The Tourist Sites the Périgord Vert

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Are you wondering what to visit when you are on holiday in the Dordogne? Consult our pages which inform you about the best tourist sites of Périgord Vert, the unmissable ones when you are on holiday around Brantôme, near the Périgord Limousin Regional Natural Park... Visits to castles, caves, villages and breathtaking natural sites !

For even more ideas, check out the Guide du Périgord blog, with reports on Dordogne sights, the best things to do in Périgord.

Château de Jumilhac (13th, 17th and 17th centuries)

Site of the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, this old fortress was rebuilt during the Renaissance and then covered, around 1600, with fairy roofs adorned with ridge tiles with seigneurial allegories, unique in France.

Restructured in the 17th century and embellished with “French-style” gardens which have been renovated on the theme: Gold and Alchemy (two local cultural facts), it impresses with its harmony and splendor: large paneled and parqueted lounge “à la Versailles”, Louis XIII ceremonial staircase, dining room, kitchen with multiple brass instruments, La Fileuse bedroom (frescoes and legend)...

Listed as a Historic Monument, the residence of the Marquis de Jumilhac bears witness to five centuries of History, Art and Architecture in Marche Limousine. It reflects the glory and power of the Jumilhacs, its builders, and is reputed to be "the Black Pearl of Haut Périgord".

It is possible to visit the gardens only at a reduced price. Consult the information sheet to organize your visits. The nights take place every Tuesday (off season) and also on Thursdays during the summer, with some nice surprises in store.

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Castle of Mareuil sur Belle (12th and 15th centuries)

Located between the vast spaces of Ribéracois and a harsh and high country to the north, Mareuil-sur-Belle is a former barony , one of four in Périgord, and has preserved its 12th century castle. Rebuilt in the 16th century.

Château de Puyguilhem in Villars (16th century)

This castle, built at the beginning of the 16th century, presents the characteristics of the Loire castles of the time of François 1er . It is undoubtedly the most beautiful Renaissance castle in Périgord , in any case the most original and the richest in sculptures. ( Photo credit: F. Tessier, OT Périgord Dronne Belle).

To organize your visit and find out about prices and times, see the information sheet.

Castle of Bourdeilles (13th 16th centuries)

Bourdeilles castle is built on rocks overlooking the Dronne. Former barony of Périgord, it is a feudal fortress and a Renaissance dwelling. It offers you a painted decoration of the 16th century and the 17th century. A veritable museum of movable objects .

The Château de Bourdeilles , to visit in the summer is great, to take part in the activities! Don't miss the virtual Escape Game... Read our article video report on the Château de Bourdeilles.

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Château de la Chapelle Faucher (13th and 15th century) (between Brantôme and Thiviers)

Overlooking the Côle valley , the Château de la Chapelle Faucher has belonged to the same family for 500 years. It is the witness of 800 years of history. It was devastated in 1916 by a fire caused by lightning but kept its curtain walls and its entrance postern.

Villars cave

In the heart of the Périgord Vert, the cave of Villars , where the concretions are particularly remarkable, is a cave decorated with paintings dating from the ancient Magdalenian , beautiful and varied, notably representing horses as well as a man/bison scene.

Shaded car park, shop, bar, shaded or covered picnic.

Cave of Villars © Agency Les Conteurs and Departmental Tourism Committee 24

Peatlands of Vendoire (near Verteillac)

10,000 years ago, there was only a large basin full of water here. Century after century, in 10 times 1000 years, men have witnessed its natural filling and have embedded their history in its fragile soil.

You will discover the mode of formation of peat , the exploitation by men through time, the precious memories left over the ages. You will learn to date the land, to reconstruct the geological and human history.

You will listen to the pulse of a world before pollution. The plants will tell you their secrets along the discovery trails. Marked, they will give you new information that you will not find anywhere else.

You will then dive into a very ancient cultural past. You will marvel at this precious little sanctuary of nature where the bog continues to live at its multi-millennium pace.

Brantôme Abbey - The oldest bell tower in France

Brantôme Abbey was founded in 769 by Charlemagne. Sacked by the Normans and rebuilt in the 11th century by Abbot Guillaume , it was essentially Abbot Pierre de Mareuil who built the most characteristic buildings in the 16th century.

After extensive restoration in the 19th century, today you will visit the abbey church , the convent buildings, and the Fernand museum.

A combined ticket is offered for visiting the caves and the entire cloister, church and bell tower. Tickets are on sale at the Tourist Office. Read our article on visiting the city of Brantôme with a Guide or on your own!

Boschaud Abbey

Very close to the Château de Puyguilhem , discover this Cistercian abbey dating from the 12th century, devastated during the 100 years war and during the wars of religion. Long and sadly abandoned, it was taken over in 1950 by the historical monuments which then undertook to clear and consolidate the ruins.

Nestled in the heart of nature, the remains of this former abbey are very moving and worth the detour. ( Photo credits F. Tessier, OT Périgord Dronne Belle)

D98 then left at St Crépin de Richemont.

Bernardieres Castle

The Château des BERNARDIÈRES is camped on the rocks overlooking the Nizonne . Watchtower or outpost, it doesn't matter for Bertrand du Guesclin who drove the English out in September 1377. (Photo credit Château des Bernardières)

Castle of Varaignes

Workshop-Museum of Weavers and Slipper Charentaise : located within the castle, whose stones bear the traces of the evolution of the architecture of the 14th century. at the end of the 16th century, this workshop-museum presents the trades, technologies and history of textile felt and the peasant-weaver .

Richemont Castle

A pretty castle near Brantôme which offers guided tours in July and August. Built from 1564 by Pierre de Bourdeille , Richemont offers two main buildings at right angles. It was here that the writer wrote " Les dames galantes ", he lived in Richemont until his death; you will notably visit the writer's bedroom... (Credit Photo Château de Richemont)

Meulières interpretation trail

On this archaeological site , you will walk along a 2.7 km long interpretive trail from millstone cuttings to mills . A walk of about 1h30 min. Visits are free with commentary on request at the Périgord Dronne and Belle Tourist Office . Parking. Walking shoes recommended. (Photo credit Sentier des Meulières)

Place called "Les Brageots" in Saint Crépin de Richemont

Argentine Plateau Natural Site

Along a path , perfectly guided by many explanatory panels, you will discover the many riches of the limestone plateau of Argentina . Fauna and Flora, Quarries, Mushroom beds, perched village ... This site is classified "Natura 2000". Parking. A 6km walk of about 2h30 min. (photo credit PNR Périgord Limousin)

Near La Rochebeaucourt

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Cave of Beaussac

The Beaussac cave is a cave with natural concretions. Different themes are covered during the visit: genesis speleology, underground fauna, concretions, prehistoric man and caveman . Accessories for initiation to caving are provided. Provide spare boots and clothes. Accessible from 9 years old .

• To find out the opening hours and terms of visit, see the information sheet .

The Auvézère gorges

The Périgord Vert has several landscape facets made up of remarkable fauna and flora.

Go hiking in the Auvézère gorges to discover a natural, healthy and preserved environment. Hiking maps are available at the Excideuil Tourist Office and several routes are possible.

These are sporty routes where it is imperative to have good hiking shoes .

Admire the waterfalls through your walk on the rocks, listen to the soothing sound of the sometimes tumultuous river. Several other loops run along the river and some allow you to see different landscapes as you go.

Bring sneakers because the main circuit can be done on a trail. Read our photo and video report article to organize your journey in the Auvézère gorges.

We wish you a good holiday in Périgord Vert , remember to consult our pages on the best visits to do in Périgord Noir , in White Perigord   and Purple Perigord !