Travel Around The Clock

The Chateau de Puyguilhem is located in the northern part of the Dordogne department, near the town of Villars (north-east of Brantome and west of Saint-Jean-de-Cole). The castle is set in an enchanting landscape, with an open valley in front and oak woods, typical of the Perigord region, in the back. Unfortunately, the lake that was once in the valley below the castle, no longer exists, but the view remains very picturesque. Chateau de Puyguilhem Chateau de Puyguilhem It was Pierre Mondot de la Marthonie , a wealthy magistrate from the region and first president of the Parliament of Paris, that acquired the stronghold of Puyguilhem, around 1510. The house was to be the family's second home, as well as a hunting lodge. Thus, he transformed it into a Renaissance residence by deploying a decor of great finesse on popular themes. Abandoned and looted in the 19th century, at the beginning of the 20th century the castle began to fall into ruins. It was then acquired by the State in 19...

With hundreds of medieval villages and 1,001 elegant castles , the Dordogne Valley is a must-see French department and the perfect destination for a romantic getaway in the French countryside. The Dordogne River The pretty honey-coloured stone buildings, the medieval or Renaissance windows and the typical lauze roofs that characterise the local architecture have earned some of these villages the label of Most Beautiful Villages in France. So, if you are planning a visit to this lovely region and are preparing a list of things not to miss, look no further, as we have selected the 10 most beautiful villages in the Dordogne, for you. The list includes some of the most popular ones that you will probably find in every major guide, and some little gems that are a little off the tourist path, but no less fascinating! SARLAT Sarlat, capital of the Perigord Noir , is one of the most attractive and renowned town in France. The charming city centre, dating back from Medieval and Renaissance time...

Gateway to the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park , Brantôme is the pearl of the Périgord Vert. Its position on an island nestled below a cliff, between two arms of the Dronne river, earned it the nickname "Venice of the Périgord". Brantome Brantôme has the appearance of a magical city that reveals its beauty around its medieval alleys: its imposing abbey, its beautiful Renaissance style houses and its gardens crossed by canals project the visitor back in time. Brantome The majestic Benedictine abbey, founded at the end of the 8th century, rises by the river, watched over by its Romanesque bell tower (one of the oldest in France), while, behind the limestone cliff, a little jewel shelters: the remains of the troglodyte monastery including the enigmatic Cave of the Last Judgment adorned with two monumental bas-reliefs.   Bell Tower, Brantome  Last Judgement cave, Brantome  Saint Sicarius fountain, Brantome It is said that Charlemagne consecrated the abbey a...