Leaving Brittany we will travel through the Vendée, Poitou, Charentes Region as we travel down to the Angenais-Périgord-Quercy Region - also known as the Dordogne Region. We will be staying near Monbazillac and this will position us well to tour a number of interesting towns and be able to visit a couple of good wine areas. The Bastides of Périgord: the bastides, are at random all over this area. They are charming old-world surprises. They were built during the Franco-English wars of the 13th Century and have prospered ever since. Today they form a network of market towns. At one time, fortified and walled there were inhabited by freemen. They include: Belvès, Monpazier (***), Biron (***), Saint-Avit (*), Gavaudun, Monflanguin (**), Villeréal as well as others.
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Château Monbazillac is well known and this is area wine. Monbazillax produces a sweet dessert wine.
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The impressive Château Biron above and one of the scenic archways to the right. |
The Dordogne is the largest river in France. It is a region of great beauty. The rivers curve along high limestone cliffs. Villages and châteaux are placed all along the river valley, often hanging from cliffs. The rich crops, and wine area produce great goods to enjoy.
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The Le Chant des Oiseaux, pictured to the left, looks like a great place to relax for a few days at least!
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| I think the bedroom looks okay for a few days of real relaxation! |  |
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| Monpazier is just south from where we plan to stay. Founded in 1284 by Edward the 1st Of England. The central square is surrounded by 14th and 15th arcades and has a covered market. |  |
Monpazier is the most perfect of all the bastides. |
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Of course this is châteux country and Beynac-et-Cezenac is just a little north of where we are staying.
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On of our day trips will be the town of Moissac. The capitals in the cloister at Moissac are one of the most complete sets of Romanesque capitals that survive. |  |
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The abbey church at Moissac is one of the greatest achievements in European religious art. The church itself has been described as "ordinary" but the cloister is superb. We received a wonderful book on cloisters this year from our travel companions. They are included. | |
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Brantôme has a great setting along the river as well as an Abbaye of note. Surrounded by a loop in the river Dronne the town is referred to as "the Venice of the Périgord". Brantôme Abbaye was founded by Charlemagne in 769 under the Benedictine rule. It was sacked by the Normans and then rebuilt in the 11th Century. The present buildings are from the 18th Century. | ||
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Near to Brantôme the Château de Puyguilhem is a 16th Century château that is typical of those in the Loire Valley. Another 20 km South on the D939 is the Abbaye de Chancelade. From the 12th Century restored in 1623. |
Abbaye de Chancelade. |
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Another drive is to the town of Naussannes. The chapel is of note. |
The ornamental entrance to the church at Fontaines are finely carved with mythological beasts. |
Fontaines boasts one of the most beautiful Norman churches in the region. |
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Known as the 'Romanesque Sistine Chapel', the Abbey-Church of Saint-Savin contains many beautiful 11th- and 12th-century murals which are still in a remarkable state of preservation. |  |
In Bourneay is a 19th Century château built on the site of an old manor. |
