Tayac, the tiny but very picturesque village just 10 min. walk from the center of Les Eyzies is often overlooked by the majority of visitors passing through Les Eyzies.
Up untill the early 1900′s Les Eyzies de Tayac was simply known as “Tayac”. Tayac is more than 600 years older than Les Eyzies, and one of the oldest in the Dordogne region.
Tayac is historically extremely rich, it was not just the roaming grounds of our Prehistoric ancestors, but the Celts , Romans and Gauls all left their markings on the area.

In the early 12th century 6 Monks from the Monastery of Paunat were travelling between Monasteries when one of the Monks became very ill, they set up camp in Tayac near a water source. The monk was dieing, but miraculously healed after drinking the water from the “Tayac Source”. To the Monks of Paunat this was a “Sign” and round about 1123 they started building the magnificent and fortified church of Tayac, they called it “St Martin“.
At the same time, the Monks of Paunat started working the land in this lush Vezere valley, they built the farmhouse / monastery, which is now “Ferme de Tayac” that has been completely renovated, and is now a lovely B&B opposite the church.
For hundreds of years the Monks lived here and worked the lands, bit by bit houses were built against the rock.
The water from the “Tayac Source” was taken to other surrounding Monasteries, for it’s healing powers, Tayac was thriving.
Two centuries later, things took a turn, wars were breaking out, armies were constantly attacking areas and strongholds. Religion and all that went with it lost it’s power, and very slowly the life in and around Tayac became what it is today. St. Martin still stands proud, and is without doubt the nicest Fortified Church in the Perigord, the “Tayac Source” is still there, although no longer in use.

During construction for a railroad in 1868, a rock shelter in a limestone cliff was uncovered. Near the back of the shelter, an occupation floor was recognized, and when excavated, it revealed the remains of four adult skeletons, one infant, and some fragmentary bones.

Finally, the Link between Prehistoric Man and Modern Man had been found in Tayac.

Agonac : Saturday
Beaumont : Tuesday, Saturday
Belves : Saturday
Bergerac : Saturday, Wednesday
Brantome : Tuesday, Friday
Cenac : Tuesday
Cubjac : Friday
Daglan : Sunday
Domme : Thursday
Eymet : Thursday
Excideuil : Thursday
Issigeac : Sunday
Jumilhac : Wednesday
La Coquille : Thursday
Lalinde : Thursday
La Roche Chalais : Saturday
Le Bugue Tuesday
Le Buisson – Cadouin : Friday
Les Eyzies : Monday
Mareuil : Tuesday
Monpazier : Thursday
Montpon : Wednesday
Montignac : Saturday, Wednesday
Mussidan : Saturday
Neuvic : Saturday, Tuesday
Nontron : Saturday
Perigeux : Saturday, Wednesday
Piegut : Wednesday
Razac : Saturday, Wednesday
Riberac : Tuesday, Friday
Rouffignac : Sunday
Salignac-Eyvigues : Tuesday
Sarlat : Saturday, Wednesday
Sigoules : Friday
Sorges : Sunday
St Aulaye : Saturday
St Astier : Thursday
St Cyprien : Sunday
St Genies : Sunday
Terrasson : Thursday
Thenon : Tuesday
Thiviers : Saturday
Tocane : Monday
Tremolat : Tuesday
Vergt : Friday
Villefranche du Perigord : Saturday

At the confluence of the Dordogne and Vezere Rivers, Limeuil offers canoeing and a river beach, and a pretty little village that is well worth exploring. The village is still partly surrounded by its original fortified walls, and is another of the ‘picture postcard pretty’ villages of the Dordogne, with cobbled streets winding between honey-coloured houses and pretty gardens.

Despite its picturesque location it is not usually completely overrun with tourists in the way that some places are, and the Parc Limeuil at the top of the town, while not spectacular as a park, has some fine views and is usually quiet.
A very pleasant place to escape the crowds. A short stroll around the village gives a taste of the diversity on offer; at the foot of the two magnificent bridges, built in 1891, a sandy beach leads down into the clear water. A little further along, the 15th century port entrance which leads up to an extremely steep street is carved with the water levels reached during the great floods.

Getting to the top of the village is hard, but rewarding, work – take the time to study the medieval architecture on the way up. At the Place des Fossés, the château gardens provide a wonderful view over the river confluence, the rooftops and terraced gardens. The black Virgin Mary in St Catherine’s Church was the patron saint of the river traders. The visitor can go from the blacksmith, to the glass-blower. Limeuil enjoys many sporting activities including canoeing, horse riding and mountain-biking.
The holiday-maker will find plenty of welcoming hotels, restaurants and campsites. Evidence of the period when Aquitaine was English can be found on the Bugue road leading out of the village: St Martin’s Chapel was built in 1194 to expiate the murder of the Archbishop of Canterbury, St Thomas à Becket 

A Brief History

The site of Limeuil has been lived on since prehistoric times (various artefacts dating from approximately 10,000 BC have been found). Limeuil, listed as « One of the Most Beautiful Villages of France », is essentially a medieval village as the three fortified gateways and ruins of the castle and ramparts testify.

