DORDOGNE,

This idyllic region of goldenstone villages and cliff-top chateaux might be better known for its confit

de canard and foie gras, but those on the look-out for typical French

objets should book a stay at Le Mas et Le Mazet, a beautiful gîte and cottage, where owner Rupert Springfield can guide visitors to the best brocantes and markets. As a former antiques and art dealer in both the UK and the Netherlands, he has a real eye for the best finds and will direct you to the best addresses. He can either guide visitors himself ( 100 for half a day, or 195 for a day) or plan out a route for free around the nearby Bastide villages such as Monpazier, which date from the Hundred Years War, and which are home to charming antiques shops and bric-a-brac stores.

As well as brocante-hunting, days out can be spent visiting local attractions such as the Jardins de Marqueyssac and Lascaux IV, the international centre for cave art, or shopping in the local markets for delicious regional produce such as walnut oil and dessert wine. A stay at Le Mas, which sleeps up to 10 in a stylish and spacious farmhouse, costs from £295 a night, while couples can book into Le Mazet, the cottage, for 80 per night for two (lemasdordogne.com).

The Dordogne is well-known for its gastronomic riches, but it also has a great deal of antiques shops and flea markets that are well worth a visit. BELOW Make sure the awe-inspiring Jardins de Marqueyssac are on your radar as well as antiquing.