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.
Explore Limeuil
France This Way review: the village has many attractions and reasons to visit and despite its picturesque location Limeuil is not usually overrun with tourists in the way that some of the other popular Dordogne destinations can be.
There are two bridges in Limeuil, 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). Start your visit from the car park near the end of the bridges.
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 Limeuil tourist office 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, and 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!
Attractions nearby
You will quickly discover that there is a lot to discover when exploring around Limeuil. Among our own favourites are the views across the Dordogne river from the cirque at Tremolat to the west, the quiet forested area and the abbey at Cadouin to the south and the numerous prehistoric sites along the Vézère Valley to the north-east.
You can find more travel ideas in the Dordogne guide and the Aquitaine guide.
Photos of Limeuil
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Hotels in Limeuil
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Map of Limeuil and places nearby
Visit near Limeuil with France This Way reviews
Chartreuse du Colombier
The Chartreuse du Colombier is a charming traditional stone house with a pretty garden open to visitors.
Chartreuse du Colombier guide
Tremolat
Trémolat is a very small but attractive village, close to the scenic highlight at the Cingle de Tremolat which has far-reaching views across the river
Tremolat guide
Le Bugue
The town of Le Bugue, on the Dordogne river banks, is very well situated to explore the region
Le Bugue guide
Campagne
Campagne is a pretty village with a splendid castle in the centre and lovely grounds with an attractive garden walk.
Campagne guide
... or see ALL recommended places to visit in Dordogne
Tourist classifications for Limeuil
Limeuil is classified as a one of the most beautiful village in France (plus beau villages)
Address: Limeuil, Sainte-Alvère, Bergerac, Aquitaine, 24510, France || GPS coordinates: latitude 44.886, longitude 0.8892
Plan your visit to Limeuil, Dordogne
Sightseeing & tourist attractions to visit nearby
- Abbaye de Saint Martial (Paunat): religious monument (3 km)
- Eglise de saint-Pierre (Audrix): religious monument (5 km)
- Eglise de Saint-Hilaire et Eglise de Saint-Nicholas (Tremolat): religious monument (5 km)
- Jardin de Planbuisson: remarkable garden (5 km)
- Le-Buisson-de-Cadouin eglise abbatiale (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (8 km)
- Jardins de la Bourlie: remarkable garden (9 km)
- Abri de Cap Blanc: national monument (12 km)
- Grotte du Grand Roc: site of natural beauty (12 km)
- Abri of Laugerie-Haute: national monument (12 km)
- Decorated caves of the Vezere Valley: national monument (12 km)
- Font-de-Gaume: national monument (12 km)
- Saint-Avit Eglise (monuments on French pilgrim routes): heritage site (14 km)
The French version of this page is at Limeuil (Francais)