Limeuil

Visit Limeuil, Aquitaine

It is at the pretty village of Limeuil, officially classified as one of the 'most beautiful villages in France', that the two most important rivers in the region - the Dordogne and the Vézère - come together.

The village has many attrcations and reasons to visit but despite its picturesque location it is not usually overrun with tourists in the way that some of the more popular Dordogne destinations can be.

Visiting Limeuil

Start your visit from the car park near the end of the bridges on the edge of Limeuil - there are two bridges, both in stone, that create a picturesque setting for the confluence of the rivers (the Vézère river is the one closest to the main car park).

Stroll into the village itself, and you first come to a river beach. This is especially popular on hot days and has plenty of space for a picnic in the shade while the children play in the water. It is also possible to organise your canoe hire here to explore along the Dordogne River.

After strolling along the river front, cross the road and pass through the old stone gateway into the historical old town of Limeuil. The village is still partly surrounded by its original fortified walls, and is a very lovely Dordogne village, with cobbled streets winding up the hill between honey-coloured houses with pretty little gardens.

Your path through the village follows the 'main road', a steep narrow street that passes between attractive stone houses, with occasional side alleys to explore on the way.Shortly after passing through the gate you will see the tourist information on your left - even if you don't need information, pass through the gateway to see their well maintained garden and a view across the river and bridges.

Keep going up the hill and eventually you will reach a large open square. From here you can continue up the hill to see the medieval Church of saint Catherine further up the hill, or visit the substantial park that stands along the ridge of the hill.

Parc Limeuil has some attractive 'formal' gardens, and some areas that are more wild. It is not perhaps particularly spectacular as a park, but it also has very good views across the river, a pleasant tree lined pathway, and is usually quiet and a pleasant place to escape the crowds - the small admission charge is well worth paying.

Having explored the village and parc in Limeuil all that remains is to find refreshments! Either stop at the bar half way down the hill, perhaps for a glass of their 'artisan beer', or continue to the small cafe at the bottom of the hill. There are also a couple of small gift shops in the village.

Note for cyclists: there is a tap between the bridge and the village where you can fill your water bottles!

See Aquitaine and Dordogne (the region and department for Limeuil) for more travel ideas...

Tourist classifications for Limeuil: One of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages);

Photos of Limeuil

Click any picture to start the gallery

Suggested places to visit near Limeuil, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Les Eyzies 12km; Font-de-Gaume 12km; Saint-Cyprien 12km; Chateau de Commarque 13km; Saint-Avit-Senieur 14km; Montferrand-du-Perigord 15km; Belves 15km; Beaumont-du-Perigord 16km; La-Roque-Saint-Christophe 18km; Chateau des Milandes 19km; Chateau de Puymartin 20km;

Limeuil tourist information: sights and attractions nearby

Abbaye de Saint Martial (Paunat) - religious monument (3km) : Abbaye de Cadouin (Le Buisson-de-Cadouin) - religious monument (5km) : Jardin de Planbuisson - remarkable garden (5km) : Eglise de Saint-Hilaire et Eglise de Saint-Nicholas (Tremolat) - religious monument (5km) : Eglise de saint-Pierre (Audrix) - religious monument (5km) : Jardins de la Bourlie - remarkable garden (9km) : Grotte du Grand Roc - site of natural beauty (12km) : Decorated caves of the Vezere Valley - national monument (12km) :

See more places and a map at places near Limeuil