Location
Cadouin does not have direct rail service. From the town of Le Buisson-de-Cadouin, take D25 west-southwest about 4 miles until you reach the village of Cadouin. In the center of the village there is an abbey facing a square on the left side of the road. Go to the end of the building which abuts the abbey and walk through a rather low entryway into a courtyard. You are now in the hostel.
Amenities
Although the superstructure of the building dates back to its days as part of the abbey, the interior of the hostel has been remodeled and updated significantly. Rooms are clean and modern, and many of them make the most out of their limited space by lofting the beds up over the showers. The kitchen is average, but its location in a separate building in the courtyard makes it somewhat unique. The breakfasts at the hostel are served family-style and have a very communal feel to them. There are a few restaurants in town, and as Cadouin lies in the heart of Perigord, home of truffles and fois gras, the cuisine is excellent.
Atmosphere
Want to feel like a monk? Then come stay here for a while! From the latticework and shutters in the rooms to the stonework in the large vaulted stairwells, everything echoes of days long gone. Cadouin is the smallest and quietest of villages, and so the village and the hostel feel very safe at all times. You'll wake to the sound of roosters. Seriously. The hostel is popular with groups of adults, as seems to be the case in old pilgrimage towns.
Attractions
Cadouin's abbey was once a popular pilgrimage site until the relic it housed was exposed as inauthentic. Don't let that stop you from coming here. The abbey itself is worth a visit, but Cadouin's location near the confluence of the Vezère and Dordogne rivers makes it an excellent jumping off point for excursions through either valley. The Vezère is home to many prehistoric sites, including the cave paintings of Lascaux and the troglodyte dwellings of La Roque St-Christophe. The Dordogne is best described as "La Belle France", with villages nestled underneath cliffs, each one overlooked by a chateau. And if that's not enough, to the south and west of Cadouin lie a series of well-preserved bastides (fortified towns), Monpazier being one of the best.
Price
Dorm rates are competitive here, but the private rooms may be one of the best bargains you'll ever come across, even if you're a solo traveler!
Overall Value
If you thrive on peace and quiet, good food, wonderful scenery, friendly locals, at an affordable price, then the AJ – Cadouin is just the place for you! And once you've visited, it will probably wind up on your "must return to" list!
-- Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
Location/Contact