What to See

On the edge of the village is a museum garden where different plants and methods of cultivation take the visitor a journey through time from the Stone Age to the Renaissance period. The natural beauty spot formed by the bend in the river offers a superb view.

Information on the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), the European Pet Passport and travelling with your pet to or from France. Information includes moving pets to or from the UK and Ireland, the USA and Canada and other EU and non-EU countries.

The European Pet Passport allows for qualifying domestic animals (dogs, cats and ferrets) to freely cross borders in Europe. The Pet Travel Scheme provides for qualifying domestic pets to travel to and from the UK without undergoing quarantine. Pet travel laws can be affected by exceptional outbreaks of diseases. Recent examples are Avian Influenza (the H5N1 strain of bird flu) and Foot and Mouth disease. The French Customs Authority provides clear information on the regulations for traveling with domestic mammals, fish, amphibians, birds, rodents and reptiles.

• For further information: Click here

Moving Pets within the European Union

European Pet Passport

The EU Pet Passportis a booklet, identical for all European countries, which contains obligatory information concerning an individual animal: identification number, proof of valid vaccine against the rabies virus. It may contain other non-obligatory information. It is valid for the lifetime of the pet. Each passport is numbered for identification purposes. Animals travelling within any European Union country need to be accompanied by a Pet Passport. For Ireland, Sweden, Malta and United Kingdom, further rules apply. When crossing the Finnish border animals must, in addition to the passport, also have proof of tapeworm (echinococcosis) treatment. All vets should have the relevant information and be able to prepare a pet for travel. The EU Pet Passport can also be used when travelling between Europe and the following non-mainland European areas: Corsica, Sardinia and the Balearics. It may also be used when travelling between EU and other countries with the same rabies status. Included are: Andorra, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Gibraltar, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland and the Vatican City State.

• For information on these places see the EUROPA website

Getting an EU Pet Passport

The passport may only be issued by a licenced vet and it, and vaccinations, should be kept current by the vet. Before issuing it, the vet will confirm that the animal:

• is identified by a micro chip in the neck or tattoo in the ear
• has valid vaccines against rabies
• has had a blood test to confirm the vaccine is in the system

Following these steps the vet can issue a certificate of health – the Pet Passport.

Arriving in France

A non-commercial importer may bring up to five pets into France. Pet owners must carry a valid EU Pet Passport for each pet when travelling with their animals to France. If the rabies vaccination was the animal’s first vaccine then it must wait for 21 days before entering the country. There is no time delay with booster injections, providing there is proof that the booster was administered before the last vaccine had expired. A dog, cat or ferret must be over three months old to enter French territory. However an animal under three months of age may enter if it has had the complete rabies innoculation. Rabbits and rodents may travel without a passport but should be declared at the border. The French Ministry of Agriculture has more information (in French). The EC regulations regarding the movements of pet birds have been modified in response to the avian influenza alert (bird flu), and these rules apply at least until the end of 2010. Each family is allowed to bring maximum five birds into France. Oneof the following conditions must apply:

• 30 day pre-export quarantine
• 30 day quarantine after import
• The bird has been vaccinated and re-vaccinated at least once against avian influenza, with the H5 vaccine. The bird must have been vaccinated within the last six months and not later than 60 days prior to dispatch from the third country
• Isolation of the bird for at least 10 days before departure and, after at least three days of isolation, a test to detect the H5N1 antigen or genome

Compliance with the above conditions must be verified in a certificate by an official veterinarian.

• For an approved model certificate: Click here

Bringing other pet animals to France

Small pet animals such as rabbits and reptiles need a veterinary certificate to state that the animal is in good health, not showing any signs of illness. At the most five animals may be brought in.

Moving Pets between France and the UK and Ireland

Dogs, cats and ferrets may travel between UK and Ireland, and Europe without quarantine, provided some (stringent) requirements are met. The system allowing travel is called the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). DEFRA, the UK Department for Environment Food and Rural affairs, has comprehensive and up-to-date information on the website. It can also can provide an information pack on request.

