Kirstie had suggested that I head to Brantome before heading south, aiming for Montpellier and then up to Sardon.

She was right about Brantome, it was stunning. Brantome sits on a bend of the river Dronne that encircles a large part of the town and the steep wooded slopes form an attractive backdrop. The Benedictine Abbey on the river's edge is superb and this along with the old stone bridge, weir and pretty mill now turned into a splendid hotel and restaurant all make for a very photogenic scene and make Brantome one of the most beautiful towns of the Dordogne.

Brantome Abbey was built by Charlemagne in 769 and is the main historical highlight of the town along with its troglodyte caves including the famous cave of the 'Last Judgement'.

August and all camping areas chockablock.