Visit Perigord Vert
The northern part of the Dordogne, stretching towards the Limousin to the north and Charente to the west, is named Perigord Vert (green Perigord) because of the greenery of the forests and meadows of the region.
This region is a region of unspoiled scenery split by fast moving streams, rolling hills and great rocky plateaus.
Around Nontron
In the north of the Perigord Vert is the town of Nontron which is the largest town in the Perigord Vert (it is though just a small town). Nontron is famous for its knives and is one of the oldest knife making institutions in France. There is an interesting workshop and display area that you can visit. The town has become something of a centre for local crafts and has various workshops and shops making and selling a range of interesting crafts.
South east of here is Saint Pardoux la Riviere on the edge of the river Dronne and Villars and the Grotte de Villars.
West of here are the pretty villages of Varaignes and Javerlhac-et-la-Chapelle-Saint-Robert.
Around Brantome
The highlight of the Perigord Vert region is the beautiful town of Brantome and its abbey. Brantome also has an attractive garden, the Jardin Tranquille with a charming riverside location.
East of Brantome is the "most beautiful village" of St-Jean-de Cole and the quiet village of La Chapelle Faucher. A little further east is Thiviers which is known as the capital of Foie Gras, a delicious speciality of the region and not to be missed. Excideuil is a charming town and nearby Tourtoirac has an abbey and recently discovered caves, the Grotte de Tourtoirac.
To the west Bourdeilles is a very attractive village and home to the Chateau de Bourdeilles, whilst north-west is the village of Mareuil, one of the original four baronies of Perigord.
Around Riberac
On the western edge of the Perigord Vert is the town of Riberac which is a thriving market town and an attractive church built in the same style as the cathedral at Perigueux. Nearby Saint Aulaye has a small renaissance chateau.
Attractions in the Perigord Vert
There are four chateaux and two abbeys to visit in the region: the Chateau de Jumilhac, the Chateau de Bourdeilles, the Chateau de Puyguilhem, the Chateau de Mareuil, the Abbey at Brantome and the Abbey of Boschaud at Villars.
Just outside of the Dordogne department in the Charente department is the amazing village of Aubeterre sur Dronne which has a church hewn out of rock and is counted amongst the "most beautiful villages" in France.
The Regional Natural Parc of Perigord and Limousin also falls partly in this region.
For the other parts of the Perigord see: Perigord Noir, Perigord Pourpre and Perigord Blanc.
Map of Perigord Vert and places to visit
Perigord Vert places to visit
Aubeterre sur Dronne
Aubeterre-sur-Dronne is home to one of the tallest troglodyte churches in the world.
Aubeterre sur Dronne guide
Brantome Abbey
Brantome Abbey is a Benedictine Abbey dating from the 8th century.
Brantome Abbey guide
Chateau de Bourdeilles
The Chateau de Bourdeilles specialises in medieval games.
Chateau de Bourdeilles guide
Chateau de Jumilhac
Discover the chateau's links to the once forbidden practice of alchemy.
Chateau de Jumilhac guideChateau de Puyguilhem
The Chateau de Puyguilhem is similar in style to the Loire Valley castles.
Chateau de Puyguilhem guide
Grotte de Villars
A natural cave of stalactites and stalagmites with some Prehistoric drawings too.
Grotte de Villars guide
Javerlhac-et-la-Chapelle-Saint-Robert
Javerlhac is a pretty village on the edge of the river Bandiat, with a castle and church near the river's edge.
Javerlhac-et-la-Chapelle-Saint-Robert guide
La Chapelle Faucher
La Chapelle Faucher is a quiet village with a pretty square.
La Chapelle Faucher guide
Les Jardins Tranquille
A pretty river side garden on the edge of Brantome.
Les Jardins Tranquille guide
Riberac Churches
There are a number of pretty Romanesque churches near Riberac.
Riberac Churches guide
Saint Pardoux la Riviere
Saint Pardoux la Riviere is a pleasant village on the edge of the River Dronne.
Saint Pardoux la Riviere guide
Saint-Jean-de-Cole
Saint Jean de Cole is one of the most beautiful villages of France.
Saint-Jean-de-Cole guide
Varaignes
Varaignes has a chateau with a medieval keep in the centre and hosts an important turkey fair every November.
Varaignes guide
