Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

Visit Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, Limousin

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is a traditional small town in an attractive setting in a wooded valley on the banks of the Dordogne river and in the Correze department of Limousin. As well as its own charm it is well placed to explore the upper Dordogne Valley.

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne originally developed around a benedictine abbey, of which part can still be seen in the town as the .

Exploring Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

Enter the old town perhaps through the Porte Saint-Catherine one of the original gateways through the towns medieval fortifications.

The old centre of the village is around the market square and contains some lovely medieval houses, some in colombage and others in the local traditional stone. Be sure to explore the little streets around the centre because these contain lots more interesting and ancient houses, many of which have interesting features such as statues or ornamental stonework..

Take time to admire the 12th-13th century Abbey Church of Saint-Pierre de Beaulieu on the Place du Marché in the historic centre. This is a very good example of a roman-style church - see in particular the monumental sculpture of Christ and other figures welcoming believers above the entrance door.

The church was once part of the benedictine abbey around which Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne originally developed.

After exploring the streets around the church head next towards the river, a short stroll north from the medieval centre.

There is a church next to the river in a very picturesque setting, best appreciated by crossing the river on the pedestrian footbridge. Close to the church you can also take a trip on a traditional river boat called a gabare, or simply stroll along the quiet riverbanks.

There is also an interesting exhibit about the history and construction of gabares (river boats) from the middle ages to the 20th century on the river at Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne.

For a good view of the village take the road that follows the river upstream from Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne and stop at the parking / picnic area after about two kilometres on the right. Also a nice place for a picnic!

Attractions nearby

The nearby Chateau d'Estresse, dating from the 14th-16th century and now a listed historic monument, historically played an important defensive role in the valley and can also be visited. The chateau is more of a 'manor house' style than castle, and is in a pretty location on the banks of the river. Castelnau-Bretenoux castle is also very close and a listed French national monument.

Visitors to the region are spoiled for choice when looking for places to visit. Among the many options we suggest you follow the Dordogne valley north-east to the town of Argentat, or visit some of the listed 'most beautiful villages' that are close to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (Curemonte, Collonges-la-Rouge and Turenne are all to the west and Loubreassac and Autoire to the south).

The presence of so many of these 'plus beaux villages' within about 20 kilometres should give you a clue how picturesque the region is!

Photos of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (click any picture to start the gallery)

Suggested places to visit near Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Chateau Montal 13km; Autoire 14km; Saint-Cere 14km; Argentat 15km; Collonges-la-Rouge 17km; Martel 19km; Turenne 22km; Gramat 24km; Rocamadour 27km; Lacapelle-Marival 29km; Souillac 30km; Tulle 33km; Assier Chateau 34km; Cardaillac 35km; Donzenac 37km; Gourdon (Lot) 40km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Eglise de Saint Pierre (Carennac) - religious monument (11km) : Gouffre de Padirac - site of natural beauty (15km) : Gouffre de la Fage - site of natural beauty (28km) : Abbaye Sainte Marie (Souillac) - religious monument (30km) : Jardins du Manoir d'Eyrignac - remarkable garden (41km) : Jardins de l'Imaginaire - remarkable garden (45km) : Abbaye de Saint Amand de Coly (Saint-Amand-de-Coly) - religious monument (47km) : Causses du Quercy - regional natural parc (47km) :

French version: see Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (Francais)