Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, nestled in a loop of the river

Welcome to one of the most charming villages in the Périgord. Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages in France, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is an unmissable pearl of your stay in the Périgord Noir. Walk through the heart of the village on foot, its pretty Eiffel-style metal bridge, meet its talented and original craftsmen, feast at the tables of its gourmet restaurants, take a break on the sunny banks of the Vézère and enjoy the gentle way of life in the Périgord. The character of its traditional blond stone houses with steep roofs is matched only by the beauty of its narrow streets where you can get lost, for a poetic and oh-so- bucolic getaway!

Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère, from yesterday to today

Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is spoiled by nature, in every way... The heart of the village is affectionately nestled in the heart of a meander of the Vézère river (which we call a cingle in our country) and nestled near a green hill covered with holm oaks. This large commune is spread out at an altitude of 60 to 260 meters, offering you breathtaking panoramas, the peak of which is located at the very top of the Côte de Jor...

Are you charmed by this privileged environment? Extend your stay between the Côte de Jor and the Vézère river. Nestled in the calm of the countryside, the Paradis welcomes you from March to October in a friendly and above all family atmosphere. This 5* guest campsite is like a small village typical of the Dordogne with pretty yellow stone farmhouses that make up the reception, the restaurant and the grocery store. Spacious pitch, comfortable mobile home, unusual rental in the heart of nature or holiday home available all year round, you will love staying in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère. Dive into the swimming pool, read by the river, relax in the wellness area or have fun on the sports fields and the playground, the whole family will be delighted to find themselves in this real cozy cocoon.

The sun rises over the viewpoint of the Côte de For, in summer

Entrance to the flowery village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère

It is perhaps because its location is so privileged that Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère has been inhabited since prehistoric times. 4 deposits located to the north-east of the town can testify to this. A medieval village, it developed thanks to the presence of a Benedictine priory in the 12th century and a remarkable Romanesque church. In the 19th century, it was the boatmen who brought life to the village. As traffic was not easy on the valley roads, it was by means of the river that certain goods such as salt, wheat but also cannons and ore were transported. The Maison de la Marine of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère still exists, it is now the Town Hall!

Today, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is a very attractive tourist village that can be discovered with pleasure and slowly throughout the 4 seasons. Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, it has also received awards for the maintenance of green spaces and the flowering of the village, classified 1 Flower since 2019. Despite its rural aspect, Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is also a modern village, the first Smart Village in Dordogne, with ambitious municipal commitments concerning sustainable development. Come and charge your electric vehicle at the municipal socket near the school!

A few kilometers from the village is a small family campsite near the Vézère Valley: La Nouvelle Croze. Located in a quiet, high-up area and very friendly, it is the perfect holiday spot to discover the beautiful villages of the Vallée de l'Homme.

A wild and natural village, with multiple facets! In the distance, the bell tower of the Romanesque church

The picturesque and amusing Couredoux

Unusual information: The town is crossed by the 45th parallel north (it is therefore halfway between the North Pole and the Equator). This is considered ideal for the production of great wines... In the past, the Côte de Jor was covered with vineyards, unfortunately decimated by phylloxera. It is said that this wine was appreciated at the court of Henry IV!

In the summer, the village vibrates and comes alive with many events. In July, a large flea market takes place throughout the village, in August it is the votive festival with fireworks and rides. A very beautiful and joyful gourmet market is held on Thursday evenings throughout the summer to taste local and regional products, while enjoying music all together on the banks of the river. The Festival du Périgord Noir (classical, jazz and baroque music) as well as Più di Voce (lyrical art festival) take place during the summer, partly in the village.

All summer long, guided tours of the villages at night (fr) (by candlelight and with lanterns) are organized by the Dordogne Lascaux Vallée Vézère Tourist Office.

The rest of the year, this town is appreciated for its many nature sports, its artisans, its architectural heritage, its tasty restaurants or quite simply for a bucolic walk!

The elegant and famous Romanesque church, the jewel of the village

Stroll all year round in this picturesque and well-preserved village

The village's Eiffel-style metal bridge and the interpretation panels

A charm that inspires artisans

Come and stroll around Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère! Park in one of the two large car parks and wander curiously through its couredoux, its small, narrow and intimate alleys that crisscross the village like a labyrinth… Look up to see the Manoir de la Salle (15th century) at the entrance to the village and further towards the river, the Château de Clérans (16th century) and its pointed pepper pots. Craftsmen have settled in the village in recent years, for everyone's enjoyment. Come and meet:

Olivier Legay, wood sculptor and painter, who loves working with old stumps and driftwood to reveal all their secrets
Franz Vigier "The dream of the stone picker" who creates poetic artistic creations on pebbles and stones that he carefully collects, all around the village and the major sites
Olivier Piquart, in the Piqoli boutique, who creates prehistoric-inspired jewelry, on pieces of mammoth ivory 10,000 to 100,000 years old!
Yannick Beaupuis, "L'Ornithorynque Périgourdin" , author of books and creator of very original artistic pieces and games on wood and quality paper, cut with a laser machine
Yannick Carlier, creator of feminine and colorful jewelry
Julie Tanite who has her painting and photography studio on the Côte de Jor
Delphine Thieffry who paints mandalas inspired by sacred geometry, with real pigments from semi-precious stones
Frédéric Vincent is a sculptor, he creates busts, portraits but above all tender and poetic gargoyles
La SagiTerre pottery, local stoneware creations for tableware, unique and contemporary pieces as well as artistic ceramics
There is also an antique shop in the village, not far from the church.

