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Riverside town · Périgord Vert

Brantôme

A small town on an island in the river Dronne, built around a Benedictine abbey against the cliff.

Brantôme abbey and the elbow bridge over the Dronne
Photo: Benjamin Smith / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Brantôme sits on the river Dronne in the Périgord Vert, the green north of the department. The old centre stands on an island in the river, and the water, bridges and gardens are a large part of its charm. It is often called the Venice of the Périgord.

The village grew up around a Benedictine abbey set against a limestone cliff, with caves cut into the rock behind it. It is listed among Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.

Where to stay
Area
Périgord Vert
Best known for
Abbey, river Dronne, troglodyte caves
Market day
Friday morning (check seasonal changes)
Time to allow
Half a day
Village listing
Les Plus Beaux Villages de France
Combine with
Bourdeilles, Périgueux, Saint-Jean-de-Côle

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Where to stay near Brantôme

What to see

Brantôme is small and easy to see on foot.

The abbey church
The church of the former Benedictine abbey, beside the river.
The bell tower
The detached tower on the rock above the abbey.
The troglodyte caves
The caves behind the abbey, with medieval carvings.
The angled bridge
The 16th-century bridge with its dog-leg shape, in front of the abbey.
The monks' garden
A riverside garden facing the abbey.

The village and the river

The Dronne divides around the old centre, so you are rarely far from the water. Riverside walks and gardens line the banks, and the angled bridge in front of the abbey is one of the best-known views in the Périgord.

In summer you can take a boat trip on the river or hire a canoe. The streets of the island are lined with old houses, shops and restaurants.

The abbey and caves

The abbey was founded in the early Middle Ages and rebuilt many times. Its detached bell tower, set on the rock behind the church, is often described as one of the oldest in France.

Behind the abbey are troglodyte caves used by the monks. One holds a large carved relief of the Last Judgement. The caves can be visited. Check current times before you go.

Market and food

Brantôme has a weekly market, traditionally on Friday morning, in the streets of the old centre. Check the current calendar before you plan around it.

There are cafés and restaurants on the island and along the river. The Périgord Vert is known for walnuts, chestnuts and mushrooms in season.

Planning your visit

There are car parks at the edge of the old centre. Check current arrangements before you travel, particularly on market day and in high summer.

From Sarlat allow for a drive of around two hours. It is easier to visit as part of a stay in the north of the department, or together with Périgueux.

What to combine with Brantôme

Bourdeilles, a short drive downstream, has a château above the Dronne. Saint-Jean-de-Côle, another of the Plus Beaux Villages, is to the north-east.

Périgueux is to the south and makes a natural pairing for a long day.

Questions about Brantôme

Is Brantôme worth visiting?

Yes. The abbey, the river and the bridges make it one of the most attractive villages in the north of the department.

Why is Brantôme called the Venice of the Périgord?

Because the old centre sits on an island in the river Dronne, with water on all sides.

Can you visit the caves at Brantôme?

Yes, the troglodyte caves behind the abbey can be visited. Check current times before you go.

What day is the market in Brantôme?

The weekly market is traditionally on Friday morning. Check the current calendar before you travel.

How far is Brantôme from Sarlat?

It is a drive of around two hours to the north-west.

Opening times, prices and parking change. Check before you travel: Dordogne Périgord tourism, Les Plus Beaux Villages de France.