Walking route
Around the abbey of Brantôme.


Around the abbey of Brantôme.
This walk takes you through fields and forests around the charming town of Brantôme. This town is also known as the "Venice of the Périgord" because it lies between two branches of the Dronne River. It is the gateway to the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park and is renowned for its architectural and historical heritage, including the Benedictine Abbey of Brantôme.
Distance: 9.5 km.
Time: 3h00.
Grade: Easy.
Type: Circular.
Gps Track: Yes.
Route description: Yes.
Wheelchair: Not suitable.
Dog: Allowed on leach.
Height gain: 212 meters.
Trail: Paved and unpaved.
Marking: Wooden post with yellow head.
Abbey of Saint-Pierre De Brantôme.
From the village, the route heads towards the Moulin de Vigonac, an old watermill now housing a hotel. Past the mill, you walk through a beautiful mixed forest until you reach the tiny hamlet of Labrousse. The landscape now opens up, and you follow the edge of a lovely valley towards the bridge over La Dronne. From the bridge, you can see the Moulin de Grenier. The mill has a long history and was mentioned as early as 1640. However, only the stone foundations remain of the original 17th-century mill. What you see now is largely the result of a major renovation at the end of the 19th century. After crossing the bridge, the route continues along a paved road and passes through a small hamlet. A little further on, you enter another mixed forest and finally arrive in Brantôme. Here, you walk along La Dronne to the Abbey of Saint-Pierre de Brantôme. The abbey was founded in the 8th century by Charlemagne, and according to tradition, he donated relics of Saint Peter to the monastery, making it an important place of pilgrimage. The current buildings are partly Romanesque (especially the bell tower, one of the oldest in France, dating back to the 11th century) and partly Renaissance, as the abbey was rebuilt in the 16th century after destruction. Behind the abbey lie impressive cave dwellings carved into the limestone. These caves were inhabited by hermits even before the abbey was founded. Later, they served as workshops, storage spaces, and sometimes as burial chambers. Cross the river a little further and enter the beautiful park, Jardin des Moines, back to the starting point.
Download PDF for route description and map.
Well marked except in Brantôme itself.


