Dordogne secrète

A medieval town on the right bank of the Dordogne, Beaulieu has been dubbed "one of the most beautiful villages in France", thanks to its mild climate, ideal for growing strawberries. Beaulieu's main attraction is its remarkable Saint-Pierre abbey church, whose portal, a masterpiece of Romanesque art depicting the return of Christ at the end of time, is comparable to that of Moissac. Stroll through the narrow streets, compare the turreted facades, decorated with medallions and cherubs, like the house of Adam and Eve, and dream of the Chapelle des Pénitents and its bell-wall reflected in the waters of the Dordogne. Nearby, you can board a gabare from May to October, to relive the epic story of the gabariers who sailed down to Libourne to deliver their loads of wood for the Bordeaux cooperage.

This chapel in the cemetery is home to the Tomb of the Dead. The superb polychrome stone sculpture was created by an unknown 15th-century artist. This stone masterpiece is enhanced by an emotionally-charged sound and light show, narrated by Jean Piat.

Nestled on the banks of the Dordogne, Argentat sur Dordogne was for centuries a great trading port From the Lestourgie quay, the barges loaded with wood, leather and oil left You will take great pleasure in strolling along the old-fashioned cobbled quays to admire the fishermen's houses topped with lauze, the noble facades and their turrets. Rue Sainte-Claire has some beautiful residences, such as the Hôtel de Turenne.

Come and discover the role of the Chastang dam, its characteristics and the challenges of hydroelectricity, by visiting the inside of the dam and its ODYSSELEC area, which is open to the public. A visit to the plant is available at an additional cost (strongly recommended): a guide will take you deep into the workings of hydroelectricity, accompanying you to the heart of this exceptional structure. Due to the Vigipirate and security plans, the visit is limited to 15 people and to children aged 8 and over. Animals not allowed (except guide dogs)

A succession of different atmospheres to stimulate both the senses and the mind. These are: themed gardens that sublimate the art of landscaping: Japanese gardens, rose collections, the wet meadow... Sensory gardens, offering a range of escapades (scented, velvety, white or sunny) inviting you to dream, relax and escape. Themed and sensory gardens designed to showcase the plant world, a source of inspiration and creation for beauty products.

A 12th-century castrum overlooking the Maronne River, Les Tours de Merle lies on the border between the Limousin, Aquitaine and Auvergne regions. Set in a 10-hectare park, this jewel of medieval Limousin invites you to discover its impressive fortress and its various exceptional viewpoints, a garden of plants cultivated in the Middle Ages, the Maronne River and its shady paths, a store selling local produce and much more... Children aged 6 and over can follow in the footsteps of the Lords of Merle, with a game of riddles along the way. During vacation periods, guided tours and "naturally medieval" activities!

The remains of a feudal fortress (11th and 14th centuries), the Carbonnières site comprises two square towers (the south tower for defensive purposes and the north tower for residential purposes) and a village abandoned in 1951. It's easy to let your imagination run away with you and discover the secret of the beautiful Catarina... The visit is free and self-guided, thanks to a 4-minute walk (3.5km) marked out on site. It's accessible for the whole family, but with a slight difference in altitude.

13th-15th century Romanesque church, the oldest in Corrèze, entirely covered in schist slate.