Attractions and Places To See around Brantôme-En-Périgord - Top 16

Why Visit Boschaud Abbey? For its history: Boschaud Abbey is a fascinating testimony to Cistercian monastic life in the Middle Ages, offering insight into the spiritual and architectural practices of that time. For its ruined beauty: Despite its partially destroyed state, the abbey retains an undeniable charm. The remains still tell of its glorious past and offer a unique contemplative experience. For the natural setting: Surrounded by greenery and calm, the abbey is a perfect place for those seeking tranquility and contact with nature. Boschaud Abbey is a place full of mystery and serenity, where history and nature intertwine, offering a memorable experience to those who venture there.

The natural setting: Peaceful environment: The abbey is located in a peaceful natural environment, surrounded by woods and fields, making it a place of tranquility. Visitors can enjoy walks in the surrounding area while discovering the history of the site. Harmony with nature: In accordance with Cistercian ideals, the Boschaud site was chosen for its isolation and natural beauty, in symbiosis with the simple and spiritual life that the monks sought. Visiting the site: Access to the ruins: Visitors can freely explore the ruins of the abbey, which allows a better understanding of the layout of the original buildings, such as the cloister, the church, and the monks' dormitories. Sense of timelessness: Visiting the ruins offers a unique atmosphere, where the past seems suspended in time, with vegetation that has reclaimed its rights on certain parts of the building, adding a particular charm to the site. Activities in the surrounding area: Near Brantôme: Located a few kilometres from the town of Brantôme, also known as the "Venice of Périgord", a visit to Boschaud Abbey can be combined with other historical sites in the region. Hiking and walking: The surroundings of the abbey offer many hiking trails that allow you to discover the natural beauty of the Périgord Vert.

Boschaud Abbey is a fascinating historical site located in the Dordogne, not far from Brantôme. Founded in the 12th century, this Cistercian abbey, although partially in ruins today, retains a particular charm that attracts history and religious architecture enthusiasts. Points of Interest of Boschaud Abbey: History of the Abbey: Founded in the 12th century: Boschaud Abbey was founded in 1154 by Cistercian monks. It was built according to the principles of the Cistercian order, advocating simplicity and stripping down, in harmony with the surrounding nature. Periods of prosperity and decline: Over the centuries, the abbey experienced periods of prosperity, in particular thanks to the agricultural production of the monks, before suffering destruction, notably during the Hundred Years' War and the Wars of Religion, which led to its gradual ruin. Architecture: Cistercian style: Boschaud Abbey is a fine example of Cistercian architecture. The remains show the simplicity and sobriety that characterize this order, with clean lines and limited use of decoration. Preserved elements: Although the abbey is in ruins, several architectural elements are still visible, including the foundations of the abbey church, Gothic arches and the walls of some parts of the abbey. The main structure of the church is particularly impressive, even in its ruined state.

Why Visit the Château de Bourdeilles? Visit Bourdeilles for its medieval castle, partly renovated during the Renaissance. For its rich history: The castle, with its two distinct parts – medieval and Renaissance – offers a unique perspective on several centuries of French history. For its panoramas: The castle tower offers magnificent views of the surrounding countryside, a highlight for landscape lovers. For its architectural heritage: This castle combines the charms of a medieval fortress and the elegance of a Renaissance palace, a rarity that makes it a must-see destination in the Dordogne. The Château de Bourdeilles is a captivating visit, offering both an immersion in history and an appreciation of the region's landscapes. It is a place where one can travel through the centuries while enjoying the natural charm of the Dordogne.

Abbey to visit, and its building just opposite, three floors of cultures, workshops, and exhibitions of painters, sculptors. The roof is remarkable for its complexity and its scale.

A town of character in the Périgord Vert, worth a visit for its royal abbey and its many hiking trails.

great place not to be missed

The Cistercian abbey of Boschaud owes its name to the topographical configuration of the place: Bosco Cavo means “hollow wood” or “wooded valley” in Latin. Founded in the 12th century, partly destroyed during the Wars of Religion, the abbey combines the great Cistercian principles with a style typical of Périgord, the single nave of the church being vaulted with a row of domes on pendants. Rediscovered in the 19th century, the remains of the convent buildings are imbued with a very strong spirituality. Free visit using panels detailing the history of the site.