The artisans and shops of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère are of course open during the summer season and the months of April to October, but many of them are available the rest of the year to welcome you and present their work. Do not hesitate to contact them…

The beautiful mammoth ivory Venuses of Piqoli

The poetic creations of Yannick, the Perigord Platypus

Olivier Legay's wood sculptures

Look carefully for the artisans, who are sometimes in the small alleys.

Nature and sports activities in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère

With family or friends, there are always interesting and fun things to do in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère! On the water, in the forest, on the small roads and paths...

Come and go walking, you can start with a walk , following the educational interpretation panels of the village. They are installed on wrought iron displays and will tell you about the village's past. Don't miss the panel under the bridge which explains the extent of the floods suffered each year and during the ten-year floods, you won't believe it! To go further and for longer, take one of the marked loops in the forest: The Boucle de Hauteclair which climbs more than 200m to the top of the Côte de Jor, the tour of Saint-Léon or the Boucle du Roc. Fans of long hikes will pass through Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère by taking the GR36 which goes from the Channel to the Mediterranean.

The town's hiking trails await you!

You can also go skydiving, from the viewpoint of the Côte de Jor

Do you prefer water-based activities? There are 3 canoe bases open from April to November: APA Canoë, Canoë Family and Kanoak. Choose your route (several will be offered to you depending on the desired distance and the number of hours of river travel), from April to November, it is a perfect activity to discover the Périgord Noir from a new angle…

Come and go canoeing or kayaking with your family from 6 years old

Are you a mountain bike enthusiast? The area around the village is ideal for some great sporting trails (be careful! It's steep!), ask at the Tourist Office. Please note that every year in October, the Rando Silex takes place, a major mountain bike race where more than 1,000 participants challenge themselves on circuits of 20, 40 or 60 km.

Explore the roads and trails of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère by mountain bike

With your family, to spend a wonderful day of sport and discovery, enjoy the pleasures of the Conquil Troglodyte Park (fr). Located just behind the bridge, it is a magnificent wooded park with a view of the village. You can go tree climbing at the Préhistobranche, with your family from 3 years old and on courses of all difficulties. Also try tree climbing! Then continue with a walk in the dinosaur park, marked by interpretation panels on biodiversity and the time of the dinosaurs (with a few surprises…). In the forest there are rock shelters and remains of troglodyte dwellings.

Le Conquil Park, for a great day of family adventure and forest walks

Accommodation and restaurants in Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère

To spend a holiday in the heart of the Périgord Noir, you will have understood that Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is an ideal destination... Well located, you will be able to radiate on one side towards the Sarladais, on the other towards the Périgord Blanc and Vert, while being only a few minutes from the biggest tourist sites of the Vézère valley.

Campers and motorhomes can stop off at the designated areas at the Municipal Campsite. You can also enjoy a coffee and a fresh baguette, accompanied by local produce at the village grocery store, near the Town Hall. For a great stay, consider Camping Le Paradis (fr) just outside the village, which offers 5-star services with several swimming pools (including an indoor one), a restaurant and plenty of sports activities.

Please note that Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère has the pleasure of hosting a very important Tibetan Buddhist study and meditation center, Dhagpo Kahyu Ling, which has been on the Jor coast since 1975. It is a place to come and discover and learn about Buddhism and about yourself. The center offers teachings, retreats, but also courses of a few days.

For lunch and dinner or simply to have a snack, there are many places to discover (and taste!) in the village:

Le Restaurant de la Poste, for the pleasures of delicious Périgourdine cuisine, since 1948!
Le Petit Léon, in an intimate and rustic garden, a gentle and refined cuisine…
L’Auberge du Pont, traditional cuisine but also very good pizzas!
Le Déjeuner sur l'Herbe, for a rustic meal like in a painting, on the banks of the Vézère…
Smoovie Grignothèque, delicious vegan restaurant, let yourself be surprised by tasty and ethical recipes!
La Petite Guinguette de Saint-Léon, for lunch by the water in a festive atmosphere.
Le Martin Pêcheur, salads, gourmet dishes, fresh and local products!
Lou Camillou, a traditional snack bar, with burgers to die for!
Le Jardin (artisanal ice creams), creamy ice creams for gourmets made by a master ice cream maker, with rare, unusual flavors.

Remember to call to reserve a table in season and to find out opening dates.

The Château de Clérans (private) and the Donjon and Manoir de la Salle which is now open to visitors

Here you are with all the keys in hand to discover, explore and enjoy the magnificent village of Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère . All you have to do now is plan your next getaway to Périgord. But beware, the first time you come will surely not be the last!

Check out our reports from the two other Most Beautiful Villages of France in the region: