Montcaret, Dordogne - travel guide

Montcaret is in the Perigord Purple region of south-west Dordogne, about 40 km west of Bergerac.

The main attraction at Montcaret is the remains of a Roman villa, discovered by workmen in the 19th century.

Although little remains of the villa itself, there are substantial mosaics dating from the 1st century AD - from the original baths of the villa - that have now been uncovered and restored.

Subsequent excavations have revealed the shape of the overall villa, seen in the remnants of wall, and a large number of further mosaics, some patterned and some with pictures carefully designed in the tiles.

There is also a small museum containing artefacts discovered during the archaeological excavations.

The 11th century church adjacent to the site of the villa in Montcaret contains some interesting carvings that have been reused from the original Roman villa.

Mosaic at Montcaret

Also to visit near Montcaret

The village at Lamothe-Montravel, on the banks of the Dordogne River.