GO NUTS FOR WALNUTS IN THE DORDOGNE VALLEY

Walnut groves have flourished on the shores of the Dordogne for over a millennium with the humble nut making its way into many dishes and drinks throughout the region. When following the Route de la Noix, start near Martel at family-run walnut mill Moulin Castagne (en.moulincastagne. com) to visit the groves and see the ancient stone grind walnuts for their oil, then have lunch at the welcoming restaurant. In the town itself, snap up walnut tarts and breads at the Boulangerie Bottero (rue Droite). In Souillac, look for walnutbased treats at the Friday-morning market, then pop into Distillerie Louis Roque (lavieilleprune. com) to admire the museum. The region’s most famous tipple is the plum liqueur La Vieille Prune, but La Vieille Noix walnut liqueur is also one for your cocktail cabinet. Most restaurants make their own walnut wine, too, so order one as an aperitif before an evening meal.

GETTING STARTED: Fly into Brive-dordogne Valley Airport, then head south to Martel. DON’T MISS: Take a detour to Distillerie Denoix in Brive-la-gaillard to discover its 180year history and sip its Supreme Denoix (denoix. com) walnut liqueur. For other places to visit, see noixduperigord.com.