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If you’re searching for a charming and picturesque destination in South West France, Brantome in the Dordogne region is a must-visit. This small town is recognised for its stunning architecture, famous Benedictine abbey, beautiful river, and rich history. It is known as the Venice of the Dordogne.
For those looking to experience the best of Brantome, here are some of the best things to do in the town.
Visit the Abbey of Brantome
The Benedictine Abbey of Brantôme is undeniably one of the valuable religious heritages in the Périgord region.
Legend has it that Charlemagne founded the ancient abbey and placed the relics of one of the holy Innocents named Sicaire there.
Initially, the abbey was a cave-dwelling that gradually detached itself from the surrounding rock. The limestone cliff behind the buildings contains man-made cavities that were turned into quarries, including the enigmatic cave called the “Cave of the Last Judgment”.
The abbey church, topped with arched vaults, is overseen by an 11th-century Romanesque bell tower, one of the oldest in France.
The ground floor of the expansive 18th-century monastic wing, situated between the river and the rock, houses a museum exhibiting the mediumistic works of the aquafortist Fernand Desmoulin (1853-1914). Desmoulin produced mysterious drawings signed by three different spirits from 1900 to 1902.
Visitors can choose between two routes to explore the abbey independently or as complementary experiences.
Visit the abbey caves and Fernand Desmoulin museum
You can explore the troglodyte ruins of the monastery, which were the initial dwellings carved into the rock by the monks, either by yourself following a route with 34 informational panels or with a guide. Additionally, you can visit the “Last Judgement” cave, the Saint-Sicaire fountain, which is revered for its miraculous properties, and a museum dedicated to the renowned spiritual artist Fernand Desmoulin.
The Cloister, Abbey church and bell tower
With a guide, you will explore some of the structures of the abbey. These include the chapter house, where the benedictine monks gathered each morning, the gallery of the cloister, which remained intact after the renovations of the 19th century, and the abbey that houses the relics of Saint Sicario. Finally, the tour concludes with a climb up the Romanesque bell-tower, one of the oldest in France.
Kayak down the Dronne River
The Dronne River is a beautiful and refreshing way to experience Brantome. There are excellent weir-controlled river sections. Rent a kayak or canoe, take a guided tour, and float down the river, enjoying the beautiful scenery and wildlife. The River Dronne is also an excellent place to go fishing. Canoe hire places include Brantôme Canoe and Allo Canoës.
Explore the Beautiful Jardin des Moines
For a more tranquil activity, stroll through the Jardin des Moines. These serene formal gardens are located on the edge of town and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. As you wander through the well-manicured gardens, you’ll find hidden nooks and crannies where you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
The Jardin des Moines is also home to various beautiful flowers, trees, and shrubs, making it a great place for nature lovers. In the springtime, the garden erupts in a riot of colours as the blooms burst forth. However, even in the autumn, the garden is still a beautiful place to visit and take a peaceful stroll.
Explore the narrow streets.
Brantome is one of the most beautiful villages with a lot of character. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets and admire the stunning architecture and unique shops. Visitors can also stop by the local markets to pick up souvenirs or fresh produce.
Visit Brantome’s weekly market
Brantome’s Friday morning market operates at Place du Marché from 8 a.m. to 12:30 all year. During winter, it offers seasonal goods such as walnuts, truffles, and foie gras. Besides food, craft items, local souvenirs, clothing, and artworks are also available. Running for over 400 years, it remains busy and lively all year round. The market is an excellent source of fresh produce for picnics. Finding parking during high season can be difficult, but it is worth the extra effort.
A night market takes place from 7:00 PM on Friday evenings during July and August. This offers local products and serves dinner. Relish the friendly ambience of dining outdoors while enjoying local delicacies and dishes from the region. Remember to take your own plates and cutlery.
Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 12:30 is a small market day for the local producers selling fresh regional products.
Visit the Chateau de Bourdeilles
This impressive castle is located just a few miles outside Brantome and is well worth the excursion. The castle dates back to the 13th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a guided tour to learn more about the castle’s history and explore the beautiful gardens.
Enjoy the local cuisine.
Brantome is known for its delicious local cuisine, including foie gras, truffles, and duck confit. Be sure to sample some of the local delicacies while you’re there. Visitors can enjoy a meal at one of the town’s many excellent restaurants or pick up some local ingredients to cook their own meals.
Overall, Brantome is a charming and historic town with many tourist attractions. Whether you’re interested in architecture or history or want to relax and enjoy the French countryside, Brantôme en Périgord is worth a visit that will surely leave a lasting impression.
