Local Area Information

EYMET is a picturesque medieval bastide town in the Dordogne region of southwest France, offering a perfect mix of history, culture, and relaxed village life. Founded in 1270, its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and central square with arcades create a picturesque setting that feels like stepping back in time. Surrounded by vineyards, rolling countryside, and historic châteaux, Eymet is also a great base for exploring the Dordogne. Whether you’re enjoying a glass of wine in the square, kayaking on the river, or exploring nearby villages, Eymet offers an authentic yet accessible French experience.

The town is lively with weekly markets, summer night markets, antique fairs, and festivals, all showcasing local produce, wine, and crafts. During the summer months there are a number of highlights to be enjoyed:

  • Tuesday summer night market - through July and August the square and central roads of the bastide are filled with food and gift stalls and places to sit down and eat and drink, giving a festival-like ambiance, filled with local produce.
  • Apèro Cadix Thursday night soiree arranged by local wine growers. Takes place in the garden of the Eymet Chateau for four weeks at the end of July beginning of August. Food and wine is available from the local producers and entertainment starts from 7pm and continues until midnight.
  • White Wine and Oysters Festival held on th 15th August since the late 1980s. Originally created for local wine producers to demonstrate how well their white wines can be paired with Oysters. Now along with Oysters, you can enjoy Mussels, Shrimp, other seafood as well as local produce, alongside many of the local wines. The celebrations begin around 10am and continue with music until after midnight. 

RESTAURANTS there are a mix of cafes and bars from traditional French, Peruvian, Italian, Indo-Asian as well as tearooms, cafés and bars.

SUPERMARKETS there is a medium sized Carrefour Contact supermarket on the edge of Eymet, on the D933 approach from Bergerac. There is also a Intermarché Super in Saint Pardoux Isaac (15 minute drive to the south of Eymet) and a LIDL (a further 10 minutes away, the far side of Miramont de Guyenne).

CYCLING There are many cycle routes around Eymet as well as around local vineyards, lakes and villages. Electric bike rentals can make exploring these routes easier and bike rentals and routes are available from GoodTurn Cycles, a not for profit association in Eymet. 

WATERSPORTS are available in the area, including paddle boarding, canoeing and kayaking. Examples include:

  • Canoe-Kayak Vallée du Dropt - located in Bretou just on the northeast of Eymet on the river dropt. Night time paddles are organised during the summer by the Eymet tourist office.
  • Canoe Attitude (Pro Sports 24) a canoe and kayak rental provider based in Gardonne, about 25 minutes from Eymet
  • Canoe Dordogne - La Roque-Gageac - guided or self guided canoe trips in the beautiful setting of Perigord Noir, based just over an hour north of Eymet

VINEYARDS - Eymet sits at the heart of a historic wine region. The local Cave at the heart of the town, Opéra Vinalis - Cave d'Eymet often hosts tasting workshops and themed evenings. Many vineyards around Eymet are small, family run estates. It is advised to book in advance especially for tastings and tours. A short drive away sits Chateau de Monbazillac renowned for its sweet wines. The château provides wine tastings as well as a fascinating museum explaining the origin of the sweet wine.