The Venice of the Périgord
Brantôme
About 45 minutes by car from Carmagnac
Brantôme sits on an island encircled by the river Dronne, which is how it came by its nickname, the Venice of the Périgord. Willows lean over the water, stone bridges cross it, and the whole town moves at the pace of the current.
At its heart is the Benedictine abbey, with troglodyte caves cut into the cliff behind it and a bell tower said to be among the oldest in France.
It is a lovely place for a long lunch by the water, followed by a flat-bottomed boat trip or simply a slow circuit of the riverside gardens.
Worth your time
- Benedictine abbey and troglodyte caves
- River walks and gardens around the island
- Boat trips beneath the old stone bridges
Stay nearby
Carmagnac is a five-star adults-only retreat for two in Vaux-Lavalette, with a private hot tub and panoramic views over the Charente countryside — about 45 minutes from Brantôme.