The Périgord Vert is known for its cultural heritage, here are a few examples :
Troglodytic itinerary of the Brantôme Abbey
(50 meters from the hotel)
An itinerary that shows the occupation of the first Benedictine monks from the 8th century.
Housing, dovecotes, the Saint-Sicaire fountain, the sculpted cave called « grotte du Jugement Dernier » where you can find two bas-relief, one of which is very enigmatic.
Visit the website: http://perigord-dronne-belle.fr/en
The Brantôme clock tower
(50 meters from the hotel)
The abbey church’s clock-tower dates back to the 11th century. It is one of the oldest steeple clock-towers in France. It’s an independent building, built on top of a 12 meter rocky overhang against which the church is built. Its architecture is typical of the roman style that you’ll find a lot in the Limousin region and that is distinguished by gable over berries and by the overlap of 4 levels. Its tip has a quadrangular stone on it.
Visit the website: http://perigord-dronne-belle.fr/en/
The Bourdeille Château
A medieval part (end of 8th century), the other renaissance (16th century). The castle harbors a remarkable collection of furniture. There is a view on a charming abbot’s mill from the 17th century and in the middle of an island on the Dronne and a gothic bridge.
Visit the website: www.semitour.com/site-touristique/
The Villars cave
Prehistoric paintings (horses, men, buffalo) similar to Lascaux’s art
Visit the website : grotte-villars.com/en/
The Puyghilhem Château
Presents the nature of the Châteaux du Val de Loire from the time of François the 1rst with impressive sculpted chimneys.
Visit the website: www.chateau-puyguilhem.fr/en/
St Jean de Côle village
A ravishing church started in the 11th century, a rebuilt castle in the 12th and 15th centuries, the brown of the tiles, form the heart of this pretty village.
Visit the website: www.france-beautiful-villages.org/en/saint-jean-de-cole
