Villages and fortified towns around La Dordogne Verte campsite
Heritage and charm
VILLAGES OF THE PÉRIGORD
The Périgord Verte region abounds in priceless architectural treasures, from Périgord’s medieval bastides with their innovative geometric design, to unusual villages with their own particular history. We’ve put together a selection of some of the most unusual places not to be missed during your stay at the Dordogne Verte campsite.
DISCOVER THE MEDIEVAL BASTIDES
OF THE PÉRIGORD REGION
The Bastides of Périgord
There are 18 of them, built between 1222 and 1373, with the 100 Years’ War marking the end of this style of construction. They have a particular geometric, checkerboard style, and are built around open central halls, streets and alleys, with houses of similar size, built side by side, to maximize the space and housing available to the population.
The bastide town of Saint-Aulaye
The only French Bastide in Périgord Vert, on the border between Bordeaux and Périgord, founded by Pierre de Brémond in 1288, it overlooks the Dronne River. Here you’ll find a 12th-century Romanesque church, a 13th- and 14th-century château and a wash-house typical of medieval villages. On Saturday, market day, local producers unpack their stalls on the
place Pasteur. Last but not least, you can take your time to enjoy the Dronne, with a beach, canoe base and aquatic complex nearby, at the La Dordogne Verte campsite.
The bastide town of Beaumont du Périgord
Located next to the bastides of Moilères and Lalinde, it’s an excellent choice for centralizing visits over the course of the day.
The first English royal bastide, its construction did not follow the rules for bastides of the time. Built in H to pay homage to King Henri III, it is one of the most important bastides in the Périgord. It boasts a 13th-century Gothic church and one of its 16 gates, the Porte de Luzier, is still visible. The central square, where Tuesday is market day, is surrounded by arcaded houses, and you can stroll through the narrow streets known as “carreyrous”. In summer, there are dramatized tours.
PICTURESQUE VILLAGES
AROUND THE CAMPSITE
The most beautiful villages in the area
In the Périgord Vert region, you can also visit a number of unusual and unusual villages, some of which are listed among France’s most beautiful villages. Authentic atmosphere and a change of scenery guaranteed!
Brantôme, the Venice of Périgord.
55 km from Saint-Aulaye, nicknamed the “Venice of the Périgord” by President Raymond Poincaré in 1913, when he visited the town, because of its bucolic setting and the watercourse that surrounds it. The 8th-century Benedictine abbey around which the town was built is situated near a cliff in which several caves have been carved, including the grotto of the “Last Judgement”, where monks carved two bas-reliefs in the 15th century.
It also houses the Saint-Pierre church, whose 11th-century Romanesque bell tower is considered the oldest in France.
You can also share in the wealth of local history and anecdotes with a guided tour on the Dronne. The wooded park is ideal for picnics, and as you stroll languorously along the banks you’ll discover statues, fountains and hundreds of trees, shrubs and plants that brighten up this enchanting setting.
You can also visit ALAJE’s botanical pleasure garden, with its poison garden and medicinal plants.
Saint-Jean-de-Côle, a picturesque village par excellence
Listed as one of France’s most beautiful villages, it’s one of the places not to be missed. Between Thiviers and Nontron, 74 km from Saint-Aulaye, its half-timbered houses, surrounded by flowers, cobbled streets and ochre stone walls, give this charming setting a fairytale decor.
You can also visit the Château de la Marthonie, destroyed during the 100 Years’ War and subsequently rebuilt during the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. 30-minute tours are available by appointment.
Don’t hesitate to contact the campsite reception for further information. Our team will be delighted to advise you at
and provide you with all the information you need to set off on your exploration with complete peace of mind.
