South of France

If you are holidaying in the northern part of the Dordogne you should not miss a trip to Brantome - it really is an idyllic village. A river runs right through the town leading to its being known locally a the Venice of Perigord. Behind the village is a cliff covered in trees, at the bottom of which is the very large and very beautiful Abbey of Brantome.

The Benedictine Abbey dates back to 769 and was founded by Charlemagne. Originally the monks lived in caves at the base of the cliff and evidence of their troglodyte existence can still be visited today. The entrance is by the Town Hall. One of the caves includes a large sculpture of ‘the Last Judgement’ and really should not be missed.

The Abbey has been built and rebuilt several times and the current building largely dates from the 17th century but underwent major restoration in the 19th century. The bell tower though is of the 11th century and is one of the oldest in France.

Inside the Abbey you can visit the monks dormitory which has a beautiful ceiling in the form of an upturned boat and there is also a permanent exhibition of the work of Fernand Desmoulin who drew hundreds of pictures apparently under the influence of a spiritual medium.

The village of Brantome itself is beautiful with stone houses and tiled roofs. It is also known for its gastronomy. The beautiful house with blue shutters and a mill wheel on the edge of the river near the abbey is the Michelin starred Moulin de l’Abbeye restaurant and hotel. There are a variety of other very good restaurants in the town.

Canoeing through the village is a wonderful experience and the small weir adds a little excitement (only a little though -it is fine for children!).

Note that Brantome falls quite far north in the Dordogne department, and the more well known attractions of the department - Sarlat etc - are quite a way south. Best save them for another holiday perhaps!