• DEFRA website: Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)
• Pet Travel Scheme Tel: +44 845 933 5577 e-mail Open: Mondays to Fridays 08:00-18:00 UK time

Entering the UK or Ireland

Before entering Britain or Ireland (or Sweden or Malta) from France or elsewhere in the EU, an animal must:

• have a anti-rabies booster vaccination (the pet must be vaccinated by a vet)
• have a blood test. A blood sample will be taken 30 days after the vaccination and will be sent to an approved laboratory to confirm it has been effective
  • If the sample test is correct, the vet will sign the certificate
  • If the sample test is negative, the vaccination and sampling process will be repeated until successful and there will be a six-month delay (see note below)
• between 24 and 48 hours before departure from France the animal must be treated for ticks, and tapeworm (echinococcosis). This treatment must be carried out by an authorised vet
• have microchip identification, a tattoo is not acceptable
• have a valid EU Pet Passport completed with certificates and documentation of treatments

Note: A passport cannot be issued until six months after a satisfactory blood test. Once the vet has issued the pet’s documentation and that six-month period has passed, the pet may enter the UK. The travel process is then much the same as above. The passport must be up to date and the rabies booster must be valid. If the authorities are unsatisfied with the animal on entry to the UK it can be held in quarantine until the relevant tests are passed.

Further information from:

• Irish Department of Agriculture website
• British Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, DEFRA website

Bringing horses to France

Horses may move across EU borders providing they have a valid Horse Passport. This is fairly straightforward for ponies and horses moving to France if the animal has a passport issued by an organisation approved under the EU legislation (in the UK or elsewhere in the EU).

• For more information on how to get a horse passport when in UK: Click here
• Information on when a passport is needed: Click here

Before departure, certain documents must be in order: a valid passport and an export licence. The ferry company will need to see these documents at embarkation. In the case of smaller ponies, an owner may be required to prove that they are worth more than a certain value, due to the ban on live exports for meat. According to EU legislation, all foals born after 1 July 2008 must be microchipped for identification purposes before they are six months old. This requirement is not retroactive and therefore does not apply to horses born before this date.

Moving Pets to France from Outside the European Union

If taking the pet to a country outside the EU consult the Embassy or consulate to check the local regulations. An animal entering France or an EU Country from a non-EU country that has the same rabies controls need merely prove that the anti-rabies booster vaccinations are valid and up-to-date.

• For a list of complying countries see EUROPA website

Animals from countries not included on the list need to have complete anti-rabies treatment. The French Embassy in the home country should be consulted.

Moving Pets to France from the United States or Canada

Animals from the USA and Canada may enter France if they have:

• a valid Veterinary Certificate (stating owners details, a description of the animal, details of identification and vaccinations)
• valid rabies vaccines
• a tattoo or a microchip (compatible with standards ISO-11784)

The cage or carrier must be labelled with the owners name, and their (or a nominated person’s) address and contact numbers in France. Once in France, a French vet can issue an EU Pet Passport allowing travel within Europe.

• The website of the French embassy in the United States provides information: Click here
• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency website has further information: Click here

Pet Carriers To and From France

It is essential to ensure that the pet is eligible to travel not only to or from France but also any other countries it may pass through. The animal will have to travel in an approved container. It must be big enough for the animal to stand sit and turn during the journey. The container must allow adequate ventilation. If the journey is longer than a few hours, food and drink may need to be supplied. Several train companies, sea ferries and airlines carry caged animals across borders (normally a pet travelling by air will be in the hold). Consult the carrier for details.

• Website Dogsaway (UK) has up-to-date lists of routes and carriers: Click here

Carriers France and the UK

Animals must be transported via approved routes.

• DEFRA approved carriers and routes: Click here

Euro Tunnel is pet friendly allowing pets to travel in the car.

Dogs Banned in France

Pitbulls, Boerbulls and unregistered Tosas

• Dogs that must be muzzled and on a lead in public places: American Staffordshire terriers, Tosa and Rottweilers.

Laid out on a rocky spur overlooking the Dordogne Valley between La Roque-Gageac and Beynac, the Marqueyssac gardens cover an area of 22ha. The charm of the terrace gardens has delighted its visitors for the last three centuries and there is no doubt that Marqueyssac has become one of France’s most beautiful Italian-style gardens.

The gardens of Marqueyssac castle consist of over six kilometres of shaded alleys, edged by 150,000 hand-pruned, one hundred year-old box-trees, and adorned with belvederes, rockeries, waterways, grassy clearings, dry-stone huts, rotunda, a Gothic chapel, and playgrounds for the children.

In front of the 18th century chateau, the main terrace is arranged in a geometric pattern which symbolises the symmetry of the two main bodies of the castle. Built with great simplicity, the chateau is topped by a roof made of ‘lauze’ (limestone slabs), typical of Périgord, and weighing more than 500 tonnes.

