Attractions and Places To See around Clermont-D'Excideuil - Top 7

The region is rich in history. You can visit the impressive 12th-century Thiviers Old Town, known for its half-timbered houses and the 13th-century Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church. Other notable historical sites include the Château d'Excideuil, the grand Château de Hautefort with its formal gardens, and the Château de Jumilhac, nestled within the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park. Don't miss the historic Forges de Savignac-Lédrier or the Gallo-Roman ruins found within Clermont-D'Excideuil itself.

Absolutely. The vast Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park offers preserved natural areas perfect for outdoor activities. You can also explore the scenic Gorges de l'Auvézère, visit the underground beauty of the Cave of Tourtoirac, or enjoy the tranquil Plan d'eau de Nantheuil. The Vezere Valley, about 37 km away, is also recognized for its natural heritage.

Several picturesque villages are nearby. Saint-Jean-de-Cole and Segur-le-Chateau are both recognized as two of France's 'Most Beautiful Villages,' offering charming architecture and medieval settings. Sorges is renowned for its truffles, especially during the winter market, and Thiviers Old Town is known as the 'capital of foie gras and truffles' with a lively weekly market.

Yes, the area offers several family-friendly options. The Thiviers Old Town is a great place for families to explore history and local culture. The hamlet of La Loue / Coulaures provides a pleasant stop with a small restaurant. Many of the castles, like Château de Hautefort with its extensive gardens, are also enjoyable for families. Additionally, the Thiviers-Saint-Pardoux Greenway is ideal for family bike rides or walks.

For gastronomic delights, Thiviers Old Town is a must-visit, known for its foie gras and truffles, and hosts a lively weekly market. Sorges is also famous for its truffles, especially in winter. The town of Excideuil, very close by, holds a vibrant market every Thursday, offering local products.

The region offers excellent cycling. You can enjoy Le chemin du tacot, a beautiful and easy-to-ride cycle path along the Loue river. The Thiviers-Saint-Pardoux Greenway, an old railway line, is also perfect for exploring the countryside by bike. For more routes, explore the various cycling routes around Clermont-D'Excideuil, including options for touring and road cycling.

Yes, the Périgord Vert area provides numerous marked trails. For an easy and relaxing experience, consider the Thiviers-Saint-Pardoux Greenway. More challenging routes can be found within the Périgord-Limousin Natural Regional Park. You can find a variety of hiking routes around Clermont-D'Excideuil, ranging from easy to difficult, including loops around Château d'Excideuil.

Beyond the main highlights, consider exploring the Gallo-Roman ruins within Clermont-D'Excideuil itself for a glimpse into ancient history. The Jardin du Bouquet, about 15 km away, features 50 different clipped gardens, offering a unique horticultural experience. The small, hospitable village of Corgnac-sur-l'Isle is also a charming spot, especially for cyclists.

The spring and autumn months generally offer pleasant weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities, with milder temperatures and beautiful landscapes. Summer is also popular, especially for enjoying the natural parks and villages, though it can be warmer. Winter brings the famous truffle markets in Sorges and Thiviers, offering a unique cultural experience.

The region boasts significant architectural heritage. The Église Saint-Pierre in Clermont-D'Excideuil is a prime example of Romanesque architecture. The 13th-century Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church in Thiviers Old Town is another important Gothic church. Additionally, the castles like Château d'Excideuil and Château de Hautefort showcase impressive historical architecture.

While specific accessibility details vary, the Fountain With Drinking Girl Statue is noted as wheelchair accessible. When planning your visit, it's advisable to check with individual sites for their specific accessibility provisions, especially for older castles and natural areas.

For a relaxing experience, the segment along the Loue river, known as Le chemin du tacot, is described as beautiful and tranquil. The Thiviers-Saint-Pardoux Greenway, an old railway line transformed into a path, also provides an excellent, easy route for walking or cycling through the countryside.

Visitors appreciate the rich historical and gastronomic heritage, particularly in places like Thiviers Old Town, with its charming atmosphere and local produce. The beautiful and relaxing cycle paths, such as Le chemin du tacot along the Loue river, are also highly enjoyed for their scenic views and ease of use. The small, hospitable villages like Corgnac-sur-l'Isle are also popular for short rests and local charm.