Dordogne - exploring our Chateaux

Dordogne - Commarque castle

Commarque is the castle that our lovely host, the Count of Commarque, is restoring. It dates back to the 12th century and many cave dwellings and art have been found there. It is a fascinating place to visit and visitors are left alone to roam as they wish.

http://www.commarque.com/htmgb/histoire.php

dinner from Chef Patrick

Patricia, is the very lovely woman who is like the concierge of the chateau. We were privileged to have a dinner created by her husband, Chef Patrick. It exceeded our expectations and is one of my favorites meals of the trip. Here is the break-down (photos to come). All the ingredients are local from the market in town.

amouse bouche :
smoked salmon / granny smith apples / celery / home made mayonnaise

appetizer :
carpaccio of dorado
tomatos / dill / parsley / olive oil / lemon juice / cashews

entree :
duck confit
potato / turnip / carrot / zucchini / red wine reduction sauce using potato starch for us celiacs.

desserts :
apple tart

strawberry and raspberry soup / mint / vanilla ice cream

Canoeing down the Dordogne River

The Dordogne River is a twisty turn river that is easy to take a canoe or kayak down. We enjoyed a nice afternoon of amazing scenery.

Dordogne - Castelnaud

Castelnaud is a fortress from the 14th century. It contains a museum of warfare in the middle ages, including crossbows, canons, trebuchet (catapult with a rope on it), swords, armor, and clubs. Daniel's favorite was the trebuchet demonstration.