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Discover picturesque Brantôme, the Venice of Périgord

Brantôme is the loveliest and most enchanting small town located in Perigord, southwestern France along the river Dronne.

The Benedictine Abbey of Brantôme was founded in 769 by Charlemagne. Also known as Charles the Great. The abbey was twice severely destructed and rebuilt. Once towards the end of the 10th century and again after the end of the Hundred Years’ War in 1465 and 1480.

The 11th-century bell tower is believed to be the oldest bell tower in France.

Today it is among others, home to the tourist office where you’ll find souvenirs, postcards, and books on the area.

River Idyll City France Brantome Romantic Mood
Canoeing on the Dronne river
Bridge Stone Arch River Water Flow Middle Ages Brantome
Brantome France Bridge Cloudy Day Dordogne Europe

Best known for

  • Nature and medieval history.

Things to do in Brantôme

  • Go canoeing on the Dronne.
  • Surrounded by rich nature and with multiple colors, a sightseeing cruise on the Dronne is not only romantic but a must.
  • At the Fernand Desmoulin Museum, you will see the mediumistic work of Fernand Desmoulin (1853 – 1914), an illustrator and impressionist painter.
  • Go inside the Abbatiale Saint-Pierre church.
  • Meander the local markets.
  • In the early middle ages, the Abbey Caves was a place of worship. Get a map at the tourist office for a self-guided tour of the caves located at Boulevard Charlemagne. Allow about one hour for the tour.
  • Reconnect with nature and the values of life at the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park. The park has nearly 2,000 km of paths in different themes, such as roses, or honey plants, and so on. Also, there are 5 themed audio-guide walks.
  • Stroll on the banks of the river Dronne and feel forgotten emotions.
  • Rediscover authenticity and enjoy good meals. A good choice is L’Authentique located at 40 Rue Gambetta.
  • The Peyrelevade dolmen (“Pierre Levée”) monument of religious art dates back to 6,000 years ago. It is orientated towards the sunset at the equinox.
Brantome Dronhe River Marouatte Chateau Weir
The Benedictine Abbey of Brantôme
Cloister Monastery Abbey France Brantome Gang
The Benedictine Abbey of Brantôme

Plan your trip to Brantôme

  • Nearest Airports

  • Angoulême – Cognac International Airport (33.0 miles / 53.1 kilometers)
  • Bergerac Dordogne Périgord Airport (37.6 / 60.6)
  • Limoges – Bellegarde Airport (43.0 / 69.3)
  • Brive–Souillac Airport (46.2 / 74.4)
  • Nearest Cities and towns

  • Cantillac at 3.25 km
  • Valeuil at 4.60 
  • Champagnac-de-Belair at 4.73
  • Saint-Julien-de-Bourdeilles at 4.89 
  • Condat-sur-Trincou at 4.91 
  • La Gonterie-Boulouneix at 5.30 
  • Saint-Crépin-de-Richemont at 6.81 
  • Saint-Pancrace at 6.83 
  • Bordeaux via the A89 at 150 (1h50m by car)
  • Nantes at 324.78 (around 4 hours by car)
  • Lyon at 457 (4h30m by car)

Distances are indicated in kilometers, e.g. at 3.25 km.