc)
  • 93% of visitors researched the area online before visiting.
  • 71 % of visitors booked accommodation online

    5 years ago, these figures would have all been below 30%, and 10 years ago they would have all been below 3%, however, in 3 year time they will ALL be above 90%
    These figures show that anyone serious about running a business, must make the most from the internet.


    For more info visit: http://www.dordognelinkdirectory.com/

    Please forward this to everyone you know in the Dordogne, they will thank you for it.






    Sunday, August 24, 2008

    Self guided hikes in the Vezere and Dordogne valley


    Walking Dordogne has posted on their web site that as of next spring they will have 5 self-guided hikes, all of about 30km, however the hikes can be combined to create much longer or shorter hikes.
    Walking Dordogne will supply the walkers with a detailed map and a hand held GPS with all the routes incl. places of interest, places to eat / drink, accommodation if needed and lots more.

    Details about the hikes, or prices were not mentioned on their site.

    The original article can be found here: http://walkingdordogne.com/wdnews/

    Tuesday, July 8, 2008

    Tayac de Les Eyzies

    Tayac, the tiny but very picturesque village just 10 min. walk from the center of Les Eyzies is often overlooked by the majority of visitors passing through Les Eyzies.
    Up untill the early 1900's Les Eyzies de Tayac was simply known as "Tayac". Tayac is more than 600 years older than Les Eyzies.
    Tayac is historically extremely rich, it was not just the roaming grounds of our Prehistoric ancestors, but the Celts , Romans and Gauls all left their markings on the area.

    In the early 12th century 6 Monks from the Monastery of Paunat were travelling between Monasteries when one of the Monks became very ill, they set up camp in Tayac near a water source. The monk was dieing, but miraculously healed after drinking the water from the "Tayac Source". To the Monks of Paunat this was a "Sign" and round about 1123 they started building the magnificent and fortified church of Tayac, they called it "St Martin".
    At the same time, the Monks of Paunat started working the land in this lush Vezere valley, they built the farmhouse / monastery, which is now "Ferme de Tayac" that has been completely renovated, and is now a lovely B&B opposite the church.
    For hundreds of years the Monks lived here and worked the lands, bit by bit houses were built against the rock.
    The water from the "Tayac Source" was taken to other surrounding Monasteries, for it's healing powers, Tayac was thriving.
    Two centuries later, things took a turn, wars were breaking out, armies were constantly attacking areas and strongholds. Religion and all that went with it lost it's power, and very slowly the life in and around Tayac became what it is today. St. Martin still stands proud, and is without doubt the nicest Fortified Church in the Perigord, the "Tayac Source" is still there, although no longer in use.

    During construction for a railroad in 1868, a rock shelter in a limestone cliff was uncovered. Near the back of the shelter, an occupation floor was recognized, and when excavated, it revealed the remains of four adult skeletons, one infant, and some fragmentary bones. The Link between Prehistoric Man and Modern Man had been found in Tayac.





    Recommended accommodation in Les Eyzies de Tayac:

    Ferme de Tayac B&B in 12th Century former farmhouse / monasteryB&B Ferme de Tayac : www.fermedetayac.com Lovely B&B in a 12th Century former farmhouse / monastery opposite the fortified church of St. Martin

    Sunday, July 6, 2008

    Experience Life as a Cro-Magnon

    Why does Walking Dordogne have the most unique, and exciting trips and tours?. It's because YOU decide what you would like to do, see or visit.
    Again they have listened to their customers, and thanks to all your feedback they have created yet another unique experience. I say experience, because it is just that, it's not a trip or a tour, Walking Dordogne is giving you the chance to experience what it was like to be a Cro Magnon about 35.000 years ago.


    You will spend 3 days and 2 nights living as a Cro Magnon, you will sleep in (a) real prehistoric cave(s), you will be dressed in clothes made of hide and fur just like a real Cro Magnon, you will fish using a traditional (made by yourself ) fishing harpoon, you will have to find and prepare your food with tools made by yourself, you will be taught how to make your own fire, and how to survive using the same methods our ancestors used 1000's of years ago. You will hunt and gather food as a team. This is the closest you will ever get to basics, and you will be talking about this experience for the rest of your life... Guaranteed !!



    More Info:

    • You will be stripped of ALL modern day mod cons, and will start the experience with only the Cro Magnon clothes we supply you with.
    • Your "home" for 3 days and 2 nights will be in caves situated in 30 Hectares of (private) rugged land with the Vezere River running through it.
    • Your "Guide" will teach you everything you will need to know, and more, on how to "become" and survive as a Cro Magnon.
    • You will hunt, fish and gather food, but the hunting will be symbolic, NO real animals will be killed, all the animals will be fake, but you will still have to find and hunt them, and you will be supplied with the real stuff ( venison, wild boar, rabbit and pigeon) depending on what fake animals you kill. The fish however will be real, but limited to one fish per person per day, thats if you can catch them.
    • You will be taught everything about our ancestors the Cro Magnon, why and how they settled in this region, and putting an end to the Neanderthal existence.


    This experience is ideal for the whole family, but there is a minimum age of 12 for the kids. (younger if you book as a whole group of 6+ ) The groups will be a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8.

    This experience is not suitable for vegetarians.