The spectacular bastion terrace is made up of numerous box-trees carefully pruned by the four gardening employees of the estate, with cypress trees also giving structure to the landscape. The box-trees are all sculpted in curves to mimic the roundness of the surrounding hills and it can be rather enjoyable to get lost along the winding paths of this green labyrinth.

Once past the bastion terrace, you have the choice of three walkways through the Holm oak woods, all leading to the belvedere. There, box-trees are left to grow more freely and various side pathways allow walkers to move from one track to another on the way to the belvedere.

While the gardens of Marqueyssac overlook the Dordogne Valley from high limestone cliffs, it is at the belvedere one can enjoy one of the most splendid panoramas of the meandering river running 130 metres below. From the lookout point, originally laid out by Julien de Cerval, the view emcompasses the whole valley, from the castles of Beynac, Castelnaud and Fayrac to the village of La Roque-Gageac.

It was Julien de Cerval who dedicated the last 30 years of his life to create a haven of peace in Marqueyssac by transforming the estate he inherited in 1861 into a beautiful residence and a Utopian garden. The former jurist from Sarlat was a passionate gardener and a great expert of Italian-style gardens and agronomy, which he marvelously recreated in Marqueyssac, with its terraces and ornamental trees such as cypress, elm, Judas, umbrella and lime. Julien de Cerval designed this garden for his own personal enjoyment, to write poems in it amongst this romantic site dominated by a soft, fresh green and the delicate perfume of box-trees, santolina, rosemary and lavender.

Visitors can stroll around the gardens without a guide thanks to illustrated signs and panels which provide information on the history of the site and the fauna and flora throughout the park. It is also possible to follow a guide for no extra cost between the months of April and September. The domain also features a boutique and a “salon de thé” (open from Easter to the end of October) which both offer spectacular views over Beynac Castle.

For more information about the gardens of Marqueyssac, visit: www.marqueyssac.com/

Built in an overhang shelter on the face of a striking cliff, the National Prehistoric Museum of Eyzies-de-Tayac is located in Dordogne, in southwestern France. The museum features unique archaeological collections chiefly discovered at the most prestigious excavation sites in the Vézère Valley, added to UNESCO’s World Heritage List owing to its many Palaeolithic remains. 300,000 visitors annually are expected at the new museum, located in the heart of the Périgord Noir area, land of French philosopher Montaigne – a region acclaimed for its history, beautiful landscapes of dark and mysterious forests, and world-renowned gastronomy

Established since July 2004 in the new building designed by architect Jean-Pierre Buffi, the museum houses some 18,000 pieces and a collection of six million objects.“Although the new museum bears witness to the presence of men and women of the 21st century, its modernity manifests itself through its environment, marked by the sheer height of the cliff it is built on and the small size of the historical village of Eyzies-de-Tayac, with its 900 inhabitants and its medieval ruins”, remarks Jean-Pierre Buffi, architect of the Toulouse multimedia library and of the Façade of the Bercy Park in Paris.

The museum’s collections were established as early as 1913, when indefatigable researcher Denis Peyrony convinced the French state to acquire the Château des Eyzies, built at the end of the 16th century, and to transform it into an excavation warehouse that could double up as a museum. These collections have since been tremendously enriched through excavation discoveries at regional sites as well as private donations.

“The museum made a political choice by deciding not to portray the entire history of the Hominids’ development”, explains Jean-Jacques Cleyet-Merle, the museum’s director since 1988. “Instead, the museum describes the Palaeolithic era: the history of the Neanderthals, who vanished 50,000 years ago, and of the Cro-Magnon man, who lived in socially structured groups, buried his dead and made objects that had a symbolic meaning”.

Visitors enter the new museum as though embarking on a trip to the origins of humanity. At the museum’s entrance, the main chapters of the Hominids’ development are evoked through an anthropological frieze and a brief reminder of Africa’s history, starting with the early Australopithecines. Many themes are explored, including the legendary “Lucy”, the small 3.5-million-year-old woman discovered in Ethiopia in 1974. Next, the staircase leading to the permanent exhibit galleries plunges visitors into the mists of time, revealing seven sequences that cover the entire Palaeolithic era through an “idealstratigraphy”.

Upon leaving the“abysses of time”, visitors – equipped with the keys necessary for interpreting the rest of the exhibit – slide into the lower gallery and discover, along a passageway, the various material cultures that succeeded one another from 400,000 to 10,000 BC. This same itinerary also retraces the development of these different cultures: early tools, furniture, and other artefacts. Many themes are presented, such as the lifestyle of Neanderthal populations and the appearance of modern man.

