Biron is a small village at the southern edge of the Dordogne department, in the rolling countryside around Monpazier.
Explore Biron
France This Way review: Biron is best known for and most visited because of the Chateau de Biron which dominates the village, but the village itself, although very small, is very pretty and has lovely views and deserves a visit - even if you do not plan to go into the castle
There are two distinct parts to Biron village: the upper village around the castle, and the lower village around the church. The two parts are approximately 200 metres apart, along a road with some pretty cottages and gardens.
In recent years the village have rebuilt a large part of the defensive ramparts that once surrounded the village, so Biron is now entered through a reconstructed gateway. Personally I preferred Biron wihout this recent reconstruction but it does not detract from a visit.
In this part of the village, as well as the entrance to the castle, there is a cafe and a few small streets with pretty stone houses, as well as another medieval stone gateway. You can also see a traditional wooden market hall.
The lower part of Biron developed in the 12th century around a benedictine priory. Despite its small size it is thought that this part of Biron would have been an independent settlement, with its own fortifications and self-sufficient because of its well. There is a small public square with the well in the middle, an ancient church to one side, and ancient stone and colombage houses on the other sides.
After exploring the two centres of the village you can walk a few hundred metres along the road beyond the lower part of Biron. From here you have the best view across the entire village and castle. You have another impressive view of the castle if you walk 200 metres down the small road opposite the gateway into the upper village (passed the main car park).
Attractions nearby
Of course, most visitors will also want to visit the Chateau de Biron at the same time as seeing the village: the views from the castle and the wide range of architectural styles make it a very interesting destination.
To the south of Biron (follow the route towards Lacapelle-Biron) you will enjoy a visit to the Chateau de Gavaudun, an impressive ancient fortress in a pretty village, and a stroll around Saint-Avit, a small village with a museum dedicated to Bernard Palissy, a renowned local potter born here in the 16th century.
You will also certainly want to visit Monpazier while you are here - it is one of the most lovely medieval villages in France and just a few kilometres from Biron.
Explore elsewhere in the Perigord Pourpre. You can find more travel ideas in the Dordogne guide and the Aquitaine guide.
Photos of Biron
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Map of Biron and places nearby
Visit near Biron with France This Way reviews
Chateau de Biron
The Chateau de Biron is a perfect way to discover the history and countryside of the southern Dordogne
Chateau de Biron guide
Monpazier
Monpazier is an exceptional 13th century bastide town, among the most beautiful villages in France.
Monpazier guide
Chateau de Gavaudun
Chateau de Gavaudun, a ruined medieval castle, sits high on a rock in the scenic Gavaudun Valley
Chateau de Gavaudun guide
Villereal
Villereal is one of our favourite medieval bastide towns, with an impressive wooden market hall occupying the centre of the main market square
Villereal guide
Montferrand-du-Perigord
The pretty little village of Montferrand-du-Perigord is in a particularly scenic area and has a traditional market hall
Montferrand-du-Perigord guide
Monflanquin
Listed as one of the most beautiful villages in France, the 13th century bastide town of Monflanquin has an attractive arcaded central square
Monflanquin guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Dordogne
Address: Biron, Monpazier, Bergerac, Aquitaine, 24540, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.6317, longitude 0.873
Plan your visit to Biron, Dordogne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Monpazier: secteur sauvegarde (6 km)
- Eglise Sainte-Croix (Beaumont-du-Perigord): religious monument (13 km)
- Monflanquin: most beautiful village (14 km)
- Saint-Avit Eglise (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (16 km)
- Belves: most beautiful village (19 km)
- Eglise Notre Dame de l'Assomption (Belves): religious monument (19 km)
- Le-Buisson-de-Cadouin eglise abbatiale (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (20 km)
- Jardins de la Bourlie: remarkable garden (21 km)
- Jardin de Conty: remarkable garden (24 km)
- Jardin de Planbuisson: remarkable garden (24 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Hilaire et Eglise de Saint-Nicholas (Tremolat): religious monument (27 km)
- Eglise de saint-Pierre (Audrix): religious monument (28 km)
The French version of this page is at Biron (Francais)