Towns to Visit
Angoulême
Perched high above the meandering river Charente, Angoulême's white stone houses with tiled roofs evoke a southern atmosphere. Known since the middle ages for its exceptional paper quality, Angoulême has recently become the comic capital, thanks to its internationally renowned Comic Festival each January, follow the fun route along the river to the Comic Strip Museum. For a spot of retail therapy head to the heart of the city to find the famous Galeries Lafayette, along with a variety of shops, restaurants and cafés.
Brantôme
Set on its own island and surrounded by the river Dronne, Brantôme, known as the "Green Venice of the Périgord", is a magical place brimming with rich architectural and cultural heritage. A gentle stroll reveals its Benedictine Abbey, which hides a troglodyte complex at the foot of a cliff, with cavities engraved with a scene from the Last Judgment. Brantôme also boasts excellent restaurants, a bustling weekly market and a variety of tourist activities like canoe trips, barge rides and hiking.
Limoges
Renowned for its decorated porcelain and historic centre, Limoges boasts half-timbered houses lining the Rue de la Boucherie. Relax at a terrace café or enjoy a meal at a restaurant. Marvel at the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Étienne de Limoges and its quaint cobbled streets in the La Cité district. In the Upper Town district, indulge in a spot of retail therapy and local crafts or visit the Halles Centrales covered market. Don't miss the famous Limoges-Bénédictins train station, internationally renowned for its mid-19th-century architecture built on the site of a former Benedictine convent.
Nontron
Located just southwest of Marval along the Bandiat River, Nontron is a terraced town overseen by ancient 13th-century ramparts. Renowned for its cutlery tradition dating back to the 15th century, the town's knife factory is a worth a visit, offering a glimpse of artisans meticulously handcrafting cutlery as they have for generations. If you're in town during August, the annual knife festival is a spectacle not to be missed.
Piégut-Pluviers
Just a brief drive away, Piégut-Pluviers is renowned for its historical buildings and the vibrant Wednesday market. Dominating the town and valley below is a 23-metre tower that offers sweeping views of the area, making it a must-visit attraction. The modern Notre Dame de Piégut church, constructed at the end of the nineteenth century on a former convent site, stands in the town. On Wednesday mornings, the Périgord's most liveliest and significant market takes place, featuring over 100 stalls in winter and doubling to 200 in summer, all showcasing local and regional products.
Périgueux
With its historic cobbled streets and old stone buildings set along the river Isle, Périgueux is a fantastic destination at any time of day, brimming with shops, bars, and restaurants. Rich in architectural heritage, its museums and historical buildings promise an unforgettable day out. The stunning Saint Front Cathedral, dominating the town centre, was the model for the design of the Sacre Coeur in Montmartre, Paris. A great day to visit Périgueux is Saturday, when the colourful market is held in the Place de la Clautre.
Rochechouart
The town is dominated by the magnificent Château de Rochechouart, steeped in history and constructed on an ancient asteroid crater. The château stones, marked by this 200-million-year-old impact, are unique. Cobbled streets line the village centre, where shops, cafés, and many historical buildings await discovery.
Saint-Jean-de-Côle
Don’t just drive through this charming village, park and explore its cobbled streets and ancient buildings dating from the twelfth and fifteenth centuries. There's history in every step! The River Côle, flows along one end of the village, best admired from the quaint humpbacked bridge. The village square, flanked by the Château de la Marthonie, blooms every May with “Les Floralies de Saint Jean,” a grand flower festival held on the second weekend of May. Over a hundred exhibitors present and sell plants and garden products. It's an unmissable chance to discover this charming Périgord village adorned with flowers.
Saint-Junien
The city has long been a hub of the leather industry, especially renowned for glove making and tanning. This expertise is still alive in the Cité Gantière, with glove and leather goods factories upholding a tradition that has made Saint-Junien famous worldwide. The quality of the Vienne and Glane rivers also attracted paper mills from the sixteenth century, making the region a significant centre for cardboard and paper production. The city boasts many architectural treasures, including the Collegiate Church, the House of the Consuls, and the Chapel of Notre-Dame-du-Pont.
Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche
Tucked away amidst a scenic backdrop, the town of Saint-Yrieix presents a perfect blend of historical legacy and natural splendour. You can explore the 12th-century Romanesque church, wander the quaint lanes of the town centre adorned with half-timbered homes and savour the genuine ambiance. Come and discover the timeless charm of Saint-Yrieix! Renowned as the capital of the madeleine, seize the opportunity to savour these delightful cakes that are sure to captivate your senses.