In the upper gallery, visitors are invited to follow an initiatory path from the outside world of mankind’s ancestors to the semi-darkness of the painted caves. Museum-goers can also admire the replicas of prehistoric hearths, of the homes built under shelters and of the places of origin of the objects on display in the rest of the gallery. The reconstructed grave of “L’enfant de la Madeleine” is of particular interest in this section.

Each object – statuettes, jewels, harpoons, lamps, scrapers of all sorts, to name but some of the pieces – has been selected with great care, based on its representativeness and its state of conservation.

Organised by Jean-Jacques Cleyet-Merle, in close partnership with the Scientific Council chaired by Jean-Philippe Rigaud, honorary director of the Institute for Prehistory and Quaternary Geology of Bordeaux, the new National Prehistoric Museum’s scientific programme has been influenced by the establishment’s location at the heart of the prestigious sites and deposits from which its acquired its exceptional collections. In addition to the famous Lascaux Cave and its colourful cave paintings, many listed sites hark back to 400,000 years of human history, from the Font-de-Gaume cave to the Combarelles and Rouffignac caves, as well as the Poisson, Moustier and Micoque shelters.

Artists at the time had a very basic colour palette, consisting of black, ochre and red, which they skilfully used to make colour gradations, creating astoundingly lifelike animal scenes. In the new museum, “the ochre tones, such as the grey of the cast-aluminium roofs, mirror the cliff’s timeless colours”, points out Jean-Pierre Buffi.

In addition to presenting its collections to the general public, conserving humankind’s heritage and supporting archaeological digs, the National Prehistoric Museum also hosts archaeologists, researchers and students from the world over, and collaborates with various foreign institutions.

The abundance of masterpieces, shelters and grottos that dot the entire Vézère Valley, framed by dark and mysterious forests, vineyards and rivers, should not cause visitors to forget that Périgord is also the land of foie gras, duck confit, walnuts, cep mushrooms and the distinct-smelling truffles. Just 20 km away from Eyzies-de-Tayac, Sarlat – a town full of art and history, whose old streets shelter the former home of humanist writer La Boétie – is well worth a visit. One of the favourite visiting places of film directors, this prestigious site regularly hosts special events such as film festivals, theatre games, village celebrations, and much more.

Nestled in the heart of Périgord Noir, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac is sure to captivate you. The entire region, including its soil, beats with the soul of humanity

