Siorac-en-Perigord, Dordogne; tourist guide

Visit Siorac-en-Perigord

Siorac-en-Perigord is a quiet town on the edge of the Perigord noir region. It is situated between Belves and Saint-Cyprien.

Explore Siorac-en-Perigord

Siorac en Perigord isn't a major tourist site in itself but it is close to both the Vezere valley and all its pre-historic sites and to one of the most popular stretches of the Dordogne from Saint-Cyprien to Sarlat. It therefore makes for a peaceful base if you wish to visit this area.

In the village is a chateau with a very impressive Mansard roof. (A Mansard roof is a style you see often in France where each side of the roof has two differently sloping sections). The castle was built on the ruins of a previous noble hideout and in the 18th century converted into the attractive building that exists today.

As well as the mairie the chateau is home to a Museum of Culinary Art and Table Decorations which is open by appointment from April to the end of November. The exhibits are of culinary items from the 15th to 19th century.

The church of Saint Peter dates back to 1143. It was destroyed in the Hundred Year War and rebuilt in Gothic style. It was then destroyed again by the protestant troops of the Viscount of Turenne and then rebuilt in the 17th century.

Inside are four chapels built to house the tombs of the four lords of Siorac.

The general architecture in the village is very pleasant with golden yellow stone, wooden shutters and terracotta roof tiles. One of the more attractive buildings is the Relais du Perigord Noir with its long shady terraces and it too has a Mansard roof.

There is an impressive large stone bridge at Siorac-en-Perigord which was built in the late 19th century. It replaces a number of older bridges which were swept away in floods but this one has survived well, thanks in part to the dams that have been created upstream.

The best time to visit Siorac is on a Wednesday morning which is market day and a good place to pick up locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables.

Near to Siorac-en-Perigord is a dolmen, the Dolmen of Cayre Leva which is south of Siorac near the Cayre Leva road next to the Cayre Leva hamlet.

Places to visit near to Siorac-en-Perigord

Le Buisson-de-Cadouin is close to Siorac and is home to the bamboo garden - Les Bamboos de Planbouisson - which has a garden covering 1.5 hectares and featuring an extensive collection of bamboos and grasses.

Also at Le-Buisson-de-Cadouin are the Grottes de Maxange which are caves with a display of stalactites and stalagmites including a display of quite rare tiny stalactites which grow in twisting shapes and not just downwards.

If it's a hot day then Le-Buisson-de-Cadouin has a river beach and is a good place to stop for a picnic and a swim.

Nearby Belves is classified as one of the most beautiful villages of France and has a pleasant, lively atmosphere.