


Vallée de La Dordogne
The ravishing Dordogne Valley, bursting with natural wonders, never
fails to
enchant travellers. Now it’s your turn to follow the Dordogne
Valley, one of the
most beautiful valleys in the Midi-Pyrenees region.
Follow its twists and turns,
admiring the many treasures dotting its
banks on your way from Sousceyrac
to Souillac in the Lot Department.
The cool, fast-flowing waters of the Dordogne wind along a stunning 60 km
route in the north of the Lot Department. Start your journey in Sousceyrac, a
stately village in the shadow of the Massif Central, and then
head
down towards
Souillac at the gateway to Périgord. This will take you right
into
the
heart of the
Dordone Valley, a Land of Art and History, where you
will
meet
the
men and
women who bring the valley to life.
After Sousceyrac, one really has to explore the narrow streets of Bretenoux,
a pretty
13th
century
bastide town. The magnificent Castelnau Castle is
worth
making
a
small detour
away from the Dordogne river, as is Saint-Céré,
with its
historical
town
centre
dominated by the Saint-Laurent-les-Tours
Castrum.
Then return to the Dordogne to enjoy: Carennac,
a beautiful village clustered
around a Cluniac priory; Montvalent and its guard
tower watching over the
cliffs
on the right bank of the river; Gluges huddling
beneath its cliff, with its
church
where Edith Piaf used to come
to pray; Creysse with its Romanesque
church and
its small port on the
Dordogne
River and Belcastel Castle.
You will soon reach the impressive Lacave Caves and Martel, the «City of
Seven
Towers», full of medieval houses built by well-to-do merchants. Then
comes Souillac, which was once the hub of the Dordogne River trade. Its
remarkable
heritage is commemorated by monuments such as the splendid
Romanesque
triple-domed Abbey Church. Your route will take you round
river bends set
against towering cliffs, past small sandy islands that are home
to willows and
reeds, quiet beaches and walnut and plum orchards, all in the
stunningly
preserved natural setting of the Dordogne Valley. The greens and blues
are
beautifully offset by the brown hues of the old tiles and the amber patina of
villages that are the distinctive hallmark the Dordogne Valley.
This naturally bountiful valley has been attracting settlers since the Middle Ages,
becoming a focal point for trade, talented builders, and the rivalries of warlords
and monastic powers.
The Dordogne Valley has a distinct personality, unique scenery and an exceptional
heritage. Savour its beauty by following its high cliff-top roads, with their
panoramic views, and its low winding roads running along the cool, shady
riverbanks. Or choose to experience it afloat, by taking a canoe down the river,
if only just to admire La Treyne Castle, on its rocky outcrop.
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