• Atelier Musee des Tisserands et de la Charentaise Contained within the Castle of Varaignes, this working weaving museum and the museum of the Bandiat – Tardoire valleys offers a glimpse of local life in the 19th century. Located at Varaignes.Tel: 05 53 56 35 76
• Ateliers Musee A mineral and gem stone museum found at the foot of the Castelnaud Castle. Located in Vezac. Tel: 05 53 28 35 78
• Chateau de Beynac et Cazenac The Beynac and Cazenac Castle occupies a dominant position on the rocky cliffs overlooking the Dordogne river. Reconstructed by Lord Beynac it’s architecture dates from the 13th century. Tel: 05 53 29 50 40
• Chateau de Biron The Biron Castle dates from the 12th century. It was one of the 4 Perigord baronies and owned by the Gontaut-Biron family for 8 centuries. Located in Biron near Monpazier. Tel: 05 53 63 13 39
• Chateau de Bourdeilles Features a fortress from the 13th – 15th centuries. Offers an interesting collection of cupboards, carpets, wardrobes from the 16th and 17th centuries. Open throughout the year. Located near Brantome. Tel: 05 53 03 73 36
• Chateau de Bruzac The ruins of the Bruzac Castle can be found between st Pierre de Cole and St Jean Tel: 05 53 03 70 74
• Chateau de Castelnaud This reconstructed castle overlooks the Dordogne and faces the Chateau Marqueyssac. Built in the 12th century the Castle experienced British rule from 1259 -1273. See website for more details (in French). Tel: 05 53 31 30 00
• Chateau de Chabans The Chabans Castle has been owned by some of the most prominent families of Dordogne. The castle dates back to the 15th century. It played a role in the Resistance movement when Jacques Chaban-Delmas took his “nom de guerre” from the castle. Tel: 05 53 51 70 60
• Chateau de Duras Castle dated from the middle age offers an architecture mixing middle-age and the 18th century. Located in Duras, Lot et Garonne (47). Tel: 05 53 83 77 32
• Chateau de Fenelon At Ste. Mondain between Sarlat and Soillac (24). An opportunity to visit a furnished Chateaux with it’s antique furniture and historical architecture. Pets are not permitted. Tel: 05 53 29 81 45 Fax: 05 53 29 88 99
• Chateau de Fratteau The Fratteau Castle dominates domain of the new prison. Built in the 12th and 17th century it has preserved chimneys from the 15th and 16th century. Now also home to potters. Located at the exit of Neuvic sur l’Isle. Tel: 05 53 81 11 02
• Chateau de Hautefort A classical castle built in the 9th century on a rocky spur. It once belonged to the viscounts of Limoges and features the Long Tower, The Palm Tower and The Prison Tower. Located in Hautefort. See website for more details. Tel: 05 53 50 51 23
• Chateau de Jumilhac le Grand The castle was originally built in the 13th century and used to act as a line of defence during many incursions. Well known for its unique roofs that were built around the 1600’s. Located at Jumilhac Le Grand. Tel: 05 53 52 42 97
• Chateau de L’Herm The Herm Castle was built at the end of the 15th century but was abandoned. Today it is going through a period of restauration. See website for details. Located at Rouffignac Saint Cernin de Reilhac. Tel: 05 53 05 46 61
• Chateau de Lanquis A combination of architectural styles from palatial renaissance to a medieval fort created this elegant chateau. Well know for its chimneys. Open all year except from 15 January to 15 February. Tel: 05 53 63 65 00
• Chateau de Mareuil The Mareuil Castle formed one of the four baronies of Perigord. Owned by the Talleyrand family, it comprised an effective defensive system. A visit to the castle takes one back to the 100 year war and is an excellent tribute to Napoleon. At Mareuil. Tel: 05 53 60 99 85
• Chateau de Monbazillac This 26th century chateau is home to a museum dedicated to wine-making, arts and local traditions, 17th century perigord furniture and protestanism. The 4 ha parc is open to the public. Open throughout the year. Call for times. Tel: 05 53 63 65 00
• Chateau de Montfort The Montfort castle has been razed to the ground 4 times. Once in 1254 by Simon of Montfort, once during the 100 year war, once under Louis the 11th and finally under Henry the 4th. Restauration work has been underway since the 19th century. Tel: 05 53 28 57 80
• Chateau de Neuvic The Neuvic Castle was built in 1520 along the banks of the Isle. The architecture shows the transiton from Medieval Time to the Renaissance. Located at Neuvic sur l’Isle. Tel: 05 53 80 86 65
• Chateau de Puyferrat The Puyferrat Castle was built in the 16th century and features a totally covered walkway that offers a panoramic view onto the neighbouring countryside. A chapel that hosts the family vault was built in 1825. Located near St Astier. Tel: 05 53 07 86 26
• Chateau de Puyguilhem The Puyguilhem Castle was built during the First Renaissance and is a fine example of a Francoise 1st castle. Located near the village of Villars.
• Chateau de Puymartin The Puymartin Castle is be found between Sarlat and Les Eyzies. Occupied by the English in 1358 the castle has managed to preserve its furniture, carpets, paintings and other works for over 5 centuries. Tel: 05 53 59 29 97
• Chateau de Sanxet Located 3km west of Monbazillac, they offer a prestige car museum. They also rent rooms for receptions. Tel: 05 53 58 37 46
• Chateau de Sauveboeuf 16th Century castle, classified as a national monument. Displays a Louis the 18th style. Located in Aubas near Montignac. Tel: 05 53 51 89 46
• Chateau des Bernadiers Built on the side of a rocky slope around a high tower with views dominating Nizonne. This castle was no stranger to the 100 year war. The counts d’Aydie increased the castle and built terraces. Located at Champeaux et la Chapelle Pommier. Tel: 05 53 60 38 59
• Chateau des Bories Constructed on the banks of a river, the Bories Castle is an example of pure classical Perigourdian architecture. The castle dates from the 15th century. Located at Antonne et Trigonant near Perigueux. Tel: 05 53 06 00 01
• Chateau des Milandes At Castlenaud-la-Chapelle. A French chateau located in the heart of the Dordogne countryside with an exhibition relating to the life of Josephine Baker. There is also wildlife to discover on the castle grounds. Tel: 05 53 59 31 21 Fax: 05 53 29 17 33
• Chateau et Jardins de Losse At Thonac (24). An opportunity to discover this 15th century castle and gardens of Losse.Take a tour around the moat and renaissance hall, which exhibit fine 16th & 17th century tapestries. Tel: 05 53 50 80 08 Fax: 05 53 50 80 08
• Chateau l’Eveque Located on the D939 north of Perigueux. The Bishops Castle was where Saint Vincent de Paul was ordained priest in the 1600’s. Tel: 05 53 04 66 84
• Chateau Saint Michel de Montaigne The Montaigne Castle dates back to the 15th century. This is where Saint Michael wrote his famous essays from. Located at Saint Michel de Montaigne. Tel: 05 53 58 63 69 Fax: 05 53 58 63 93
