One of the most valuable things you can do before buying a property in Haute-Vienne is spend a few days exploring the department properly. A viewing trip is not just about looking at houses — it is about understanding the villages, the distances, the countryside, and the lifestyle you will experience if you move there. Haute-Vienne is a diverse department. In one day you can move from vibrant Limoges to quiet farming villages, and then on to forested lakes and hills in the

A practical, on-the-ground checklist for buyers viewing homes in the Dordogne Use this checklist during viewings to compare properties objectively, avoid costly surprises, and stay focused on long-term livability , not just first impressions. 1. Location & Setting ☐ Village, hamlet or isolated countryside ☐ Year-round access (roads, lanes, winter conditions) ☐ Distance to nearest- Bakery / shop: Market town: GP / pharmacy: Hospital: ☐ Noise levels (roads, farms, tourism) ☐

Ideal for: permanent movers, retirees, renovation buyers, income projects Day 1 – Orientation & Sarlat Area Area drive around Sarlat 2–3 property viewings (move-in ready) Market visit, café stops, parking checks Evening meal locally Day 2 – Dordogne Valley Villages Focus on river villages and hillside homes View: Character stone houses Properties with terraces and views Gîte-friendly layouts Lifestyle emphasis: summer crowds vs winter calm Day 3 – Bergerac & Transport Links

Ideal for: first-time buyers, second-home owners, or a focused short trip Day 1 – Sarlat & the Dordogne Valley (Périgord Noir) Morning Base yourself near Sarlat-la-Canéda View 2–3 properties: Stone village houses Renovated farmhouses Homes with gîte potential Focus on proximity to shops, markets and year-round amenities Lunch Lunch in Sarlat’s old town to gauge year-round atmosphere (not just tourism) Afternoon Drive along the Dordogne River toward Beynac-et-Cazenac and