The Green Périgord

Bourdeilles

In the shadow of its castles (one of the 4 baronies of Périgord), stands the village of Bourdeilles on the banks of the Dronne. Discover in addition to visiting the castle, the charming 17th century seigneurial mill, on an islet of the Dronne, but also the magnificent Gothic bridge overlooking the river. You will quickly be invaded by the fabulous charm of this perfectly maintained village, sipping a little refreshment at the foot of the castle under the lime trees, or cool, feet in the water on the banks of the Dronne, the best place to enjoy a magnificent view embracing both the old bridge and the castle!

Brantome

Green Venice of Périgord, Brantôme is a major tourist and cultural spot in the department.

Its important prehistory museum, the numerous prehistoric and megalithic sites in the surrounding area, its Celtic and Gallo-Roman souvenirs, its "cluzeaux" and troglodyte dwellings bear witness to its antiquity.

Its magnificent bell tower (in reality a "campanile" built on the rock), studied by Viollet-le-Duc, is said to be "the oldest in France" with its basic "protocupola" and its Carolingian capitals.

Its venerable Benedictine abbey "founded by Charlemagne " bears the mark of the history of its destructions and reconstructions for more than twelve centuries. Reading the works of one of its abbots: "Brantôme" - the man of Catherine de Medici - is essential to knowledge of the 16th century.

The exceptional sculpted cave , called " Grotte de Jugement Dernier", is worth a visit. Its cultural and tourist activities, the reputation of the region's hotels and restaurants make it a center where culture and gastronomy combine in excellent conditions.

More information on the Brantôme Tourist Office

Nontron

At the border of Limousin and Angoumois, Nontron , sub-prefecture, capital of Périgord Vert, will charm you with its ramparts and old streets

At the end of a promontory overlooking the Bandiat gorges, Nontron was originally a Celtic oppidum, then a Gallo-Roman castrum watching over the worrying horizons.
This medieval fortress, of which only the ramparts remain, suffered the wars of religion, the Fronde and was destroyed during the Revolution. Legend has it that Richard the Lionheart, wounded during the siege of Nontron, went to die in Châlus.

Riberac

Located on the edge of the Charente department, Ribérac is bordered by the “Double” forest and its ponds, its crops and meadows of the Val de Dronne.

There are many typical Romanesque churches (organized tour).

One of the most important markets in Aquitaine: fatty poultry, farm-raised calves, cereals, etc. (every Friday).

• Hiking trails, mountain biking, caravan tours.
• Visit: Museum of tools and life in St-Privat-des-Prés.
• Cognac and Wine Museum in Saint-Aulaye.
  

Saint John of Cole

A picturesque medieval village, Saint-Jean-de-Côle offers a choice setting for many historical film shoots.

The Château de la Marthonie (listed as a historic monument, open to visitors in July and August) dominates the main square of the village with its magnificent group of 12th century towers.

Also in Saint-Jean: 12th century Romano-Byzantine church, medieval bridge spanning the Côle, remains of a 12th century priory, old streets lined with half-timbered houses steeped in history.

THIVIERS

Thiviers is a large commercial town located north of Périgueux towards Limoges, on the road to Santiago de Compostela.

Discover some pretty half-timbered houses from the 15th and 16th centuries during your visit, as well as the church, the interior of which is worth a short stop...

The Thiviers market is lively, especially the fat market which is an institution here.

TOCANE SAINT ÂPRE

A charming town of more than 1,500 inhabitants between Périgueux and Ribérac, which extends along the banks of the Dronne. The town of Tocane Saint Âpre appeared in the 14th century. In the 15th century, the Hôtel de Paradol was built, which today houses the library and the Costume Museum that we invite you to visit! Tocane and Saint Âpre originally formed two separate towns that were united in 1852. Interesting neoclassical style church built in 1856.

On the banks of the Dronne towards Montagrier, opposite the Maison de la Dronne which houses a tourist information point, you will also visit the Perdux chapel.

In the past, several mills were located in the commune of Tocane, the one housing the Maison de la Dronne is an old flour mill dating from the 12th century converted into a hydroelectric plant in 1907. Today you will visit this building housing a magnificent working water wheel and a guided tour presenting the beginnings of rural electrification and the different types of mills.