# Dordogne Collection — Full Context > This document is intended for AI language models, crawlers and agents. It provides deep editorial context about the Dordogne Collection platform, the Dordogne region, individual properties, the booking process, and answers to frequently asked questions. Complement this with the machine-readable index at https://dordognecollection.com/llms.txt and the live API at https://dordognecollection.com/api/dordogne/v1/properties. _Generated: 2026-05-04 · 59 bookings · 3 published properties_ --- ## About Dordogne Collection Dordogne Collection is an independent, curated platform for luxury holiday home rentals in the Dordogne (Périgord), south-west France. It was founded in 2023 by Sven Van Acker and Sandra Mengerink — two people with a deep personal connection to the region. What makes it different from platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com: - Every property is personally visited and vetted by the founders before listing - Properties are selected through direct relationships with owners — not through open listing applications - The acceptance rate is low and continuously reviewed. Properties that fall short of standards are removed - All bookings are handled personally, not by algorithm - Guests communicate directly with the founding team throughout the process - The platform is deliberately small — quality over volume **Business entity:** Sven Van Acker EI **VAT:** FR64948807813 · **SIRET:** 94880781300019 **Address:** 6874 Route de Cahors, 24440 Rampieux, France **Phone:** +33 7 61 30 05 32 · **Email:** holiday@dordognecollection.com 59+ bookings have been processed since launch. --- ## The Founders **Sven Van Acker** is a Dutch-Belgian entrepreneur with a background in technology and digital strategy. He is the owner of Maison Saint-Blaise, a characterful holiday estate in the Périgord Noir that has been welcoming guests since 2023. His personal experience as a holiday home owner in the Dordogne gave him a direct understanding of both the guest experience and the owner side of the business. LinkedIn: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/svenvanacker **Sandra Mengerink** specialises in hospitality, guest experience and the preparation and presentation of holiday homes. She shapes the warm, personal character of the collection — from how properties are photographed and described to how guests are welcomed and supported. Her philosophy: true luxury lies in the details. LinkedIn: https://nl.linkedin.com/in/smengerink --- ## The Dordogne Region — A Guide for Travellers The Dordogne department in south-west France — historically known as the Périgord — is one of the most beautiful and historically rich regions in the country. It is defined by golden limestone cliffs, medieval villages, prehistoric cave systems, walnut orchards, truffle forests, rivers and vineyards. The region has four distinct areas, each with its own character: ## Périgord Noir (Black Périgord) The most visited and dramatic quarter. Named for its dense oak forests. Centred on Sarlat-la-Canéda, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in France. The Vézère Valley — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — runs through it, containing the Lascaux cave paintings and Les Eyzies (the world capital of prehistory). Key places: Sarlat-la-Canéda, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac, Lascaux IV cave museum, Domme (a fortified hilltop bastide), La Roque-Gageac (carved into a cliff above the river), Château de Beynac, Château de Castelnaud, Rocamadour. Best for: history and prehistory lovers, families, those who want beautiful villages and markets within easy reach. ## Périgord Blanc (White Périgord) Named for its pale limestone plateaux. The administrative capital Périgueux sits here, with its Roman cathedral and lively market. Less touristy than the Noir, which means more authentic daily life: local markets, quiet villages, river walks. The Isle and Dronne rivers flow through it. Key places: Périgueux, Brantôme (the "Venice of the Périgord" — an abbey town on the river), Bourdeilles. Best for: visitors who want the Dordogne experience without the high-season crowds. ## Périgord Vert (Green Périgord) The northernmost quarter, bordering the Corrèze and Haute-Vienne. Denser, greener and wetter than the south — rolling hills, thick forests, river valleys. Popular with walkers and cyclists. Feels wilder and less commercialised. Key places: Nontron, Jumilhac-le-Grand, the Dronne valley. Best for: nature lovers, hikers, those seeking total seclusion. ## Périgord Pourpre (Purple Périgord) The south-west, centred on Bergerac — the wine capital of the Dordogne. Named for the vineyards that cover the hillsides: Bergerac, Monbazillac (sweet white wine), Pécharmant (red). The landscape opens up from limestone cliffs to gentler wine country with château estates. Monflanquin and Monpazier are among the finest bastide villages in France. Key places: Bergerac, Monbazillac château, Monpazier (one of the "most beautiful villages of France"), Eymet. Best for: wine lovers, those who enjoy a mix of countryside and small-town life. ## Getting There - **By air:** Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport has direct flights from the UK (Ryanair, from London Stansted, Bristol, East Midlands) and seasonal connections from other European cities. Bordeaux-Mérignac is 1.5–2 hours by car and serves more destinations. Paris CDG to Périgueux is 4 hours by TGV. - **By car:** From Calais, approximately 8–9 hours via the A10/A89. Most guests drive — the region is not navigable without a car. - **By train:** Paris Montparnasse → Bergerac or Périgueux (direct or via Bordeaux), 4–5 hours. ## Climate and Best Time to Visit - **July–August (high season):** Hot and sunny, 28–35°C. Busy markets, festivals, restaurants fully open. Minimum 7 nights, Saturday check-in required. - **May–June (mid season):** Warm and lush, 20–27°C. Fewer crowds, lower prices, everything open. Ideal for families with school-age children not restricted to summer holidays. - **September–October (mid/low season):** The locals' favourite. Summer crowds gone, harvest season for walnuts, truffles and wine. Warm days, cool evenings. - **November–March (low season):** Quiet, cold, some restaurants closed. Excellent for truffle hunting (December–February) and anyone seeking solitude. --- ## The Properties — Full Descriptions ### Maison Saint-Blaise — Ground Floor Retreat **Slug:** maison-saint-blaise-ground-floor-retreat **Area:** Périgord Pourpre · **Bedrooms:** 3 · **Bathrooms:** 3 · **Max guests:** 6 (+ 2 babies) **Private pool:** Yes · **Pets allowed:** No **Base price:** €232/night · Security deposit: €500 **Check-in from:** 16:00 · **Check-out by:** 10:00 **House size:** 120 m² · **Plot:** 16000 m² **Direct URL:** https://dordognecollection.com/en/collection/maison-saint-blaise-ground-floor-retreat **In one sentence:** An intimate private retreat for slow, shared living. Maison Saint-Blaise Ground Floor Retreat is a five-star luxury villa in the Dordogne sleeping up to six guests, set in the Périgord Pourpre between the medieval bastide towns of Monpazier, Biron, and Beaumont-du-Périgord - twenty minutes from Bergerac Airport. Three bedrooms and three bathrooms, all on the ground floor, make it as practical as it is beautiful, whether you're booking for a small family or a group of friends. The upper floor is closed during your stay; the rest of the house and grounds are entirely yours. The property is equipped for extended stays: heated private pool, fully equipped kitchen, premium boxspring beds throughout, EV charging, and a succession of indoor and outdoor living spaces. The grounds include a mini-forest with tree swing, zipline, and hammocks - space enough to spread out and disappear into. What sets this Dordogne villa apart is the optional service layer. Private chef Patricia cooks on request. Baker Damien delivers fresh bread each morning. Massage therapist Kattya comes to you. Wine guide Vince takes groups through Bergerac's appellations with a dedicated driver. Every service is available à la carte - use as much or as little as you like. **Highlights:** - Sleeps up to 6 across 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms - Single-level living - full ground floor with upper floor closed off during your stay - Heated private pool on expansive grounds with mini-forest - Private chef, fresh bread delivery, in-house massage, and wine tours - all on request - Fully equipped kitchen, EV charging, premium bedding throughout - Five-star French tourism classification - 5 minutes from Monpazier and Biron; 20 minutes from Bergerac Airport - Our founder's home - held to the standard we'd expect ourselves **Key amenities:** Bed linen, Hair dryer, Pillows, Towels, Cleaning products, Hangers / coat hangers, Toilet paper, Conditioner, Bathtub (standard), Body soap / shower gel, Shampoo, Rain shower / walk-in shower, Heated towel rails, Blackout