Brantome Abbey — Attraction in Nontron

Un viaje al pasado en la “Venecia del Périgord”

La Abadía de Brantôme, fundada en el siglo VIII por Carlomagno según la leyenda, es una joya del patrimonio benedictino. Situada en un acantilado sobre el río Dronne, combina historia, arquitectura románica y belleza natural.  

Lo más destacado: • Iglesia de Saint-Pierre: Construida en el siglo VIII, destaca por su campanario del siglo XI, considerado uno de los más antiguos de Francia.  • Cuevas troglodíticas: Excavadas en la roca, incluyen la famosa Grotte du Jugement Dernier (Cueva del Juicio Final), con bajorrelieves monumentales, y una fuente dedicada a San Sicario, venerada por sus propiedades milagrosas.  • Puente medieval: El Pont-Coudé (puente en ángulo recto) ofrece vistas panorámicas de la abadía y el río, siendo uno de los puntos más fotografiados del pueblo.  • Museo Fernand Desmoulin: Ubicado en el ala monástica del siglo XVIII, alberga las obras del pintor mediúmnico Fernand Desmoulin. 

Precios de entrada (2025): • Entrada combinada (cuevas + campanario + museo): 9,50 € adultos, 6 € con descuento, gratuita para menores de 12 años.  • Entrada individual: 6–7,50 € por atracción. • Entradas combinadas con castillos cercanos: Castillo de Puyguilhem 10 €, Castillo de Bourdeilles 12 €. 

Consejos prácticos: • Las visitas guiadas están disponibles en francés e inglés. • El sitio es accesible para carritos de bebé. • Aparcamiento gratuito en las inmediaciones del centro. • Ideal para una visita de medio día.

Brantôme, con su encanto medieval y entorno natural, es un destino imprescindible en el Périgord.

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A journey back in time in the “Venice of the Périgord”

Founded in the 8th century—legend says by Charlemagne—Brantôme Abbey is a gem of Benedictine heritage. Perched on a cliff above the Dronne River, it combines rich history, Romanesque architecture, and stunning natural beauty.

Highlights: • Saint-Pierre Church: Built in the 8th century, featuring one of France’s oldest bell towers dating from the 11th century. • Troglodyte Caves: Carved into the rock beneath the abbey, including the famous Grotte du Jugement Dernier (Last Judgment Cave) with monumental bas-reliefs, and the holy spring of Saint Sicarius, believed to have healing properties. • Medieval Bridge: The unique Pont-Coudé (angled bridge) offers panoramic views of the abbey and river, one of the village’s most photographed spots. • Fernand Desmoulin Museum: Located in the 18th-century monastery wing, showcasing works of the local mediumistic painter.

Admission prices (2025): • Combined ticket (caves + bell tower + museum): €9.50 adults, €6 discounted, free under 12. • Individual tickets: €6–7.50 per attraction. • Combo tickets with nearby castles: Château de Puyguilhem €10, Château de Bourdeilles €12.

Practical tips: • Guided tours available in French and English. • Site accessible for strollers. • Free parking close to the center. • Perfect for a half-day cultural and nature visit.

Brantôme’s medieval charm and natural setting make it a must-see destination in the...

We visited Brantome Abbey on a recent holiday to France touring the area.

The Abbey is impressive when you drive into the car park as it dominates the little village that it’s in. We had a wonderful afternoon looking at the magnificent property and the areas surrounding it.

There are plenty of restaurants and Cafes to eat in or a park just by the river with plenty of benches where you can sit and have a picnic or just sit and watch the world go by. We had a lovely afternoon and would recommend a visit if you’re...

A truly wonderful feast for the eyes.

This is a lovely place to visit and surprisingly things aren't that expensive.

The parking is everywhere and free... Oh how the Brits could learn a few things from the French. 1) you don't have to charge a fortune for parking. 2 things in tourists centres don't have to be priced to make a days profit from selling one item. Price them properly and you'll sell lots... The French do.

Cafés, restaurant's and lovely little shops are everywhere.

I'd go if...