Brantôme-en-Périgord and: the Story of its Abbey, Brantome, France

Brantôme-en-Périgord in the Dordogne, considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the region, owes its existence to the magnificent abbey that overshadows it.

The pretty village of Brantôme nestles in a curve of the Dronne River with a splendid abbey on one bank and an intriguing old town on the other. Five stone bridges cross the river between the two. For this reason, the town acquired its nickname, the Venice of Périgord, as the river does not just flow through it but surrounds it. The canal that carries the water around the old town created the island it occupies today. This canal was constructed by the same monks that built the abbey in order to bring water into the town to irrigate the land and power its mills. On the outskirts of the town is their old garden, Jardin des Moines, now a public park.

Jardin des Moines (Monks’ Garden) was originally a pleasure garden created from a former hemp field by the then abbot of Brantôme during the mid-sixteenth century. Three Renaissance resting places with Italian-inspired motifs are still in this garden which is now open to the public. This shady riverside park is the site of the monthly flea market (brocante) that is held in the town. This professional flea market which goes on all day is one of the most reputable in the area. Professional market traders bring their best finds here - antiques, antique furniture, art objects, trinkets, paintings, silverware, and diverse curiosities. Entrance is free and there is on-site catering. Brantôme also has a weekly market which is held every Friday in the old town’s market square and stretches across the bridge to the other side of the river. This lively market is also very popular and features a great variety of stalls from fresh local. It is a great opportunity sample some Périgord specialities including truffles, foie gras, walnuts, and strawberries. The Jardin des Moines was connected to the abbey by the medieval stone bridge, Pont Coudé. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).