Eymet, Perigord Pourpre
Very popular Bastide town to the south of Bergerac in the Perigord
Very much a textbook bastide village, it's laid out in a grid fashion around a central square. Eymet, as it exists today, was founded by Alphonse de Poitiers in 1270.
Resting on the banks of the Le Dropt river it has a variety of coffee shops and bars where you can sit and enjoy the views and the atmosphere.
The architecture has the characteristic stone pillars, propping up a second storey, and dark wooden frames which are filled with plaster, typical of a medieval bastide. A pretty place, notable as a popular location for Brits who account for 10% of the local population, it is known as 'Little England'.
Remains of its ruined fortified castle can be visited just outside the bastide walls.
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History & Culture in Eymet
Founded in 1270 by Alphonse de Poitiers, Count of Toulouse and brother to Louis IX of France the village of Eymet changed hands several times during the Hundred Years' War, until the battle of Castillon and the conquest of the Aquitaine region by Charles VII in 1453. Having retained its architecture and charm since medieval times this is now a well-preserved example of a bastide.
The castle was built in 1320 but was destroyed in 1830. The city walls are all that remains.
Events in Eymet
There is a vibrant market on Thursday, hosted in the village's main square. Throughout July and August they also host an evening market which adds to the atmosphere of this pretty town.
Events in Dordogne
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Dordogne, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
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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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Ban des Vendanges, Jurade de Saint Emilion
The Autumn festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The 'Jurade' are the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town. As part of the festival they parade through the town in their traditional crimson robes, reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past.
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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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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 Eymet
Things To Do in Eymet
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Bergerac Wine Tours, Eymet
A full day tour for those interested in wine, the terroir, the makers and other local products of the Dordogne region.
Cycling in Eymet
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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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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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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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 Eymet
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 Eymet
Watersports in Dordogne
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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.
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CANOEric, Le Bugue
Easy canoeing for everybody. You can navigate with family or friends in peace. You’ll be given a solid equipment, stable canoes and buoyancy aids.
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AVCK (Animation Vezere Canoe Kayak), Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
This area provides water-sports for all ages. Renowned for its architectural heritage and sites of natural beauty, you will find that paddling is a great way to relax and have fun whilst enjoying the scenery.
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Canoe Vacances, La Roque-Gageac
Enjoy a single or multi-day trip down the river Dordogne to town such as Beynac, Castelnaud, Montfort and Fayac.
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Canoe Dordogne
Hire a canoe or kayak from this company and you can enjoy a gentle river cruise and the chance to explore the wonderful Dordogne river and its banks.
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Perigord Adventure & Loisirs Canoe, Beynac-et-Cazenac
Enjoy a relaxing day close to nature as you canoe along the river and explore the waterways of this UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Families in Eymet
Villas in Eymet
Villas in Eymet
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La Petite Maison Villa, Castillonnès
Decorated in chic but subtle style this pretty cream coloured stone cottage is the epitome of a charming rural retreat yet is within walking distance of the impressive bastide of Castillonnes.
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La Castille Villa, Castillonnès
Enjoy French country living at La Castille, a beautifully restored 18th Century stone bastide which offers charm and style in abundance, in an area renowned for delicious food and wine. La Castille is the sister property to La Perigourdine and La Petite Maison.
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Le Manoir Du Vignoble Villa, Pomport
A beautiful property owned by a local viticulturist whose vineyards form part of the grounds around the house.
Price: £2,428
Hotels in Eymet
Hotels in Eymet
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Villa Corisande B&B, Eymet
Just a short walk to the Place de la Bastide d'Eymet, Villa Corisande is the ideal central location from which you can explore your surroundings. Open year round, you are sure to feel welcome at any time.
Campsites in Eymet
How to get to Eymet
The village is situated at the extreme south of the Department of Dordogne on the CD933 between Bergerac and Marmande, around 20km south of Bergerac, and around 100km east of Bordeaux.