• Chateau Varaignes It’s facade boasts a mix of Medieval and Renaissance styles from the 13th and 16th century. The village bought the castle in 1965 and won an award for the restoration of the castel. Located in Varaignes. Tel: 05 53 56 35 76
• Cloiture des Recollets The House of Wine on Quai Salvette in Bergerac. This 17th century “Cloiture” exhibits the historical link between Bergerac wine and the history of Bergerac. Open June to September. Tel: 05 53 63 57 55
• Eco-musee de la Noix Walnut farm and museum located in the heart of the Perigord noir region. Documentary film in English shown. There is also a shop selling the local farm produce from walnut cakes to walnut wine. Tel: 05 53 59 69 63 Fax: 05 53 28 59 34
• Ecomusee de la Truffe Contains plenty of information regarding truffles. Located at Sorges. Tel: 05 53 05 90 11
• Institute du Tabac A tobacco research institute that has an extensive collection of different types of tobacco products. The institute opens its doors to the public in the summer. Located at Domaine de la Tour on route de Sainte-Alvére in Bergerac. Tel: 05 53 63 66 00
• Le Musee Costi A collection of works by the Greek sculptor Constantin Papachristopolous. Exhibited in a 12th century crypt in the Saint Jacques presbytery in Bergerac. Ask at the Mayor’s office for more details. Tel: 05 53 74 66 66.
• Le Musee du Perigord On Cours Tourny, Perigueux. An interesting presentation of fine arts and french archeology. There is also a zoological section. Tel: 05 53 06 40 70 Fax: 05 53 06 40 71
• Le Musee du Thot The Thot Museum comprises an animal park and an exhibition centre. In the park one can see species of animal that closely resemble those that historically could be found there. Located at Thonac. Tel: 05 53 50 70 44
• Musee Atelier du Trompe-L’Oeil et du Decor Paint The Trompe-L’Oeil and Decorative Paint Museum is unique in Europe. It is possible to see demonstrations of work in progress. Located at 5 rue Emile Combes in Perigueux. Tel: 05 53 09 84 40
• Musee d’Histoire Locale The local history museum in Villefranche de Lonchat contains portraits, costumes and more. Located at Villefranche de Lonchat near Saint Michel de Montaigne. Tel: 05 53 81 21 39
• Musee de Cognac A museum dedicated to manufacturing Cognac. The process is clearly explained and the tools clearly displayed. Located in St Aulaye. Tel: 05 53 90 81 33
• Musee de l’Or Located in the basement of the Castle of Jumilhac le Grand. The museum takes one back to Gaul times when gold was mined in the region. Tel: 05 53 52 55 43
• Musee de la Carte Postale Ancienne du Perigord The Historical Postcards Museum of Perigord offers more than 33 000 exhibits. Founded by Henry Brives. Located at Saint Pardoux la Riviere. Tel: 05 53 60 76 10
• Musee de la Ferblanterie Offers more than 1000 white & galvanised iron exhibits dating from the 18th century till today. At La Tour Blanche near Riberac. Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
• Musee de la Medicine This medical museum in Hautefort, is housed in what was known as a poorhouse that housed local destitutes. The building was finished in 1740 and now hosts the tourist office, a weavers workshop and the medicam museum. See website for more details. Tel: 05 53 50 40 27
• Musee de la Paleontologie et de la Vie Sauvage Includes 3000 articles of paleonthology covering 700 million years. The Musee de la Vie Sauvage boasts more than 1000 stuffed exhibits. Open June to September. Located at 9 rue de la Republic in La Bugue sur Vezere. Tel: 05 53 08 28 10
• Musee de la Pierre Taillee This sculptured stone museum displays stomes from the Paleothique and Neolithique periods. Tel: 05 53 60 99 85
• Musee de la Prehistoire. Offres visitors an original projection room amongst the rocks. Offer various examples of sculptured rocks and Magdalenian art. Located at Teyjat. Tel: 05 53 56 30 29
• Musee des Arts et Traditions Populaires The Museum of Arts and Popular Traditions in Mussidan assembled this collection of artifacts from yesteryear including furniture and other objects. Tel: 05 53 81 23 55
• Musee des Records situated in the “salle polyvalent”, it offers a light hearted history of the songs that featured for the town’s annual August festival. Located at La Tour Blanche near Riberac. Tel: 05 53 91 11 98
• Musee des Rois d’Araucanie The Museum of the King of Araucanie celebrates Antoine de Tounens who left for Patagonia in 1860 where he declared himself king. He was expelled by the Chilean police in 1860. Medals and official documentation are on show. Located in Chourgnac near Sorge Tel: 05 53 51 12 76
• Musee du Foie Gras Discover how geese and ducks are raised, how “Foie Gras” is processed and learn about how to prepare it. At place de Marechal Foch, Thiviers, Dordogne (24). Tel: 05 53 55 12 50
• Musee du Suaire The relic of St Suaire is to be found in the Cadouin Abbey. Built in 1115, the abbey has recently been declared a world heritage site. Located in Cadouin. Tel: 05 53 63 36 28
• Musee du Tabac A tobacco museum located at Place du Feu in Bergerac. Displays a large selection of tobacco paraphernalia. Open in season. Tel: 05 53 63 04 13
• Musee du Ver a Soie An interesting and educational silkworm museum. Located at Saint Just near Riberac. Tel: 05 53 90 73 60
• Musee du Vin de la Tonnellerie et de la Batellerie A museum dedicated to the making of wine barrels and related objects. Located at 5 rue des Conferences in Bergerac. Tel: 05 53 57 80 92
• Musee Eugene le Roy To be found in the old Saint Jean l’Evangeliste Hospital. It is dedicated to the writings of Eugene Le Roy who died in the city in 1907. Displays his writings, photos, clothing and other souvenirs. Located in Montignac. Tel: 05 53 51 82 60
• Musee Fossiles The Fossil Museum features a 5.5m high and 11m long metalique sculpture of a Tyrannosaurus-Rex amongst other exhibits. Located in Peyzac le Moustier near Montignac. Tel: 05 53 50 81 02
• Musee Gallo Romain Vesunna At Rue 26eme RI, Perigueux. Conceived by Jean Nouvel, this museum presents one of the most significant archeological remains in Aquitaine. Tel: 05 53 53 00 92
• Musee Militaire du Perigord The Perigord Military Museum is at 32 Rue des Farges, Perigueux. Presents over 13000 pieces on French military history. Tel: 05 53 53 47 36
• Musee Napoleon An opportunity to visit the Museum of Napoleon and to view his family history. Situated within the grounds of Chateau de la Pommerie in the heart of Cendrieux, Dordogne (24). Tel: 05 53 03 24 03 Fax: 05 53 03 22 39
• Musee National de Prehistoire Offers an extremelly comprehensive and chronologically ordered exhibition covering the Paleolithic period. Located at Les Eyzies. Tel: 05 53 06 45 45 Fax: 05 53 06 45 55

