Argentat

Visit Argentat, Limousin

Argentat is in the Correze department of the Limousin region, on the upper reaches of the Dordogne River of south-west France. The countryside of the region is characterised by wooded valleys and small unspoiled villages, and of course the river itself which is very attractive and unspoiled

It is downstream from Argentat that the Dordogne Valley popular with tourists really starts - above the village are various dams and barrages (the first being the barrage of Argentat, close to the village) that make water navigation impossible.

Explore Argentat

Your best starting point in Argentat is the tourist office, to get a copy of the map of the town showing a recommended route for walking and highlighting the main places to visit.

Medieval houses line the streets that run down to the river in Argentat and are pleasant to explore on foot. Several small chapels and convents are also located in the streets of the town.

There are some grander medieval houses of note such as the 15th century Manoir de l'Eyrial and the Chateau Neuville.

The pleasure of exploring Argentat comes as much from the small details that you pass - the ancient stone rooves, the stone cross in the wall on the quais - as the major monuments.

Continue your walk along the river front, past the old houses and quais, which is also is very attractive - indeed the highlight of the town, as you sit gazing across the river at the pretty houses opposite, enjoying a cool drink and watching the ducks. This quai area was constructed in the 19th century.

From here you should cross the bridge for a nice view back across the river to Argentat.

The town also has a small museum (summer only) that explains the history of Argentat.

There are a handful of restaurants along the river if you wish to extend your stay a little to enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Attractions nearby

A popular side trip from Argentat is to see the Merle Towers, a series of ancient towers and fortifications in an attractive, and naturally defensive, valley near the town in a bend of the river.

The river above the town, along the series of barrages and the Gorges de la Dordogne, also has many scenic highlights - viewpoints, chateau remains, watersports on the lakes etc and small villages to explore tucked into the valleys.

Photos of Argentat (click any picture to start the gallery)

Suggested places to visit near Argentat, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Tulle 24km; Carennac 25km; Saint-Cere 26km; Chateau Montal 26km; Loubressac 27km; Autoire 28km; Turenne 28km; Martel 31km; Correze 31km; Mauriac 34km; Donzenac 36km; Gramat 39km; Lacapelle-Marival 41km; Rocamadour 41km; Souillac 42km; Tournemire 43km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Argentat

Argentat tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint Pierre (Carennac) - religious monument (25km) : Gouffre de Padirac - site of natural beauty (30km) : Gouffre de la Fage - site of natural beauty (33km) : Salins - town of art and history (37km) : Parc-arboretum de Neuvic d'Ussel - remarkable garden (41km) : Verger de Déduit - remarkable garden (41km) : Abbaye Sainte Marie (Souillac) - religious monument (42km) : Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac - remarkable garden (50km) :

French version: see Argentat (Francais)