Terrasson, gateway to the Périgord Noir
The first stage of the famous "Valley of Mankind", a major site just twenty kilometres from Brive.
At the crossroads between the Dordogne and Corrèze, Terrasson - or Terrasson-Lavilledieu, to give it its full name - is built into the side of a cliff. It towers majestically over the Vézère Valley. Over the years, this ideal location has made it an important economic crossroads for the region. Don't miss this town with its rich and surprising heritage!
5 good reasons to visit Terrasson
- Discover the old town and its exceptional heritage.
- Stroll and dream in the sumptuous Gardens of the Imagination.
- Go to the market on Thursday mornings and stock up on Périgord produce.
- Indulge in some sweet treats at the Bovetti Chocolate Museum.
- Climb aboard a gabare for a trip along the river (yes, yes, you can do that on the Vézère too!).
The history of Terrasson
The legend surrounding the founding of Terrasson
Like many other places, the founding of Terrasson is based on legend. It goes back to the Merovingian period, around the 6th century. Saint Sour was a hermit who lived in a cave on the outskirts of what is now Terrasson. Miraculously, he cured King Gontran of leprosy. To thank him, the king offered him money to build a monastery. To determine the future site of the monastery, Saint Sour set himself up on a rock and released doves, which landed on the site of the present-day town. The hermit exclaimed "Terra sunt!", which gave rise to the name Terrasson.
Terrasson through the centuries
The first traces of human occupation in Terrasson date back to prehistoric times. In Gallo-Roman times, villages grew up in the surrounding area. Then, in the Middle Ages, an abbey was founded by Saint Sour on the site of the present-day town, although the circumstances were certainly less romantic than legend would have it. The first bridge over the Vézère was built in the 12th century, enabling the town to become a major traffic and commercial centre. This status was reinforced in the 19th century with the construction of the main road to Brive and, above all, with the arrival of the railway linking Brive to Périgueux. The 20th century saw Terrasson enter the era of modernity and industrialisation with the development of coal mines, a glassworks and other factories in the heart of the valley.
What to do in Terrasson
Stroll around the old town of Terrasson
The first thing to do in Terrasson is to discover the old town, i.e. the historic centre of the town. To begin the walk, head for the Malpas cliff. This is a path built into the side of the rock over 300 m long, offering magnificent views of the valley just below. Next, set off in search of the cluzeaux. These are shelters dug out and scattered throughout the town, whose function remains a mystery to this day. Then on to the church of Saint-Sour, a vestige of the former abbey. In summer, you can watch a video mapping show projected onto the façade at nightfall. Near the church, in Place du Conventionnel Bouquier, admire the house of Gabriel Bouquier, a representative of the Third Estate who voted for the death of Louis 16 during the French Revolution. The building is a listed historic monument. Finish your walk with a spot of shopping at Les Echoppes, home to jewellers, ceramists, painters and other local craftsmen.
Terrasson market
The Terrasson market has existed since the Renaissance, when it was established by François I. It is held every Thursday and Sunday. It is held every Thursday morning on the banks of the Vézère. Here you'll find the key products of the Périgord Noir region, including duck confit, truffles and walnuts. In winter, don't miss the "foire au gras".
The Bovetti Chocolate Museum
To learn all about chocolate - Terrasson's other "black gold" after truffles - a visit to the Bovetti Chocolate Museum is a must. You'll learn all about the history of cocoa, its cultivation and processing. You might even get the chance to watch a demonstration by an expert in the field: artisan chocolatier Valter Bovetti.
Gardens of the Imagination
A unique site in Europe, the Gardens of the Imagination retraces the history of gardens since Roman times through thirteen tableaux spread over a 6-hectare estate overlooking the Vézère river. It's a place to daydream. So let your imagination run wild...
Practical information
Where is Terrasson?
Situated at the eastern end of the Dordogne department, Terrasson is just 17km from Montignac and 20km from Brive. The journey by car from Brive takes around 20 minutes.
How do I get to Terrasson without a car?
From Brive-La-Gaillarde, you can come by bus or train. Consult our regularly updated section "Visiting without a car" and download the document.
Welcome by the Vézère Périgord Noir team
Would you like to take a trip on a gabare, canoe down the Vézère or take a guided tour of Terrasson? The Vézère Périgord Noir Tourist Office offers all these activities and more. Contact them on 05 53 50 37 56 or visit them at the following address: rue Jean Rouby, 24120 Terrasson-Lavilledieu.
When you're there, don't hesitate to ask for the Pass'Aventure booklet, which, for €6, entitles you to discounts on admission to a number of sites and activities in the Dordogne and Corrèze. We can also provide you with it at our reception offices in Brive (at the lighthouse) and Turenne.
Visit the Bovetti Chocolate Museum
Visits to the Chocolate Museum last 45 minutes and must be booked in advance. You can find all the information you need to prepare your visit here.
Visit the Gardens of the Imagination
The Gardens are only open from April to October. Find all the information you need to prepare your visit here.
Bon plan Let's take a walk in Terrasson
The Vézère flows beneath the Pont Vieux. Leaning over, you can see your reflection in the water and that of the old buildings lining the quays. As you wander through the narrow streets, you'll come across the church of Saint-Sour, the stalls run by craftsmen and elegant fountains; a little further up, the Garden of Imagination combine water and wind, trees and flowers to tell you a story that goes back thousands of years, and because you're a gourmet, you'll be sure to shop at the Bovetti chocolate factory.
Gardens of the Imaginary
Place de Genouillac
24120 Terrasson
05 53 50 86 82
jardins-imaginaire.com
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