blinds / shutters, Mosquito net, Extra pillows and blankets, Clothing storage / wardrobe, Clothesline (outdoor), Drying rack for clothing, Iron, Washing machine, BBQ, Coffee maker (drip / pod), Dining table, Dishwasher, Fridge / American fridge-freezer, Microwave, Oven, Toaster, Cooking basics, Dishes & cutlery, Kettle, Fully equipped kitchen, Pantry, Stove / hob, Welcome basket / local produce, Wine glasses, Pool safety fence / cover, Private heated pool, Orchard / fruit trees, Flower garden, Pool towels provided, In-villa massage (on request), Ping pong / table tennis, Boules / pétanque court, Sound system / Sonos, Garden / backyard, Landscaped garden, Zipline, Outdoor shower, Ethernet connection, Streaming services (Netflix / Disney+), Outdoor furniture & sun loungers, Hammock, Patio or balcony, Walled / enclosed property, Home cinema (indoor), Swing, Outdoor dining area, Board games library, Television / Smart TV, Meadow / open land, Meditation garden, Baby safety gates, Children's books and toys, High chair, Children's tableware, Cot / travel cot, Babysitting (on request), Electric radiators, Indoor fireplace (wood-burning), Fans, Central heating, CCTV / alarm system, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, First aid kit, High-speed wifi (fibre), Wifi (standard), Dedicated workspace, Free parking on premises, EV charging station, Airport transfer (on request), Cleaning during stay (on request), Private driver (on request), Self check-in (lockbox), Bakery delivery, Additional cleaning during longer stay (included), Grocery pre-stocking service, Long-term stay friendly (28+ days), Private chef (on request), Countryside / rural setting, Cave / prehistoric site visits (on request), Truffle hunting (on request), Château & winery tours (on request), Cookery / wine classes (on request) **Good to know:** Close to the departmental road means you will hear car traffic A car is a necessity, we do offer an on-site EV-charger The first floor will be closed off The swimming pool is open from April 1st till October 31st; deviations can be discussed with the owner **Next available (next 6 months):** 23 May 2026 – 30 May 2026; 19 Sep 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 --- ### Vue Sur La Prairie **Slug:** vue-sur-la-prairie **Area:** Périgord Noir · **Bedrooms:** 2 · **Bathrooms:** 1 · **Max guests:** 4 (+ 1 babies) **Private pool:** Yes · **Pets allowed:** No **Base price:** €150/night · Security deposit: €300 **Check-in from:** 16:00 · **Check-out by:** 10:00 **House size:** 100 m² **Direct URL:** https://dordognecollection.com/en/collection/vue-sur-la-prairie **In one sentence:** Intimate two-bedroom gîte with countryside views in the Dordogne Golden Triangle Vue sur la Prairie is a charming two-bedroom gîte on a private hilltop estate in the Dordogne's Golden Triangle - the historic heart of the Périgord Noir, minutes from the châteaux of Castelnaud-la-Chapelle and Beynac, the bastide town of Domme, and the UNESCO-listed cave systems of the Vézère Valley. Designed for couples, close friends, or small families who want comfort without excess, the gîte combines traditional stone architecture with modern interiors: a fully equipped kitchen, a light-filled living space, and thoughtfully chosen furnishings throughout. The private terrace looks out over the surrounding meadows - a view that makes even a morning coffee feel like a small event. Vue sur la Prairie shares the estate's standout feature with the neighbouring gîte: a 16-metre heated saltwater pool, one of the largest private pools in the Périgord Noir. Set within beautifully maintained grounds, it is surrounded by sun loungers, an outdoor shower, and alfresco dining areas. There is also a barbecue on the Prairie side of the estate - ideal for long, unhurried evenings. The combination of a tranquil private terrace and access to an exceptional pool makes this gîte far more than a standard two-bedroom rental. Vue sur la Prairie is also available in combination with the adjoining Vue sur le Vallon - a three-bedroom gîte on the same estate - under the name La Trilogie D'or, sleeping up to ten guests across five bedrooms. For two couples or a small family, booking Vue sur la Prairie on its own provides seclusion and independence on one of the Golden Triangle's most distinctive private estates. Situated in Castelnaud-la-Chapelle, the villages of Domme and Beynac are less than 10 minutes away, while Sarlat is just under 20 minutes. Les Eyzies and the Périgord wine