Argentat-sur-Dordogne, Cantal's gateway to Correze
Water, forests, breath! That's Argentat in a nutshell. Come and take a breath of fresh air in this region of character.
In the heart of the Dordogne Valley, Argentat-sur-Dordogne is a small town that lives in harmony with the river that flows through it. Ancient houses steeped in history stand side by side with a splendid, unspoilt natural environment. And all at the gateway to the Cantal!
5 good reasons to visit Argentat
- Visit the Heritage House to find out all about the history of Argentat.
- Follow one of the eleven walking trails around the town and its surrounding area.
- Take a canoe trip on the river, a not-to-be-missed activity in the Dordogne Valley.
- Stroll along the river on board the famous gabares.
- Enjoy the peace and quiet of the Gravières departmental biodiversity reserve, classified as a Sensitive Natural Area.
Argentat to the rhythm of the Dordogne
The Dordogne is the lifeblood of this region. From its source, a gigantic staircase of five dams finally leads to the valley, classified by UNESCO as a World Biosphere Reserve! Argentat has its own 40-hectare biodiversity reserve on the Gravières site. The town is also the "Capital of Fly Fishing".
The quays, a real cinema set, run alongside the old gabariers' port. In summer, an actor stands on a gabare and recounts the life of the gabariers. We still remember the salmon that came up the river as far as Argentat, making it the daily dish in every fisherman's house. Again thanks to the river, the Pays d'Argentat has the highest concentration of campsites in the Correze Dordogne Valley.
What to do in Argentat
There's an awful lot to do! Starting with the Heritage House, a space devoted entirely to the history of the town. You can also choose to take a stroll through the narrow streets and discover beautiful old houses such as La Vigerie, La Raymondie and Manoir de l'Eyrial, not forgetting the various convents, the chapel of Saint-Sacerdos, the church of Saint-Pierre and much more besides.
For the more sporty among you, there are eleven walking trails to explore the Argentac region from end to end. With guided tours, hikes, heritage trails and even geocaching with Tèrra Aventura's "Les ruelles d'Argentat" trail, there's something for everyone!
What to do around Argentat
The Pays d'Argentat, with its roofs of Auvergne stone, is a gateway to the mythical Xaintrie and the Middle Ages. Enjoy the magnificent rolling countryside with its dense green forests. And don't hesitate to make a diversion to the Cantal, just a few kilometres away.
Practical information
Where is Argentat-sur-Dordogne located?
Argentat is around 40 km from Brive, 30 km from Tulle and 50 km from Aurillac. It takes just over 40 minutes to get there by car from Brive.
Preparing your visit
- The Gravières biodiversity reserve can be visited all year round. Admission is free. For more information, visit Avenue Lamartine 19400 Argentat-sur-Dordogne or 05 55 93 78 21.
- The Maison du Patrimoine is open from June to September. Free admission. Further details: Avenue Gilbert Dillange Avenue Gilbert Dillange, 19400 Argentat-sur-Dordogne or 05 55 28 10 91 (all year) and 05 55 28 06 16 (in summer).
- For more information on walks, guided tours and gabare trips, contact the Dordogne Valley Tourist Office, Argentat office (open only in summer): Place Da Maïa, 19400 Argentat-sur-Dordogne or 05 65 33 22 00.
Where to fish in Argentat?
There are two fishing routes in the area. One is dedicated to night carp and is located near the Sablier dam. The other is a "No-Kill" course, where fish are released after being caught. It is 1 km long. Please note: fishing is a regulated activity that is only permitted at certain times of the year and only if you have an annual, weekly or daily fishing permit. For more information, contact Argentat-sur-Dordogne town hall on 05 55 28 10 91 or visit www.argentat-sur-dordogne.fr/tourisme-loisirs/peche
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