Gateway to the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, Brantôme is the pearl of the Périgord Vert. Its position on an island nestled below a cliff, between two arms of the Dronne river, earned it the nickname "Venice of the Périgord".
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| Brantome |
Brantôme has the appearance of a magical city that reveals its beauty around its medieval alleys: its imposing abbey, its beautiful Renaissance style houses and its gardens crossed by canals project the visitor back in time.
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| Brantome |
The majestic Benedictine abbey, founded at the end of the 8th century, rises by the river, watched over by its Romanesque bell tower (one of the oldest in France), while, behind the limestone cliff, a little jewel shelters: the remains of the troglodyte monastery including the enigmatic Cave of the Last Judgment adorned with two monumental bas-reliefs.
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| Bell Tower, Brantome |
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| Last Judgement cave, Brantome |
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| Saint Sicarius fountain, Brantome |
It is said that Charlemagne consecrated the abbey at the end of the 8th century and gave the relics of Saint Sicarius, a child martyr and one of the baby boys massacred by King Herrod during the birth of Jesus Christ, to the abbey. Subjected to the dramatic events of history, destroyed by the Normans then rebuilt, occupied by the English, the imposing religious building is the nerve center of Brantôme.
Inside the church are two gilt wood panels from the 17th century illustrating the donation of relics and the massacre of children. There is also a statue representing the martydom of Saint Sicarius. Next to the church are the remains of the 14th century cloister.
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| Brantome |
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