Dordogne - travel and tourism

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Visit Brantome

Brantome is an attractive town near the northern edge of the Dordogne department, sometimes known as the Venice of the Dordogne (slight exaggeration strictly speaking) - the town has a nice mix of medieval and renaissance architecture to admire.  The town is classed as one of 'les Plux Beaux Detours' in France.

Look in the benedictine abbey as well (built by Charlemagne in 769 and the main historical highlight of the town) and at the belfry behind the church (built in the 11th century and one of the oldest to be found in France, it stands on a rocky outcrop at the bottom of a cliff), then take a pleasant visit to the gardens below.

The Church of Saint Peter is also worth admiring, with certain parts dating back to the 15th century (especially part of the cloisters) as is the bridge that crosses the river, and provides a good vantage point to admire the town.

It is above all the situation of Brantome on the river Dronne, that encircles a large part of the town, and the steep wooded slopes around the town, that add most to its attraction - the river is calm an gentle at this point, covered with lilies, and sheltered by weeping willows - it is very pleasant to walk along the edge of the river and through the gardens.

Canoes can be hired at Brantome for a relaxing glide along the river (a favourite with adults and children).

Brantôme market day is Friday.

Brantome - things to do

While in the Brantome region you should find time to visit the Peyrelevade Dolmen, a preserved megalithic monument.

Bourdeilles chateau is 7km to the south, on the River Dronne.

On the river Cole to the north-east of Brantome, two attractive villages are found - La Chapelle-Faucher and St-Jean-de-Cole - that warrant a visit, and then nearby at Thiviers there is an interesting 'Roman style' church.

Continue another 10km north through the forests of northern Dordogne and you will reach the fairy-tale chateau de Jumilhac.

Museums

Musee Fernand-Desmoulin - works of Fernand Desmoulin

Musee Reve et Miniatures - museum of dolls houses showing furniture and decoration from the middle ages to nowadays.

Also to visit near Brantome

• Saint Jean de Cole - classified 'most beautiful village'
• Richemont Chateau
• the village of Monsec
• the chateau at Mareuil