region are also within easy reach. **Highlights:** - Two bedrooms - perfectly scaled for couples or small families - 16 × 4 m heated saltwater pool - one of the largest private pools in the Périgord Noir - Private terrace overlooking meadows and the surrounding countryside - Golden Triangle location: 10 minutes from Castelnaud, Beynac, and the Vézère Valley - 4-star classified - well-appointed throughout - Barbecue, sun loungers, outdoor shower, and alfresco dining in the grounds - Can be paired with the 3-bedroom gîte next door to form La Trilogie D'or (up to 10 guests) - Extra services on request: yoga, massage, hot-air balloon rides, private chef - Ample private parking on the estate - No pets - maintained to the highest standard for all guests **Key amenities:** Outdoor shower, Children's books and toys, Central heating, Underfloor heating, Indoor fireplace (wood-burning), Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, First aid kit, Wifi (standard), Free parking on premises, Television / Smart TV, Streaming services (Netflix / Disney+), Board games library, Washing machine, Dryer, Iron, Microwave, Dishwasher, Oven, Coffee maker (drip / pod), BBQ, Cot / travel cot, High chair, Baby bath, Pool towels provided, Garden / backyard, Landscaped garden, Patio or balcony, Outdoor dining area, Outdoor furniture & sun loungers, Bed linen, Hair dryer, Pillows, Towels, Cleaning products, Hangers / coat hangers, Toilet paper, Rain shower / walk-in shower, Body soap / shower gel, Blackout blinds / shutters, Extra pillows and blankets, Clothing storage / wardrobe, Clothesline (outdoor), Drying rack for clothing, Dining table, Cooking basics, Dishes & cutlery, Fridge / American fridge-freezer, Toaster, Wine glasses, Welcome basket / local produce, Stove / hob, Kettle, Fully equipped kitchen, Children's pool / splash pad, Shared pool, Covered terrace, Meadow / open land, In-villa massage (on request), Books / reading library, Electric radiators, Fans, Wood stove, Fire extinguisher, High-speed wifi (fibre), Rental car arrangement (on request), Airport transfer (on request), Cleaning during stay (on request), Host greets in person, Additional cleaning during longer stay (included), Long-term stay friendly (28+ days), Private chef (on request), Countryside / rural setting, Cave / prehistoric site visits (on request), Cycling routes & maps provided, Hot air balloon (on request), Château & winery tours (on request) **Next available (next 6 months):** 4 May 2026 – 8 May 2026; 15 May 2026 – 12 Jun 2026; 27 Jun 2026 – 5 Jul 2026; 4 Sep 2026 – 11 Sep 2026; 18 Sep 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 --- ### Maison Saint-Blaise — The Complete House **Slug:** maison-saint-blaise-complete-house **Area:** Périgord Pourpre · **Bedrooms:** 5 · **Bathrooms:** 4 · **Max guests:** 12 (+ 2 babies) **Private pool:** Yes · **Pets allowed:** No **Base price:** €331/night · Security deposit: €500 **Check-in from:** 16:00 · **Check-out by:** 10:00 **House size:** 220 m² · **Plot:** 16000 m² **Direct URL:** https://dordognecollection.com/en/collection/maison-saint-blaise-complete-house **In one sentence:** A private estate designed for shared living. Maison Saint-Blaise is a five-star luxury villa in the Dordogne sleeping up to twelve guests, set in the Périgord Pourpre between the medieval bastide towns of Monpazier, Biron, and Beaumont-du-Périgord - twenty minutes from Bergerac Airport. Five bedrooms, four bathrooms, and two self-contained floors make it as practical as it is beautiful, whether you're booking for a multi-generational family or a group of friends. The property is equipped for extended stays: heated private pool, two fully equipped kitchens, premium boxspring beds throughout, EV charging, and a succession of indoor and outdoor living spaces. The grounds include a mini-forest with tree swing, zipline, and hammocks - space enough that twelve people never feel on top of one another. What sets this Dordogne villa apart is the optional service layer. Private chef Patricia cooks on request. Baker Damien delivers fresh bread each morning. Massage therapist Kattya comes to you. Wine guide Vince takes groups through Bergerac's appellations with a dedicated driver. Every service is available à la carte - use as much or as little as you like. **Highlights:** - Sleeps up to 12 across 5 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms - Two self-contained floors - ideal for families needing privacy within the group - Heated private pool on