Brantôme: the Venice of Périgord The Venice of Périgord

In the heart of the verdant and cool Dronne Valley, discover Brantôme. Its location on an island surrounded by the river has earned it the nickname "Venice of the Périgord." At the foot of a limestone cliff stand the majestic buildings of the abbey, which seem to have watched over the town for centuries.

Built in the 11th century, the abbey's bell tower is among the oldest campanile bell towers in France. Founded, according to legend, in 769 by Charlemagne, the Benedictine abbey of Brantôme received the relics of a saint named Sicaire and became a popular pilgrimage site. Sacked by the Normans before being rebuilt in the 11th century, it was led by Pierre de Mareuil in the 16th century, who constructed new buildings, and then by his nephew, Pierre de Bourdeille (known in literary history as Brantôme, the famous author of "Les Dames galantes"), who undertook further transformations before a complete restoration in the 19th century. Visit the abbey church, the convent buildings, and the bell tower on guided tours.

Explore the town via the bridge, the Bertin quayside, and its old houses with balconies adorned with flowers in the spring. A stroll through the town will allow you to discover and appreciate its rich architectural heritage.