Les Eyzies de Tayac is the worlds undisputed Prehistoric Capital and the numerous painted caves and, particularly, the proliferation of rock shelters only confirm this notion. The most varied prehistoric, and historic, styles and periods are represented, making Les Eyzies the archetypal town for travelling through the past. This vast, motionless promenade enables us to appreciate more thoroughly the passing of prehistoric time. From La Micoque to Laugerie-Basse, from 300,000 to 5000 years B.C., prehistory at Les Eyzies lasted one hundred and fifty times longer than the Christian era.

Even if you only have a passing interest in prehistoric times, Les Eyzies would be worth a visit. if only for its site. At the confluence of the Vezere and the Beune. the little village. out of which rises an old castle converted into a museum. clings to the bottom of tall cliffs containing shelters, caves and troglodyte dwellings. crowned with green oaks and juniper trees. Having crossed the Vezere. a little road which winds between the river and the rocks follows the prehistoric “Royal road” an unimaginable succession of caves and shelters in an impressive framework of cliffs.

The chalk uplands which surround Les Eyzies are rich in flint, crisss-crossed with dozens of secret clefts and valleys, dominated by cliffs with hidden caves made fine hunting country for prehistoric man. Solid natural materials abound for making weapons and tools, and the shelter of the rock formations made the Périgord a perfect place to live. 100,000 years ago neanderthal man walked the valley of the Dordogne and left sufficient remains to make it a focal point of prehistory. Although he was named after the small valley in Germany where, in 1856, bines were found that fit his description, it was at Le Moustier, near Les Eyzies, that archaeologists first catalogued his weapons and tools.

The oldest human skeletal remains found in the Dordogne are of Neanderthal Man. The Moustier site yielded three complete skeletons another was found at Le Rigourdou, and at La Ferrassie, near Le Bugue, seven were unearthed, including some young children’s. These skeletons reveal that Neanderthal Man rarely lived to the age of thirty, and had Sophisticated burial rites involving funeral ceremonies. In some cases. the bodies were placed in dug graves and covered with earth, stones or slabs. Such respect for the dead must surely indicate that Neanderthal Man was capable of Philosophical reflection and perhaps a belief in an after life.