Campagne is an attractive village in the Dordogne situated between Le Bugue and Les Eyzies. It has a castle and park which have recently been renovated and nearby is the Roc de Marsal where the skeleton of a Neanderthal child was discovered.
Explore Campagne
France This Way review: Campagne has always been a charming village but the recent renovation of its chateau and the creation of a lovely stream-side walk in its grounds make it one to definitely visit when in the area.
Campagne is a lovely little village whose houses and church are all built in the lovely local stone and the deep terracotta tiled roofs and wooden shutters are traditional in the area.
In the centre of the village are a couple of restaurants with inviting sunny terraces set opposite the church and the entrance to the chateau.
The church of Saint Jean the Baptist dates back to the 12th century and was built in Romanesque style. In the 15th century the English burnt down the castle and damaged the church.
In the 15th and 16th centuries the nave, chapels and bell-tower were built. You will notice when you enter the church that the nave is particularly narrow with room for only one row of benches on either side of the aisle.
In front of the church is a pretty lavoir which was once used by the villagers to wash their clothes.
Chateau de Campagne
Between the lavoir and the church is the entrance to the Chateau of Campagne. This splendid building was built in the 12th century and burnt down in the 15th century. The current building was built in the 15, 17 and 18th century.
In 1970 the castle was given to the state by the Marquis de Campagne and in recent years it has been beautifully renovated. The castle is not open to visitors but its beautiful grounds have also been restored and improved and are free to visit.
The grounds were originally laid out in the style of English Country gardens of the 19th century and contain some magnificent trees including huge redwoods and cedar trees. Recently the edges of a stream winding through the garden have been attractively planted and the walk along the stream and round the grounds is a treat.
There is also a decorative vegetable garden and a labyrinth to explore in the gardens. The walk around the gardens and grounds offers views of all sides of the beautiful chateau with its decorative towers and roofs.
The agricultural buildings of the castle have also been renovated and these are now used by the International Prehistory Centre.
The park covers 6 hectares and opens onto a forest of 367 hectares part of which is a classified Biological Reserve.
The castle grounds are open from March until the end of November and also in the school holidays of December and February. The gates are opened at 10am and closed at 8pm in the summer and 6 pm the rest of the year. Entrance is free.
Roc de Marsal
The Roc de Marsal is the site of the discovery of the skeleton of a three year old child from Neanderthal times. The child appears to have been placed in a natural depression in the floor of the site and covered over with soil.
The skeleton was discovered in 1961 and can now be seen displayed in the National Museum of Prehistory at Les Eyzies.
Attractions nearby
There are various walks in the area, including the Loop of Peyrat; the north forerst loop and the south forest loop. There is also a climbing centre at the Roc de Fayard.
This area of the Dordogne is particularly rich in sights and especially those related to prehistory. Visit the National Museum of Prehistory at Les Eyzies and the International Centre for Prehistory to learn about prehistoric times.
The Font de Gaume caves are one of the few caves still open to the public containing prehistoric paintings.
La Roque Saint Christophe is a fascinating shelter used from prehistoric to medieval times. The shelter was home to a small village and is one of the most extensive in France.
You can find more travel ideas in the Dordogne guide and the Aquitaine guide.
Photos of Campagne
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Map of Campagne and places nearby
Visit near Campagne with France This Way reviews
Le Bugue
The town of Le Bugue, on the Dordogne river banks, is very well situated to explore the region
Le Bugue guide
The Abri Cro Magnon
The Abri Cro-Magnon is an information centre built at the site of the first discovery of Cro-Magnon man - our ancestors.
The Abri Cro Magnon guide
Les Eyzies
Les Eyzies is a small traditional town, within easy reach of many of the most important prehistoric monuments of the Vezere Valley
Les Eyzies guide
Musee National de Prehistoire
The Musee National de Prehistoire in Les Eyzies contains one of the most complete collections relating to prehistory in France.
Musee National de Prehistoire guide
The Grotte du Grand Roc
The Grotte du Grand Roc is a beautiful natural cave system in the Dordogne.
The Grotte du Grand Roc guide
Laugerie-Basse
Laugerie Basse is a prehistoric shelter in the Vezere Valley in the Dordogne
Laugerie-Basse guide... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Dordogne
Address: Campagne, Bugue, Sarlat-la-Canéda, Aquitaine, 24260, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.9083, longitude 0.9681
Plan your visit to Campagne, Dordogne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Eglise de saint-Pierre (Audrix): religious monument (3 km)
- Decorated caves of the Vezere Valley: national monument (5 km)
- Abri de Cap Blanc: national monument (5 km)
- Grotte du Grand Roc: site of natural beauty (5 km)
- Abri of Laugerie-Haute: national monument (5 km)
- Font-de-Gaume: national monument (6 km)
- Limeuil: most beautiful village (7 km)
- Jardin de Planbuisson: remarkable garden (8 km)
- Abbaye de Saint Martial (Paunat): religious monument (9 km)
- Jardins de la Bourlie: remarkable garden (11 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Hilaire et Eglise de Saint-Nicholas (Tremolat): religious monument (11 km)
- Jardin de Conty: remarkable garden (13 km)
The French version of this page is at Campagne (Francais)