Saint Pardoux la Riviere, Dordogne village

Visit Saint Pardoux la Riviere

Saint Pardoux la Riviere is 19 kilometres south-west of Nontron. It is in the north of the Dordogne department in the area known as the Perigord Vert. It is also in the heart of the Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin and lies just below the forested slopes of the Limousin plateau.

Explore Saint-Pardoux-la-Riviere

Saint Pardoux la Riviere was built up around a ford on the river Dronne which pilgrims used to visit the abbey at Brantome. There was once a monastery here though not much remains as many of the buildings of the village have used the stone from the monastery.

There is a very pleasant square in Saint-Pardoux-la-Riviere, the Place Generale de Gaulle, which has the church on one side and a war memorial on another. There is also a fountain in the square. Take a look at the other side of the church which has a large, attractive sun-dial on it. The church is a Roman church dating back to the 12th century and the sun-dial was added in the mid 1800s.

Stroll towards the river where you can see a lovely old stone bridge and the ford. There is also a halle down by the river's edge and picnic benches. It certainly would make a very pretty place for a picnic

In the village the streets are lined with attractive stone houses amongst which there are a smattering of shops and an occasional bar and restaurant. There is also a small museum in the village, the Musee de la Carte Postale Ancienne du Perigord, which has a display of over 30,000 ancient postcards.

The old railway line between Thiviers and Saint Pardoux la Riviere has been 'de-railed' and re-surfaced and is now a very pleasant walk / cycle path between the two. It is also suitable for horse riding. It is known as the "Voie Verte". It is 16km long and passes through some very pleasant countryside.

The path takes on average one hour to cycle or three hours to walk. If you are feeling fit enough to add another couple of kilometers the path passes very close to the beautiful village of Saint-Jean-de-Cole.

Every year Saint-Pardoux-la-Riviere holds its "La Nuit du Spardos" event which is an evening market and outdoor fete with the 'Spardos' drink ladled out by men dressed as monks. With food, music and general festivities the "Nuit du Spardos" takes place the last Saturday of July every year.

Places to visit nearby

The impressive Grotte de Villars is nearby. This cave has a large display of stalactites and stalagmites as well as a few small prehistoric paintings including an extremely rare drawing of a man. For some reason prehistoric man did not generally draw people.

Also close by is Nontron where the famous Nontron knives are made. There is a workshop there that you can visit and watch the knives being made and a centre for local crafts with some attractive products for sale.

Saint-Jean-de-Cole is one of the most beautiful villages of France and therefore worth a visit either by car or by extending the "Voie verte" foot and cycle path.