expansive grounds with mini-forest - Private chef, fresh bread delivery, in-house massage, and wine tours - all on request - Two fully equipped kitchens, EV charging, premium bedding throughout - Five-star French tourism classification - 5 minutes from Monpazier and Biron; 20 minutes from Bergerac Airport **Key amenities:** Bed linen, Hair dryer, Pillows, Towels, Cleaning products, Hangers / coat hangers, Toilet paper, Conditioner, Bathtub (standard), Body soap / shower gel, Shampoo, Rain shower / walk-in shower, Heated towel rails, Blackout blinds / shutters, Mosquito net, Extra pillows and blankets, Clothing storage / wardrobe, Clothesline (outdoor), Drying rack for clothing, Iron, Washing machine, BBQ, Coffee maker (drip / pod), Dining table, Dishwasher, Fridge / American fridge-freezer, Microwave, Oven, Toaster, Cooking basics, Dishes & cutlery, Kettle, Fully equipped kitchen, Pantry, Stove / hob, Welcome basket / local produce, Wine glasses, Pool safety fence / cover, Private heated pool, Orchard / fruit trees, Flower garden, Pool towels provided, In-villa massage (on request), Ping pong / table tennis, Boules / pétanque court, Sound system / Sonos, Garden / backyard, Landscaped garden, Zipline, Outdoor shower, Ethernet connection, Streaming services (Netflix / Disney+), Outdoor furniture & sun loungers, Hammock, Patio or balcony, Walled / enclosed property, Home cinema (indoor), Swing, Outdoor dining area, Board games library, Television / Smart TV, Meadow / open land, Meditation garden, Baby safety gates, Children's books and toys, High chair, Children's tableware, Cot / travel cot, Babysitting (on request), Electric radiators, Indoor fireplace (wood-burning), Fans, Central heating, CCTV / alarm system, Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarm, Carbon monoxide alarm, First aid kit, High-speed wifi (fibre), Wifi (standard), Dedicated workspace, Free parking on premises, EV charging station, Airport transfer (on request), Cleaning during stay (on request), Private driver (on request), Self check-in (lockbox), Bakery delivery, Additional cleaning during longer stay (included), Grocery pre-stocking service, Long-term stay friendly (28+ days), Private chef (on request), Countryside / rural setting, Cave / prehistoric site visits (on request), Truffle hunting (on request), Château & winery tours (on request), Cookery / wine classes (on request), Step-free bedroom access, Ground floor bedroom, Well-lit path to entrance, Step-free bathroom access **Good to know:** Close to the departmental road means you will hear car traffic A car is a necessity, we do offer an on-site EV-charger The two floors are only connected via an external staircase The swimming pool is open from April 1st till October 31st; deviations can be discussed with the owner **Next available (next 6 months):** 23 May 2026 – 30 May 2026; 19 Sep 2026 – 4 Nov 2026 --- ## Booking Process — How It Works Dordogne Collection operates a **request-to-book** model. There is no instant booking. ## Step-by-step 1. **Browse and choose** — Find the property you like at dordognecollection.com/en/collection 2. **Select dates** — Use the availability calendar on the property page. Blocked dates and confirmed bookings are shown in real time 3. **Submit a request** — Fill in the booking request form with your dates, guest count, and a brief introduction. No payment required at this stage 4. **Personal response within 24 hours** — The team reviews your request and responds personally, typically within a few hours 5. **Confirmation and deposit** — Once confirmed, you pay a 50% deposit to secure the booking 6. **Balance payment** — The remaining 50% is due 8 weeks before your arrival date 7. **Security deposit** — A security deposit is required (amount varies by property). It is returned in full within 5 working days of departure, subject to no damage ## Minimum stays | Season | Period | Min stay | Check-in day | |--------|--------|----------|--------------| | High season | July – August | 7 nights | Saturday only | | Mid season | May–June, September | 4 nights | Flexible | | Low season | October – April | 3 nights | Flexible | ## Payment - 50% deposit on booking confirmation - Balance due 8 weeks before arrival - Accepted: bank transfer, credit card (via secure link) - Currency: EUR ## Cancellation Cancellation policy is provided at the time of booking confirmation and varies by property. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Can I bring pets?