Cadouin, Perigord Noir
Pretty medieval village featuring a 12th Century abbey in the east of the Dordogne
A small but beautiful medieval village built around the Cadoudin Abbey, constructed by the Cistercians in the 12th century. It's situated very close to the neighbouring larger town of Le Buisson de Cadouin
Situated close to the Dordogne river within the commune of Le-Buisson-de-Cadouin, which is home to a major rail junction with connections to Bordeaux, Sarlat-la-Caneda, Agen and Perigueux.
The impressive and well-preserved abbey in Cadouin is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage locations, is on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route and is one of the best examples in the region. Surrounded by forests which offer lots of outdoor activity options, this attractive village is full of cute streets with shops selling locally-produced gifts and pottery.
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- History & Culture in Le Buisson de Cadouin
- Sights & Attractions in Le Buisson de Cadouin
- Events in Le Buisson de Cadouin
- Things to do in Le Buisson de Cadouin
- Cycling in Le Buisson de Cadouin
- Hiking in Le Buisson de Cadouin
- Watersports in Le Buisson de Cadouin
- Families in Le Buisson de Cadouin
- Villas in Le Buisson de Cadouin
- Hotels in Le Buisson de Cadouin
- Campsites in Le Buisson de Cadouin
History & Culture in Le Buisson de Cadouin
The commune of Le-Buisson-de-Cadouin, in which the village of Cadouin resides, came to fruition over the last century as the various neighbouring communes changed names and merged together, finally forming the current commune in 1974.
Cadouin's abbey was founded in 1115 by Robert d'Arbrissel and then taken over by Cistercian monks in 1119. It became a pilgrim sight due to a piece of cloth that is said to have been a part of Christ's shroud. Originating from Egypt in the 11th century the shroud itself is on display in the abbey. Naturally the abbey became part of the pilgrim route to Saint Jacques de Compostelle in Spain. Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart were amongst some of the pilgrims to visit the abbey.
Sights & Attractions in Le Buisson de Cadouin
Naturally the abbey is of particular historical interest here, but it's also a beautiful building and worth exploring to get a feel for the medieval life that once existed here.
If you're in the area then a visit to the nearby caves of Les Grottes de Maxange is a must. A tranquil underground experience in a cave that was only recently discovered. There are sure to be more findings and explorations of these caves in years to come.
Sights in Le Buisson de Cadouin
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Les Jardins Panoramiques, Limeuil
This beautiful and vast area has been split into themed garden areas, with interpretive trails running through them to both educate and add to the enjoyment of visitors.
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Gouffre de Proumeyssac, Le Bugue
The largest cave in the Périgord region, close to the pretty and tranquil town of Le Bugue. Proumeyssac has a vast subterranean grotto reaching 40 metres in height.
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Grottes de Maxange, Le Buisson-de-Cadouin
These caves were discovered in 2000 by quarrying work and contain a unique concentration of calcite formations.
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Les Bambous de Planbuisson, Le Buisson de Cadouin
With nearly 200 species of bamboo and 210 other grasses from around the world as well as rare trees and shrubs, perennials, annuals, herbs and wild, this is a truely wonderful collection.
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Chapelle Saint-Martin, Limeuil
The church at Saint-Martin is distinguished for its original frescoes, which can be foudn inside, and its dedication stone.
Events in Le Buisson de Cadouin
Cadouin hosts a medieval festival every year in August. This is a great time to visit the town and many people will be dressed in medieval costume...maybe you could join them.
Events in Dordogne
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Rassemblement Européen de Montgolfieres, Rocamadour
A hot air balloon fiesta in Rocamadour in late September. This gathering of European hot air balloons forms a stunning sight against the backdrop of the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour.
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Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
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Sauternes and Barsac Chateaux open day wine tasting
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
Things to do in Le Buisson de Cadouin
Things To Do in Le Buisson de Cadouin
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Canoes Rivieres Loisirs, Limeuil
With family, in a group, with friends and at any age, you can explore at your own pace two of the most beautiful rivers of Périgord.
Cycling in Le Buisson de Cadouin
Cycling Routes in Dordogne
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Greenway (Voie Verte) of Lalinde Canal, Lalinde
This short stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) is perfect for families looking to stretch their legs in the Dordogne countryside, without having to conquer any hills climbs.
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Old Railway Greenway (Voie Verte) Route, Sarlat-la-Caneda
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
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La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
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Circular route between Ouysse & Causse, Rocamadour
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
Hiking in Le Buisson de Cadouin
Walking Routes in Dordogne
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Font-Blanque Loop, Lalinde
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
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La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
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A Short Walk up Mont Saint Cyr, Cahors
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
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Chemin de Halage
Part of a long distance towpath, there is an interesting section cut out of the rocky cliff face between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq Lapopie which was used to drag barges along the river Lot. It's about five kilometres between the two villages and is a stunning section of the river.
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Cirque d'Autoire circular route, Autoire
This walk is wonderful and relaxing way to explore the valley of Autoire and the horseshoe shaped cliff band that guards it to the south-west.
Watersports in Le Buisson de Cadouin
Watersports in Le Buisson de Cadouin
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Canoes Rivieres Loisirs, Limeuil
With family, in a group, with friends and at any age, you can explore at your own pace two of the most beautiful rivers of Périgord.
Families in Le Buisson de Cadouin
Villas in Le Buisson de Cadouin
Villas in Le Buisson de Cadouin
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Le Mas Villa
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
Hotels in Le Buisson de Cadouin
Hotels in Le Buisson de Cadouin
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Le Noyer Residence B&B, Le Bugue
Previously a farm house, Le Noyer was lovingly renovated into a B&B in the 20th Century. Now a charming retreat with exposed stone walls, elegant furnishings and modern comforts.
Price: €876
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Hostellerie du Passeur Hotel, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Sat alongside the Vezerie river, the old Bourgeois property clad in Virginia Creeper has been run by Claudine and Gerard Brun for nearly 30 years. The interior and bedrooms have been decorated with comfort and authentic charm in mind. With warming colours of the region and modern day technology coming together, you get the best of both worlds.
Price: €896
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Le Moulin de la Beune Hotel, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Designed to make you feel immediately at home, the tastefully decorated rooms, luscious gardens and gently meandering stream are all you need to relax into a well earned break.
Price: €686
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Hotel des Roches, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
A warm welcome awaits you at Hotel des Roches, located in the heart of the Pèrigord. Contemporary comforts, outdoor swimming pool, garden stream and private bar are sure to put you at ease the moment you arrive.
Price: €770
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Le Clement V Hotel, Belves
Once a grocery store, the hotel has now been transformed into an enticing, soulful and intimate retreat. It has exposed wooden beams, large open fireplaces and antique furnishings creating a truly inviting atmosphere.
Price: €777
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Le Vieux Logis Hotel, Tremolat
This luxury hotel has large rustic-style bedrooms, a magnificent park, a sunny terrace and an outside pool made from local yellow stones typical of the Périgord region. The estate includes a manor house, tenanted farm, outbuildings, a tobacco drying room which houses a lounge and smoking room, and two restaurant dining rooms. This Relais & Châteaux hotel is an excellent choice with great food and superb surroundings.