January 16th, 2012 | 
Author: There’s no lovelier place to spend Saint Valentine’s Day than in the Dordogne. Why not earn ever-lasting brownie points by taking your loved one away for an extra-special weekend in one of the prettiest regions in all of France?
Imagine throwing open the shutters of your holiday let and taking in the unparalleled view of medieval architecture and rolling hills, before serving up a breakfast in bed of champagne (naturally) and sweet pastries, accompanied with red roses?
It may sound a little full-on, but France, steeped in love and passion, can turn the least romantic individual into a lovey-dovey fool. At least for the day.
Here’s are some tips for the perfect Dordogne Valentine’s Day:
The card
Legend has it that the Valentine card originated with a Frenchman – Charles, Duke of Orleans was said to have written a message to his wife on 14 February, 1415 from the Tower of London, where he had been imprisoned following the Battle of Agincourt. Consequently, the Valentine’s card, or cartes d’amities, is very popular in France and you should have no problem finding one inscribed with the perfect, albeit French, message.
Give as the French do
While the usual global conventions are followed, traditionally locals give each other homemade cookies, photo collages, love maps and gift baskets, in addition to the mandatory bouquets of flowers, talking of which…
Roses
When giving roses, apparently, the tend to adhere to symbolism associated with their colour and it’s as well to know. Red obviously means passionate love, with pink conjuring fondness. Yellow roses, however ‘mean’ infidelity.
What is Valentine’s Day without chocolate?
The gorgeous town of Perigueux boasts lots of too-good-to-pass by chocolateries, like Chocolatier Deneuville and Delices, both in Rue Limogeanne. For the more adventurous, at L’Atelier Du Chocolat, in Rue Saliniere you can not only buy delicious treats but make your own in a chocolate workshop.
A tipple or two
The Dordogne region is famed for its wine production and a leisurely trip along the Bergerac wine route in the Purple Perigord could make for a truly romantic day out. Stop for a picnic along the way and enjoy the scenery while sampling a bottle of Aquitaine’s finest.
A stroll around a garden
One of the best gardens in France, let alone the Dordogne is the Hanging Gardens of Marqueyssac and it really is a treat for the eyes. Box hedges are trimmed into amazing whorls and swirls, while the cliff top path provides stunning views of the river below. The place becomes magical at dusk, when fairy lights illuminate the paths. Quite the romantic spot.
Romantic dinner for two
As a popular holiday, restaurants across the department indulge heavily in Valentine’s Day, many decorating their establishments with hearts and flowers accordingly. A number of restaurants give couples a rose when they order a particular variety of wine. Special menus and live music make the evening complete, although you may need to book in advance to ensure a table.
The above is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg, the Dordogne offers plenty of other thoroughly romantic activities. Why not do something different for Valentine’s Day this year and discover it for yourself?
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