Les Eyzies de
Tayac is located in a valley, famous for its pre-historical
remains. It is one of the main centers in the world for research in
this field. Numerous interesting objects and ancient works of art
have been discovered in this town and the surrounding areas. Many
of these can be admired in the museum, or by visiting local caves.
Sarlat
Sarlat...The
capital of the Perigord Noir carries legimately the nickname "the
Medieval Jewel". Wonderful ensemble of narrow streets restored
Gothic- and Renaissance-buildings. Uncountable street artist turn
every walk through this city in an unforgettable experience. In Sarlat
you can also visit: 'la Maison de La Boëtie' (15th century),
the cathedral built in the 16th-17th century (built on the remains
of an old Latin church) and (for the enthusiasts) the museum of the
motorcar.
Beynac
Beynac...
Village on the bank of the Dordogne, built against a steep cliff and
dominated by the famous castle from the 13th-14th century. The castle
offers one of the most amazing views on the valley of the Dordogne.
Several houses were built in the 15th, 16th and 17th century. Also
visit the archeological park and the museum of primal-history. Paul
Eluard came to this marvelous town to spend his last days.
Domme
Domme...Settlement
founded in the 13th century on top of a lime plateau. Domme carries
the nickname "Acropolis of the Perigord". Astonishing panoramic
view on the Dordogne-valley and the meanders |of the river. Don't
miss the possibility of a romantic walk along the steep cliff and
on top of the town rampart. The public garden, the city hall built
in the 17th century, several remarkable edifices from the 13th to
the 17th century, the bewildering caves and the museum of 'Art and
Traditions' make Dome one of the 'must see's' of the Dordogne.
Roque
Gageac
Roque Gageac...Charming
village squeezed between the Dordogne and a steep cliff. Castle built
in the 19th century (in the style of the 15th century). Several old
buildings give La Croquet its beauty and charm.The small church offers
ones more an incredible view on the valley of the Dordogne.
Belves
Belves ...Charming
little village situated on top of a lime plateau. Worth a visit: the
old clock tower and city hall built in the 15th century; the remains
of the town rampart built in the Middle Ages, the 'donjon' built in
the 12th century and the former Dominicans-cloister.
Montignac
Montignac...
caves of Lascaux...Very ancient. Stone Age, perhaps to 15,000 BCE.
Suggests a ritual site for Stone Age humans. What were their aims
and motives? Religious certainly but,other than that, deep mysteries
remain about the purpose and function of the site. Perhaps the earliest
known record of human religiosity.
Rocamadour
Rocamadour...
is rated by the French, as the second most visited historic sight
in France after the Eiffel Tower. The superb views of this, medieval,
town, clamped to a sheer rock face, is an unforgettable memory. It
is dominated by its 14th century castle, which is reached from the
village by a steep winding path marked by the Stations of the Cross.
A lift is available for those not up to the climb. For hundreds of
years pilgrims have flocked here to pay homage to the Vierge Noire,
carved out of walnut wood. The narrow main street is lined with shops,
cafes and restaurants and is the ideal place to find those memorable
gifts to take home. Although the village gets very congested in peak
season and is highly commercialized, it is still a marvelous place
to visit.
Le
Bugue
Le Bugue...
located at the confluence of the Douch and Vezere rivers, Le Bugue
has always been inhabited since Prehistoric times Le Bugue has always
been a quiet trading town, until the French Revolution and despite
some fratricidal fights between the Lords of Limeuil and Fleurac.
It owes part of its fame to Jean Rey, a physicist who has discovered
the Laws of Gravity 200 years before Lavoisier, and has also invented
the Thermo scope, the ancestor of our modern thermometer. The end
of the 19th century was marked by the arrival of the train and the
building of the bridge.
The Area
For a picture tour of the area click on the image
