In the heart of the Périgord Vert region, Brantôme and its canals are waiting to be discovered. Here’s why this jewel of the Dordogne deserves a special place in your travel diary for your next camping vacation in the Dordogne.
Had it been conceived by an artist eager to make a success of his canvas, the setting of Brantôme Abbey would not have been better chosen. This white abbey backs onto a limestone cliff in a meander of the Dronne river. Brantôme is nicknamed the “Green Venice of the Périgord “. You’ll soon understand why: the old town is surrounded on all sides by the Dronne, which seems to embrace it. Your visit to Brantôme will take you from cobbled streets to stone bridges. Don’t hesitate to ask Château le Verdoyer reception for advice on some of the best places to visit in Brantôme.
Brantôme, a thousand years of history carved into the rock
The history of Brantôme began over 1000 years ago. According to tradition, it was Charlemagne himself who founded the Benedictine abbey in 769, depositing there the relics of Saint Sicaire – one of the Holy Innocents massacred on Herod’s orders according to the Gospel. This founding act attracted pilgrims, then Vikings, who devastated the abbey twice in the IXᵉ and Xᵉ centuries. Century after century, the monks patiently rebuilt a remarkably coherent architectural ensemble.
The bell tower of the abbey church, built in the XIᵉ century, is considered the oldest campanile in France. Its particularity lies in its location: it is not built on top of the church, but on the twelve-meter rock overhang that dominates it. This architectural detail speaks volumes about the genius of Brantôme ‘s builders – a town that has always taken advantage of its natural environment rather than thwarting it. In Périgord, stone and water are not opposites: they work together.
The Hundred Years’ War, the Wars of Religion, the Revolution: nothing has succeeded in erasing the monastic imprint on the town of Brantôme. Now classified as a “Petite Cité de caractère” since 2018, the town has preserved an exceptional heritage. Even for the Dordogne, which has more than one charming village.
Visit Brantôme: the must-sees of Périgord Vert
A visit to Brantôme naturally revolves around the Abbey Saint-Pierre and its troglodytic caves – the remains of the first monastery, carved out of the limestone cliff face. The underground trail reveals the original monastic cells, a dovecote carved into the wall, traces of a fish farm where the monks raised salmon fry, and above all the famous grotto of the Last Judgement, whose two monumental 15th-century bas-reliefs exude a truly striking atmosphere. The Saint-Sicaire fountain, renowned for its miraculous fertility-promoting properties, completes this extraordinary tour. If you’re hoping to have children, don’t hesitate to touch the water. On the other hand, if you already have a large family, don’t tempt the devil. Personally, we’re not superstitious, but you never know! The abbey walls are also home to the Fernand Desmoulin museum. This 19thᵉ century artist, a convert to spiritualism, exhibits a fascinatingly strange mediumistic work here.
As beautiful as the abbey is, it’s not Brantôme ‘s only attraction. As soon as you leave the abbey, Brantôme is open for a stroll. The XVIᵉ century bent bridge – the only one of its kind – spans the Dronne to lead to the Jardin des Moines, where Renaissance repositories frame a botanical garden of absolute serenity. Linger, sit, listen to the river as you watch the white facades of the abbey reflected in the green water.
For families, the “Once upon a time… Brantôme ” trail offers a 1? hr walk through the town, with questions and illustrated panels. A reward awaits young explorers on arrival – a great way to pass on the history of Périgord without getting bored.
Floris and Véro, owners of the Château le Verdoyer campsite, recommend discovering Brantôme from the Dronne River with electric boat cruises. Another way to see the town.
if you get the chance
If you’re staying at the Château le Verdoyer campsite in July or August, be sure to come to Brantôme on a Friday evening to watch the nautical jousting. This traditional spectacle takes place every Friday evening in summer on the Dronne, in front of Brantôme Abbey. For over forty years, two teams have been competing aboard boats, with the aim of knocking the opposing team into the water.
Gastronomy: the flavours of Périgord in Brantôme
Périgord isn’t just a region, it’s an art of living and eating well. Duck foie gras, duck breast and Périgord black truffles are just some of the Dordogne specialties you can sample in Brantôme’ s restaurants or discover on the Friday morning market stalls, along with walnuts and goat’s cheese.
Where to sleep near Brantôme in Périgord: camping Château le Verdoyer
If you want to stay in the region and make the most of Périgord Vert, outdoor accommodation is the obvious choice. Twenty minutes from Brantôme, Château le Verdoyer camping Château le Verdoyer ★★★★ is one of the Dordogne’ s most remarkable addresses for those wishing to combine comfort and authenticity.
Set in the grounds of a real Périgord castle in Champs-Romain, this 4-star Château le Verdoyer campsite offers 186 pitches in an exceptional natural setting in the heart of the Périgord Vert region. This is one of those rare places where sleeping in a tent or parking your camper van at the foot of a medieval castle is not a figure of style, but an everyday reality. In the evening, after a day exploring Brantôme and the surrounding Dordogne countryside, returning to this setting of greenery and silence is a luxury few hotels can match.
Recommended accommodation
Camping Château Le Verdoyer ★★★★
Champs-Romain – Périgord Vert – Dordogne – 186 pitches
A 4-star campsite set in the grounds of an authentic Périgord château, just 20 minutes from Brantôme. Listed on C’est si Bon for a unique outdoor experience in the Dordogne.
How to get to Brantôme in the Dordogne
Brantôme is located 27 kilometers north of Périgueux, in the heart of the Périgord Vert region. By car from Paris, allow approximately five hours on the A20 and then the N21. From Bordeaux, the journey is shorter – around 1h30. The nearest train station is Périgueux, served by TGV from Paris-Montparnasse (approx. 2h20). From Château le Verdoyer, allow 30 minutes by car.
Advice from Floris and Véro of the Château le Verdoyer campsite
When you come to Brantôme during your camping vacation in the Périgord, be sure to visit the Ferme Auberge de Faye on the outskirts of Brantôme in the direction of Périgueux. Excellent products for sale or to eat in. A great Périgord address. Don’t forget to book
Brantôme en Périgord – Tourist Office Périgord Dronne Belle : perigord-dronne-belle.fr
Leave a Review