Here are the available villas for rental in Brantôme.

Review by Susan from London

If you are holidaying in this part of the Dordogne you should not miss a trip to Brantome - it really is an idyllic village. A river runs right through the town leading to its being known locally a the Venice of Perigord. Behind the village is a cliff covered in trees, at the bottom of which is the very large and very beautiful Abbey of Brantome.



The Benedictine Abbey dates back to 769 and was founded by Charlemagne. Originally the monks lived in caves at the base of the cliff and evidence of their troglodyte existence can still be visited today. The entrance is by the Town Hall. One of the caves includes a large sculpture of ‘the Last Judgement’ and really should not be missed.



The Abbey has been built and rebuilt several times and the current building largely dates from the 17th century but underwent major restoration in the 19th century. The bell tower though is of the 11th century and is one of the oldest in France.





Inside the Abbey you can visit the monks dormitory which has a beautiful ceiling in the form of an upturned boat and there is also a permanent exhibition of the work of Fernand Desmoulin who drew hundreds of pictures apparently under the influence of a spiritual medium.



The village of Brantome itself is beautiful with stone houses and tiled roofs. It is also known for its gastronomy. The beautiful house with blue shutters and a mill wheel on the edge of the river near the abbey is the Michelin starred Moulin de l’Abbeye restaurant and hotel. There are a variety of other very good restaurants in the town.



Canoeing through the village is a wonderful experience and the small weir adds a little excitement (only a little though -it is fine for children!).



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Review by Review by visitor

There is a veritable feast of things to do in this part of the Perigord region in the Dordogne.  Brantome is known locally as the "Little Venice of France", a truly picture postcard town that dreams are made of.  Old cobbled streets and walkways lined with beautiful boutique shops offering everything from gifts and clothing to fresh produce and a whole host of other delights. The town is an island surrounded by a loop of the River Dronne linked to the ouside world by five bridges. Its gabled bell tower, rising from the rock is held to be the oldest and one of the finest in France. The original Benedictine abbey was founded in 769 by Charlemagne. Jousting competitions make for a magnificent spectacle on the river during July and August. It is also possible for youngsters to fence in the shade of the Abbey at this time of year.

In the botanical gardens on the banks of the Dronne are the monks exquisite little stone-carved rest-houses, literally half house and half cave. There are fine restaurants for special occasions, cafe society to enjoy whilst overlooking the river and the kids canoeing along it. The Friday morning market is a must with its truffle. fois gras, wine, fresh produce and clothing stalls buzzing with the life and soul of residents and tourists alike. Walking, kayaking, canoeing, cycling, hot air ballooning, swimming pools, golf courses, tennis and horse riding are JUST a handful of the plentiful activities available and several places where you can enjoy fun filled boat trips along the river.  Brantome is an absolute treasure in the heart of the Dordogne.

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