The Dordogne is the region of France the richest in castles, abbeys, and even caves, with architectural treasures, especially in Romanesque art. It is also the most famous region of gastronomy in France for “bon vivants” … foie gras, truffles, porcini mushrooms, and nearby Bordeaux wines (Bordeaux is less than 2 hours away).

Tourist attractions

• Saint Pierre de Frugie : 2 kms from La Meynardie, an old small charming village, and one of the first ecological villages of France.
• Jumilhac le Grand, 8 kms: huge feudal building, built in 12th century, with Romanesque Renaissance roofs and allegorical ponds unique in France.
• Saint Jean de Cole (20 minutes), one of the most beautiful villages in France; 12th century castle, Romanesque-Byzantine church and old priory.
• Brantôme (30 mn), “the Venice of Périgord”, romantic and full of history: the oldest bell tower in France, church consecrated in 804 by the Pope, and a magnificent abbey. It is also a recognized gastronomic village with the magnificent “Relais et Châteaux” Le Moulin de l’Abbaye, whose terrace over the water embraces all these historic monuments.
• Next door (30 mn), the splendid castles of Bourdeilles and Mareuil, two of the baronies of Périgord founded in the 10th century. Bourdeilles has a medieval castle, a true fortress with a keep surrounded by ramparts overlooking the valley, a Renaissance Pavilion and a 14th century bridge with a beautiful mill. Mareuil was rebuilt in the 15th century in a flamboyant Gothic style, after the ravages of the 100-year war and belonged to Talleyrand Périgord.
• Puyghilem, Villars (30 min): a castle with an elegant Renaissance silhouette, built in the early 16th century, worthy of the great castles of the Loire. In the same town, the Abbey of Boschaud, a Cistercian abbey of the 12th century. Also in Villars, prehistoric caves, discovered in 1953, are a masterpiece of nature and time, where spectacular natural concretions mingle with magnificent prehistoric paintings (as in Lascaux).
• Périgueux (40 mn): capital of Périgord, one flips through an incredible history book; from the remains of the Roman Empire, in the heart of the medieval city, through the Byzantine-inspired Saint Front Cathedral (Unesco World Heritage) to the many Renaissance mansions. Recognized City of Art and History, it has more than 50 historical monuments and is a cultural and tourist center of prime importance. It is also a gastronomic city, with its picturesque markets in the many squares, and notably the famous truffle and duck’s lard market.
• Close to Périgueux, the Chancelade abbey. Built in the 10th century, it is an imposing ensemble with abbey church, Romanesque chapel and abbot’s house.
• Excideuil at 35 mn: 1500-year-old city, with a castle strong place often assailed but never taken … and its medieval streets welcoming the truffle market in winter season.
• Hautefort at 45 mn: 1000 years old, this ancient and huge medieval fortress was transformed into a leisure residence in the 17th century. It is an architectural jewel and a historical treasure.
• Route Richard Cœur de Lion, a historic road winding between magnificent castles, medieval churches, fortresses and abbey.
  • The Chalard, 20 minutes. A small medieval village, fortified during the 100 years’ war, with its 11th century Romanesque abbey, and a surprising cemetery of monks.
  • Saint Yrieix, 20 minutes. A small medieval town, surrounding its Collegiate 12th century.
  • Château de Montbrun, 20 minutes, a castle representative of military architecture, built in the 12th century.
  • Solignac and its abbey, 40 minutes. Very beautiful Romanesque church of the 12th century. Inside, domes, capitals adorned with sculptures and carved rooms of the 15th century.
  • Ségur-le-Château. One of the most beautiful villages in France, dominated by the remains of the medieval castle.