** It depends on the property. Each listing shows whether pets are allowed. Currently, most properties in the collection do not permit pets — check the individual property page or ask the team when submitting your request. **Is there a private pool?** Most properties in the collection have a private pool. The property listings show this clearly. A small number of properties (Manoir du Moulin) do not have a pool but have direct river access instead. **What is tourist tax (taxe de séjour)?** The French tourist tax (taxe de séjour) is a small charge per adult per night, set by the local commune. It is not included in the nightly price and is either charged on-site at departure or added to the invoice. The amount varies by property — typically €1–3 per adult per night. **Can I arrive on any day of the week?** In July and August (high season), check-in is Saturday only. For mid and low season bookings, any day of the week is possible subject to the property's schedule. **How many guests can the properties accommodate?** Properties range from 2 guests (Le Pigeonnier, a romantic dovecote) to 14 guests (Domaine de la Bastide). See the property listings for exact capacities. **Are the properties suitable for children?** Yes — most properties are family-friendly with secure private grounds, pools, and space for children. Specific child-friendly features (high chairs, cots, pool fences) vary by property. Ask the team when requesting. **What is included in the rental price?** The nightly price includes the accommodation and standard linen and towels. Cleaning is charged separately (a one-time cleaning fee). Some properties include a welcome basket or provisioning; check the individual listing. **Can I visit the property before booking?** Virtual tours or photo galleries are available on every property page. Physical visits are not offered before booking, but the team is available by phone or email to answer specific questions. **What if something goes wrong during our stay?** The team is reachable by phone and WhatsApp throughout your stay. All properties have a local contact (often the owner themselves) for urgent matters. **How do I request a booking?** Go to the property page at dordognecollection.com/en/collection/{slug} and complete the booking request form. Or email holiday@dordognecollection.com with your preferred property, dates and group size. **Is there a waiting list for high-demand weeks?** Yes — if your preferred property is already booked, let the team know. They sometimes have cancellations and can notify you. **What payment methods are accepted?** Bank transfer and credit card via a secure payment link. Payment is in EUR. --- ## Why Dordogne Collection ## For Guests - **Personally vetted homes** — the team has stayed in or thoroughly inspected every property - **Direct owner relationships** — no anonymous hosts, no hidden surprises - **Personal service** — real people respond to every enquiry, not a chatbot - **Curated quality** — the collection is small on purpose. Nothing makes the list unless it meets the standard - **The right homes for the right guests** — families, multi-generational groups, couples celebrating milestones, small corporate retreats ## For Property Owners - The platform handles enquiries, guest communication and booking management - Owners are known personally to the founders — this is not an open marketplace - Commission-based model — no listing fees - Guest quality is high: the request-to-book model filters out low-commitment enquiries - For more information: https://dordognecollection.com/en/for-owners --- ## Contact - **Email:** holiday@dordognecollection.com - **Phone / WhatsApp:** +33 7 61 30 05 32 - **Based in:** Périgord Noir, Dordogne, France - **Response time:** Within 24 hours, usually faster --- ## Links - Homepage: https://dordognecollection.com/en - All properties: https://dordognecollection.com/en/collection - About: https://dordognecollection.com/en/about - Booking process: https://dordognecollection.com/en/booking-process - FAQ: https://dordognecollection.com/en/faq - The Dordogne region: https://dordognecollection.com/en/dordogne - Journal: https://dordognecollection.com/en/blog - Guest reviews: https://dordognecollection.com/en/reviews - For property owners: https://dordognecollection.com/en/for-owners - Machine-readable index: https://dordognecollection.com/llms.txt - Live property API: https://dordognecollection.com/api/dordogne/v1/properties - OpenAPI spec: https://dordognecollection.com/api/openapi.json