The Panoramic Tower of Moncalou, a dizzying and free viewpoint!

Florimont Gaumier
Family Time

We will take you for a walk to the borders of Périgord, we will get to know the Lot and take a bath in greenery in the Vins de Domme vineyards. A few minutes from the Dordogne Valley, the Tour de Moncalou is a panoramic tower made of metal and wood which overlooks the forest and vineyards. In the distance, the cliffs, the view of Domme, Roque Gageac, Gourdon (Lot)… the foothills of the central massif… all around the walks, a wine store, a restaurant and a parking space and picnic tables with signs of interpretation. All this is free ! Isn't life beautiful? Here we go!

Photos from the report: Guide to Périgord

A project to enhance the territory and see far!

La Tour de Moncalou is on the territory of the Community of Communes of Domme and Villefranche du Périgord. It measures 23 meters in height. It's enough to thrill the youngest and people prone to vertigo. There is no risk, it is a solid and recent construction! The steps are non-slip and the solidly anchored platform is protected by a roof terrace.

It is located in Florimont-Gaumier, to reach it from the Dordogne Valley, you will head towards Daglan and the Céou Valley, then towards Bouzic in the Lot and then return to the Dordogne to climb (by car, by bike? ) on the heights of this aerial commune. You will quickly see the tower, when arriving in a small hamlet, it protrudes from the vegetation like an invitation to fly away! It is in the Pays de Domme vineyard, an exciting project to revive an ancient wine on these causse-type lands, that the tower rises. Don't miss out on a trip to the store and wine cellar right next to the tower!

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Go to Moncalou Tower and take a walk

A car park allows you to park easily, free of charge. From this place, hiking trails to go for a walk alone or with family, in this nature with its particular vegetation. Moreover, in the space at the foot of the tower platform, there are picnic tables and interpretation panels of the landscape, geology, fauna and of flora. An instructive read to understand the fauna and flora interest of these dry lawns and atypical environments.

For walkers: Take the Chai de Moncalou Loop which is signposted!

We climb up the floors of the tower, until arriving at a platform equipped with observation glasses (free) and several orientation tables in all directions. You will understand what you are looking at! On one side the vineyards, we can see the cliffs of the Dordogne Valley in the distance. Depending on the sunshine and cloudiness conditions (it's best to come in the off-season to avoid the mist in winter due to the rivers and that in summer due to the heat), you can see as far as the foothills of the Massif Central, in the Cantal! 360 degrees of greenery and pleasure.

Note: We went there at sunset in autumn (small picnic at the summit, picking up your waste carefully and leaving everything clean), but the tower is not authorized after dark. It's not closed, I think it's up to everyone to take their responsibilities, the view of the stars must still be quite good from up there!

The restaurant located at the foot of the tower: La Terrasse de Moncalou, is a good address. It is better to book, because as the banner humorously indicates, it is open all year round but not every day. It's like home with a terrace and comfortable armchairs, guinguette-style lanterns and quality food for all budgets.