    This experience will be for April, May, June, September and October and takes place on Private land somewhere near Les Eyzies de Tayac in the Vezere Valley


    For more info: www.walkingdordogne.com/wdnews
    or the official website
    http://www.walkingdordogne.com/




    Your home for 3 days and 2 nights

    Wednesday, June 18, 2008

    Les Eyzies Tourist .info

    An excellent and very informative new website has been launched by de Paulus and Dordogne Design, that promotes Les Eyzies and the surrounding area.

    History, Towns & Villages, Tourist Attractions, Useful info and lots more, make this a very nice site

    They have added an excellent "Photo Gallery" of some of Les Eyzies and Dordogne's main spots, this is definitely worth a look.

    There is also a Free link exchange directory, for anyone with a Dordogne related buisness or website.

    And, why not send a Les Eyzies de Tayac Ecard to your Friends & Family, you can do it from the
    website



    For more info visit: http://www.leseyzies-tourist.info/


    Sunday, May 18, 2008

    Certified guide to historic Vezere Valley

    Bart Vranken
    Guide Interprete National


    La Combe 24620 Les Eyzies France
    tel. : +33.(0)5.53.35.56.27 mob. : +33.(0)6.83.29.59.45
    e-mail : bvranken@aol.com

    0 30.01.1961 St. Amandsberg Belgium

    Degrees in Prehistory, History, Art-history and Philosophy
    (Chicago Art Institute – U.S., Rijksuniversiteit Gent –
    Belgium, Universite de Bordeaux 1 – France).

    “Guide Interprete National” Prehistory, History, Art-history,
    Licence-card no : G.N. 02.24.09 Archeology, Architecture,
    Landscapes, Nature.
    Guide, Interpreter, Lecturer.
    Independent and autonomous :
    Nederlands, English, no URSSAF : 240 266393362
    Francais, Deutsch. no SIRET : 389 314 360 00022

    Duration, means of transport, themes and sites of your excursion
    can be customized to your wishes.

    Ref. : “Finally, my particular thanks to historian Bart Vranken for
    his invaluable insights, and for his companionship while tramping
    through little-known and neglected ruins of the Perigord.”
    Michael Crichton, in “Timeline”
    : Acknowledgments, p. 446.

    Wednesday, March 19, 2008

    Dordogne Design, Putting Dordogne on the web.

    http://www.dordognedesign.com/

    We specialize in web sites for the Dordogne region. We know how extremely difficult it is to get your name or business onto the search engines. We do not just design web sites, we help you get your site seen by potential customers from around the world.




    Designing a web site is the easiest part, getting people to find your site amongst the more than 92 Billion!! (indexed by google in 2006) sites can be tricky and very expensive.
    I have designed more than 20 Dordogne related sites to help advertise your web site after it has been launched.

    Let Dordogne Design put you on the web, can you afford not to?



    Here are some stats that show the importance of a web site:


    Key facts and figures from 1 March 2007



    • Over 3.1 million tourists


    • Average length of stay (all accommodation): 10 days


    • Representing almost 31 million nights’ accommodation


    • A direct turnover of at least 980 million euros


    • Over 6,000 permanent jobs in tourism (6900 in July & Aug.)


    • Tourism in the Dordogne represents over 31% of the local economy


    More facts and figures.



    • 77% booked part of their vacation online. (airline, ferry, rental car etc)


    • 93% of visitors researched the area online before visiting.


    • 71 % of visitors booked accommodation online


    5 years ago, these figures would have all been below 30%, and 10 years ago they would have all been below 3%, however, in 3 year time they will ALL be above 90%


    These figures show the importance of a web site, and no one can design, host, advertize and optimize your dordogne related site better than Dordogne Design .
    Dordogne Design, owned by de Paulus who knows how to put the Dordogne and your site / buisness on the web.
    With more than 20 Dordogne related web sites that are already high on the mayor Search Engines list are ready to advertise your site.
    Advertising a site designed by Dordogne Design on all our parent sites is FREE, saving you hundreds of Euro's, and focusing only on the Dordogne which will attract only people that are searching for Dordogne related sites.

    Dordogne Design does not design web sites for a living, which means the prices are as low as you will ever find, and your web site is a de Paulus Project, which means he will always be there for you whenever you need help or advice.
    Get in touch with Dordogne Design and see what they can do for you... Can you afford not to?

    www.dordognedesign.com

    Tuesday, February 26, 2008

    Hiking & Exploring the Vezere Valley

    Hiking & Exploring

    The Vezere Valley in the "Perigord Noir" is with it's more than 250 UNESCO sites of interest, the undisputed "Prehistoric Capital of the World". Prehistoric dwellings, caves, rock shelters and lots more, most of which are only accessible on foot.
    However, Dordogne has much more to offer than just relics from the Prehistoric era, castles, bastides, medieval towns & villages, all of these,and lots more, all in the stunning and amazing scenery the Dordogne is famous for, hills, cliffs, windy rivers, great weather, friendly locals, and lots more make the Dordogne one of the most interesting and exciting places in the world.

    Walking Dordogne takes you to all the well kept secrets that are only accessible on foot, horse or canoe. To see the "Real Dordogne" you will have to get off the roads, and on the tracks. Let us take you back, to the places our ancestors called "home" more than 460000 years ago.
    We will take you on unforgettable trips to places that are remote, and seen only by a few lucky people, places of interest that are not mentioned on any maps or in any guide books. We will take you back in time to caves, shelters, dwellings and troglodytes hidden away by time and forgotten about.

    more info: http://www.vezerevalley.info/ or http://www.walkingdordogne.com/