Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, a charming village on the banks of the river
Originally, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne was a small fishing village nestling in a meander of the Dordogne. Today, it is a dynamic village full of charm and has been awarded the title of"most beautiful village in France".
In the heart of the Dordogne Valley, Beaulieu lives to the rhythm of its river. With its picturesque architectural heritage, water sports and gastronomy, Beaulieu has something for everyone. Beaulieu is waiting for you!
5 good reasons to go to Beaulieu
- Visit the abbey church of Saint-Pierre, the largest church in Corrèze.
- Celebrate (and taste!) the strawberry on the second Sunday in May during the Strawberry Festival.
- Climb aboard the famous gabare.
- Canoe down the Dordogne in one of the many canoe routes of varying lengths.
- Visit the local farmers' markets every Monday in summer.
What to see in Beaulieu
History buffs and old stone enthusiasts will not be disappointed here. The old medieval town is built around the abbey church of Saint-Pierre, a vestige of the Benedictine abbey founded in the 9th century by Raoul de Turenne. It's best known for its sculpted tympanum, a jewel of Romanesque art, but it has another special feature: it's HUGE! At 63 metres long and 23 metres high, it's the largest church in the département!
What to do in Beaulieu
Gabare trips on the Dordogne River
Beaulieu is also home to the River Dordogne and its gabares, which used to set the pace of life in the valley. Gabares are large flat-bottomed boats that were used to transport goods to Bordeaux before the arrival of the railway. In fact, if you go for a walk along the quays, you might even have the chance to climb aboard "Adèle et Clarisse". This gabare, built in 2002 using the original methods, and its captain Alain, will take you on a voyage of discovery through the history of inland waterway transport.
The Dordogne and water sports
You can't talk about the river without mentioning water sports... Canoeing is king here, and it's one of the best ways to enjoy the environment. If you're lucky, you might even spot a heron fishing!
This unspoilt environment is also a favourite spot for anglers. The Argentat basin at Beaulieu is home to an exceptional population of trout, as well as pike, zander and carp...
What to eat in Beaulieu?
Finally, there's gastronomy here too... Did you know that Beaulieu is nicknamed "The Limousin Riviera"? It's because of its mild climate, which is ideal for growing strawberries. This little fruit is celebrated every year on the second Sunday in May. On that day, bakers and confectioners bake an extraordinary dessert... a giant strawberry tart! For local specialities and produce, go to the local Farmer's Markets. In Beaulieu, it's every Monday evening in July and August, starting at 5pm. They take place on the banks of the Dordogne, in a picture-postcard setting on the banks of the Pénitents chapel. And do you know what? You can even eat on the spot. So don't forget to bring your cutlery!
Practical information
Where is Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne?
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is 24 km from Argentat-sur-Dordogne, 37 km from Rocamadour and 40 km from Brive. The journey from Brive takes around 45 minutes by car.
What you need to know before visiting Beaulieu
- Saint-Pierre Abbey can be visited all year round from 9am to 6pm.
- Tickets for the gabare trip can be booked at the Dordogne Valley Tourist Office.
Dordogne Valley Tourist Office (Place Marbot - 19120 Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne - 05 55 91 09 94).
- Fishing permits are on sale at the tourist office.
Bon plan A boat trip back in time along the Dordogne river
Want to go back in time? Do it on the "Riviera limousine", by boarding the "Adèle et Clarisse", a gabare that will take you down the Dordogne as it was in the grand old days of inland waterway transport. And when you get to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, admire the magnificent Pénitents chapel, which dates back almost intact to the 12th century and is the largest church in the département. If you're looking hard enough, on the second Sunday in May, you can even sample some giant strawberry tarts. The little red fruit is in its kingdom here.
Gabare trip,
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne,
19120 Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
05 55 91 09 94
Partager cet article
Ou partagez le lien
You will also like...
