Brantôme

City of Brantôme

Brantôme, also known as the Venice of Périgord, is located in the Périgord Vert region north of Périgueux. It has some magnificent monuments to visit, is pleasant to live in and boasts superb gardens. Without doubt one of my favorites!

Visit the troglodytic site of Brantôme Abbey: a trail that bears witness to the traces of occupation by the first Benedictine monks from the 8th century onwards. Dwellings, dovecotes, Saint-Sicaire fountain, sculpted grotto known as the "Grotte du Jugement Dernier" (Last Judgement grotto), featuring two bas-reliefs, one of which is highly enigmatic. Annual closure in January.

Abbatiale Saint-Pierre de Brantôme Church: Rectangular church with three bays, two for the nave and one for the choir, rebuilt following the Hundred Years' War. The church is topped by three Angevin vaults with a very rounded profile. The church dates back to the 15th century and is dedicated to Saint Peter and Saint Sicarius, one of the Holy Innocents of Bethlehem killed by order of King Herod, according to the Gospel of Saint Matthew. A fragment of the child's relic is preciously preserved within the church in an elegant shrine. Located on one of the many secondary routes from Vézelay to Santiago de Compostela, Saint Sicaire was venerated by many pilgrims. In the 19th century, the church was listed as a Monument Historique and restored by architect Paul Abadie (1812-1884).

Dolmen de Peyrelevade: Peyrelevade means "raised stone" in Occitan. Erected on the right bank of the River Dronne. Heavily altered in the late 19th century, it was built as a collective burial site, with limestone pillars and an irregular natural stone roof.

Canoe trips on the Dronne, relaxation, sports and cultural activities - it's all here! A small town not to be missed.