This is a prestige stop during your stay, located just 25 minutes from Château le Verdoyer.
If there is one place that seems to float between water and stone, it is Brantôme. Encircled by a branch of the Dronne river, which forms an island in the heart of the city, this town is one of the “Most Beautiful Detours of France.”
Between its monumental abbey nestled against a steep cliff and its romantic atmosphere along the water, Brantôme is a sensory stopover where every alleyway tells a story over 1,200 years old.
The Abbey of Brantôme: A jewel of architecture and mystery
Founded, according to legend, by Charlemagne himself, the Saint-Pierre Abbey is the beating heart of the town. But what makes it unique in the world is its symbiosis with the rock.
The troglodyte trail and the Grotto of the Last Judgment
Before becoming a stone structure, the abbey was a refuge for monks within the cliffside. Do not miss the visit to the troglodyte caves. There, you will discover the famous bas-relief of the “Last Judgment”, a monumental and enigmatic sculpture carved directly into the limestone, which continues to intrigue historians to this day. Read our dedicated article.
The bell tower: The oldest campanile in France
The Brantôme bell tower is a marvel. Built in the 11th century, it is not placed on the church itself, but on the cliff that overlooks it. Its Romanesque “gabled” style makes it one of the oldest and most elegant specimens of French religious architecture.
The Dronne: Experience Brantôme along the water
The river is not just scenery; it is the rhythm of life in Brantôme. To understand the soul of the city, you must step off dry land.
- Canoeing or gabarre boat trip: Glide under medieval bridges and admire the Garden of the Monks from the water. It is the best way to contemplate the Renaissance facades and the old mills. Read our article on the electric boat trip around Brantôme.
- The Elbow Bridge: Unique in its kind, this right-angled bridge was built in the 16th century to connect the abbey to the gardens. Today, it offers the most photographed viewpoint in the region.
Gastronomy and craftsmanship: The Périgord art of living
Brantôme is not just an open-air museum; it is also a capital of fine dining. Michelin-starred tables sit alongside local village bistros.
- Brantôme Market: On Friday mornings, the town comes alive. It is the perfect opportunity to taste local walnut oil, pressed in the surrounding mills, or to enjoy a Périgord truffle when in season.
- Craftsmanship: Artisan trades are king here. From glassblowers to leatherworkers, the town center boutiques are brimming with original creations.
Hiking: Gain some height above the valley
To escape the tourist bustle for a moment, lace up your walking shoes:
- The quarry path: An itinerary that leads you to the heights to observe the ancient quarries from which the white stone used to build the abbey was extracted.
- The Puymarteau loop (9 km): A hike that offers breathtaking panoramas over the bend of the Dronne and the silhouette of the abbey emerging from the morning mist.
Plan your visit from the campsite :
Evening tip: In summer, don’t miss the nautical jousting on the Dronne on Friday nights, or the abbey illuminations that transform the town into a fairytale setting.
Access: Allow 25 to 30 minutes by car from Château le Verdoyer.
Parking: Use the peripheral parking lots (the Vert Galant parking lot is ideal) as the town center is exclusively pedestrian-friendly.
Our tip: If you are visiting with your family, the combination of the mysterious caves and the boat trip is sure to please everyone. It is the perfect excursion to conclude your discovery of the Périgord Vert!
