This is one of the regions with the most châteaux, abbeys and even caves in France, boasting architectural treasures, particularly Roman art. Jumilhac le Grand, 8 km away: a huge feudal edifice built in the 12th century, with Romanesque Revival roofs enhanced with allegorical ridge tiles that are unique in France. Saint Jean de Cole (20 mins away): one of France's most beautiful villages with its 12th century château, Romano-Byzantine church and ancient priory. Brantôme (30 mins away): hailed as "the Venice of the Périgord", it is romantic and brimming with history. It boasts France's oldest bell tower, a church consecrated in 804 by the Pope, and a magnificent Abbey.
It is also a recognized gastronomic stop-off point thanks to the magnificent Moulin de l’Abbaye from the 'Relais et Châteaux' chain, where all of these historic monuments can be enjoyed from the waterside terrace. Next to it (also 30 min from Meynardie), you can visit the splendid Château de Bourdeilles and Château de Mareuil, which are two of the Périgord's baronies established in the 10th century. Bourdeilles has a mediaeval château, a real fortress with a dungeon surrounded by ramparts dominating the valley, a 'Pavillon Renaissance' and a 14th century bridge with a very pretty mill. Mareuil was rebuilt in the 15th century, following the ravages of the Hundred Years War, in a flamboyant Gothic style and belonged to the House of Talleyrand-Périgord. Puyghilem, in Villars (30 mins away): a château with an elegant Renaissance silhouette, built in the early 16th century and on a par with the great châteaux of the Loire.
In the same municipality stands the Abbaye de Boschaud – a 12th century Cistercian abbey.
Still in Villars, mother nature and time have worked their magic to create prehistoric caves (discovered in 1953), where the natural concretions rub shoulders with the magnificent prehistoric paintings (like in Lascaux). Périgueux (40 mins away): standing at the heart of the Périgord blanc region, this town is the capital of the Périgord. There is an incredible amount of history to admire here: from the vestiges of the Roman Empire to the heart of the mediaeval town, and from the Byzantine-inspired Cathédrale Saint Front (a UNESCO World Heritage site) to the numerous Renaissance 'hôtels particuliers' (townhouses).
A recognised Town of Arts and History, it has over 50 historical monuments and is a first-rate tourist and cultural centre. It is also a gastronomic town with its picturesque markets spreading out across the various squares, particularly the famous truffles and foie gras market.
Near Périgueux stands the Abbaye de Chancelade. Built between the 10th and 12th centuries, this is an imposing cluster of buildings with an abbey church, Roman chapel and the abbey's dwellings. Excideuil (35 mins away): 1,500-year-old city with a fortified castle, which was often attacked but never taken, and its medieval streets. Hautefort (45 mins away): 1,000 years old, this ancient and extremely spacious mediaeval fortress was transformed into a country estate in the 17th century. It is an architectural gem as well as a historic treasure.
