Set in a meander of the River Dronne, at the gateway to the PARC NATUREL DU PÉRIGORD LIMOUSIN, lies the charming town of BRANTÔME. Nestled on an island between two arms of the Dronne, earning it the nickname of the Green Venice of the Périgord, Brantôme is one of the most beautiful towns in the Dordogne. And its abbey, built into the side of a rock face, is well worth a visit on your camping vacation in the Dordogne.
Brantôme Abbey: 1200 years of history in Périgord
Brantôme’s history dates back to the Neolithic period. The rocky overhangs carved out by the Dronne provided shelter for prehistoric man. The Peyrelvade dolmen, which means “raised stone”, can still be admired. In the 8th century, Benedictine monks followed in the footsteps of prehistoric man, taking shelter on the Brantôme cliff. The abbey was founded by King Pepin the Short, and his son Charlemagne deposited the relics of Saint Sicarius here. Pope Leo III consecrated the abbey in the early 9th century.
Although destroyed during the Norman invasions at the end of the first millennium, Brantôme Abbey developed in the 10th and 11th centuries. A Romanesque bell tower was added. It still dominates the abbey today. It is one of the oldest bell towers in France. History has not always been kind to Brantôme Abbey. During the English occupation in the 15th century, it was partially destroyed. It was then rebuilt in Gothic style. It then continued to expand, with the creation of a palace and an abbey garden with Renaissance influences.
Today, Brantôme Abbey is a cultural center with a library and exhibition halls. The most beautiful of these is undoubtedly the Dortoir des Moines (monks’ dormitory), with its characteristic ship’s hull frame. You can admire this during your visit to the abbey, during which you’ll also discover troglodytic remains inherited from the first monastery. The tour takes you to the grotto of the Last Judgement, carved with a bas-relief. There are also pigeon lofts where the monks raised pigeons, whose pulpit they enjoyed.
A stroll through Brantôme
Although the abbey is the jewel in the crown, it’s not the only reason to visit Brantôme. Its history can be seen in the beautiful buildings of its old town, whose origins oscillate between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The Porte des Réformés and the church of Notre-Dame, in particular, are well worth a visit. Opposite the abbey, take the time to stroll through the former abbey gardens. The Médicis fountain and the Saint Roch tower await you. This tower once closed off the abbey’s surrounding wall. A twin tower completed the abbey’s defensive system, but this has now disappeared.
A lively little town
Although Brantôme has a rich historical heritage, it is not a museum town and remains very much alive. As soon as the fine weather arrives, the waters of the Dronne are covered with canoes and the terraces of the bars and restaurants fill up. To make the most of Brantôme, if you can, choose to visit on a Friday morning during the market. It’s an opportunity to sample some of the gastronomic specialties of the Périgord.
Brantôme is a small town. You’ll find parking close to the town center. You can easily park your car and then explore the town on foot. Guided boat trips on the River Dronne are another pleasant way to enjoy the charms of the Venice of Périgord. In addition to the abbey and historic center, these trips will also take you outside the town to appreciate the wealth of wildlife on the banks of the Dronne.
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