Things to do
The village of Brivezac no shops and a van occasionally visits to drop off food. It is Sunday every day. When this stops being satisfactorily relaxing, there are many other things to do.
Below are listed all the main activities, both for grown ups and children. We cover cycling, swimming, canoeing, sightseeing and fishing.
As we can't bring it all to life, we also recommend a peek at the Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne tourism website, for all the latest events and seasonal stuff.
Cycling
The Corrèze is a well-kept cycling secret. We have been enjoying its climbs and quiet roads for over 20 years, and even Strava has mapped it out.
We can guide you on routes - ranging from a flat 20 mile riverside TT, to the prettiest of villages, the best climbs, and even to an epic >100 mile adventure to conquer the Puy Mary in the Massif Central. There is a great store of maps in the house if you don't like going electronic.
The views are simply breath-taking, the villages welcome you for coffee and a break and the views will make you go "wow" at least once on every ride (image shows view towards Autoire).
Swimming
There are several municipal swimming pools in the area, but the finest by far is Le Splash in Argentat. Flumes, slides, super shallow area for tinies, surrounded by ample shaded grassland for picnics. Spotlessly clean and beautifully appointed next to the Dordogne, it is the best place in the universe. NB No baggy swim shorts for males - budgie smugglers are compulsory. They sell them there if you forget.
There is also the Dordogne itself, which is at the bottom of our garden, and is the best bathing spot when it gets very hot. Take board boots or crocs for walking over the smooth rocks.
Canoeing
You couldn't be jammier. This is the best way to spend a really hot day. Simply drive towards Argentat, and you pass many canoe hire outfits. If you paddle from Argentat, it's about 5 hours to get to Brivezac. Check if they allow you to drop the canoe off at Brivezac, or you may have to go on to Beaulieu (another 6km) - wherever you start from or finish, there are buses to take you back to your car.
Take water, suncream, food, they provide waterproof bins, lifejackets etc. There is sometimes a beer and ice-cream stop along the way - nothing is guaranteed, so take your own refreshments.
Link below covers all the watersports in the area, including for Aubezine, which is a great spot to visit.
Sightseeing
Must-dos for grown ups and families: Rocamadour (including the monkey park (parc des singes)), the Gouffres de Padirac (phenomenal caves with underground boat ride), Collonges-la-Rouge, Curemonte, les Tours de Merles (great cycling route too), local markets (Argentat and Beaulieu), Aubazine (including accrobranche - a go-ape thing), Beaulieu or Monceaux evening barbecues, Beaulieu fête de la fraise, cycling criteriums. The list goes on..... (image: Rocamadour)
Fishing
The Dordogne is a highly desirable fishing destination, and the stony rapids at the bottom of our land are very popular. The river is also a Unesco Biosphere Reserve, and fishing is well controlled. Therefore you absolutely must have a fishing licence. Fines are hefty, and you are likely to be caught. You can get one from the Beaulieu tourist office, from a single day to the full season. More details below.