Just 20 kilometers from Château le Verdoyer, Saint-Jean-de-Côle transports you to another era. This small village of 340 inhabitants, nestled between Thiviers and Nontron, is part of the exclusive circle of the Most Beautiful Villages of France. With its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses, and brown-tiled roofs that earned it the first prize for the best “Toits de France” (Roofs of France), it is the perfect getaway for a day of discovery with the family.
Exceptional architectural heritage
The village is organized around a central square where its two architectural jewels stand proud. The Château de la Marthonie, built in the 12th and 15th centuries, majestically overlooks the Place Saint-Jean. Although not open to the public, you can admire it from the terrace of one of the village restaurants. Right next door, the Church of Saint-Jean-Baptiste, built in the 11th century, features a unique architectural layout in the Périgord region: its semi-circular design around the apse, in a Romano-Byzantine style, is found nowhere else in the area.
The charm of the Côle and its Gothic bridge
While strolling through the flowered alleys of the village, you will quickly reach the Côle River, crossed by a magnificent medieval humpback bridge from the 15th century. Its rounded cobblestones and Gothic architecture offer the ideal vantage point for photographing the village and its stone houses reflected in the water. It is this bucolic setting that has earned Saint-Jean-de-Côle the nickname “The Venice of the Périgord Vert”.
By the water’s edge, do not miss the Priory Mill, a witness to the economic activity of yesteryear. The priory itself, dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries, preserves parts of its original 15th-century cloisters.
Hidden treasures to discover
Beyond its iconic monuments, Saint-Jean-de-Côle holds several surprises. On the rue du Fond du Bourg, you will discover splendid half-timbered houses with richly decorated facades, bearing witness to the village’s past prosperity. The medieval covered market hall, with its wooden framework and tiled roof, still stands on the central square.
History buffs will appreciate the chapels with fantastic corbels, carved tombs, chiseled columns, and 17th-century paintings that adorn the interior of the church. A sound and light show highlights the interior architecture of this exceptional monument.
For families, the village offers an original and playful activity: children can dress up and set off to meet Saint-Jean throughout the village, an experience provided by the tourist office for €2.50.
A turbulent history
The history of Saint-Jean-de-Côle begins in the 11th century with the construction of the castle and the priory by the Bishop of Périgueux, at the crossroads of the routes leading to Thiviers, Nontron, and Brantôme. Protected by the castle, the priory soon became a regional beacon, extending its influence from Limoges to Périgueux.
Unfortunately, the Hundred Years’ War left deep scars: the original buildings were set on fire by the English at the end of the 14th century, then ravaged again during the Wars of Religion. The monuments we admire today are therefore the result of 16th-century restorations.
It was in the 19th century that the village experienced an economic revival thanks to the arrival of the railway line between Angoulême and Brive.
The Floralies, an event not to be missed
Every year for over 25 years, the village has hosted the Floralies of Saint-Jean-de-Côle on the weekend closest to May 8th. More than a hundred exhibitors present and sell plants and gardening products. On this occasion, the village adorns itself in its most beautiful floral attire, creating a colorful and fragrant spectacle that delights visitors of all ages.
Shops and dining
Despite its small size, Saint-Jean-de-Côle has several shops and restaurants where you can taste Périgord specialties. Enjoy a break on the terrace of the central square to savor a coffee or a meal in a peaceful and authentic atmosphere.
Practical information
Guided tours, either with an audioguide or a professional guide, are offered by the tourist office, revealing all the secrets of the village. For nature lovers, several hiking trails start from the village, including the Voie Verte which crosses the region.
For more information: www.ville-saint-jean-de-cole.fr.
