The relaxed town of Le Bugue sits on the river Vézère where it's joined by the Doux. A more tranquil base for exploring the region, it has some pretty, narrow streets and a bustling market twice a week.
Le Bugue, Perigord Noir
Relaxed market town situated in the heart of one of the most visited areas in France
This town is a good base if you want to explore the Perigord Noir area. Not only because it's close to some of the most popular and interesting pre-historic sights, but also because you can also escape all the 'pre-history' sightseeing for a while - you can sometimes have too much of a good thing.
There are plenty of other attractions in this pretty market town, not least the Tuesday market itself, but also the popular Aquarium du Perigord Noir, several theme parks and some great canoeing on the river.
The town itself sits on the banks of the river and is very pretty in its own right, with narrow winding streets and some beautiful traditional architecture to be seen.
Events in Le Bugue
One of the most important dates in the town's history was in November 1319, when the King of France, ordered by deed that the market be permanently held on a Tuesday. This is still the case today, and the market of Le Bugue has become one of the best in the region.
Events in Le Bugue
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Beaujolais Nouveau
The new Beaujolais has arrived!
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
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Fête de la Musique
Music festival celebrated across France on the summer solstice
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
History & Culture in Le Bugue
Inhabited since prehistoric times, Le Bugue enjoyed a period of prosperity until 1154, when the province of Périgord came under English control. The town was often a source of disputes between British troops and those of the King of France, and therefore it suffered greatly.
Maintaining itself as a quiet commercial town it was only in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway line that ran between Perigueux and Agen, and the construction of the bridge, that the town became better known.
Sights & Attractions in Le Bugue
There are a number of prehistoric sites in and around Le Bugue which are open to the public.
The Grotte de Bara Bahau is on the north west edge of Le Bugue and contains a number of engravings made by prehistoric man. Also on the edge of town is the Gouffre de Proumeyssac with its cavernous interior and wonderful collection of stalactites.
About 4km away in Saint-Cirq you'll find the Grotte de Sorcier, beautiful on both the inside and the outside as the pretty village of Saint-Cirq seems to escape from the cliff face.
If you decided to venture further into the town of Le Bugue itself then you will find that these streets are often very quiet and your only companions may be the neighbourhood cats.
The church in le Bugue is rather unusual in that it looks quite British, rather than the usual chapels, cathedrals and abbeys that we're used to seeing in this part of France.
Sights in Le Bugue
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Gouffre de Proumeyssac, Le Bugue
Light & sound displays in this huge cathedral of crystals
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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Grotte Bara-Bahau, Le Bugue
A 100m long cave with examples of Paleolithic paintings & engravings
The southernmost of all the caves of the Vézère valley, Bara-Bahau was classified as an historic monument in 1961.
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Chapelle Saint-Martin, Limeuil
One of the most beautiful Romanesque churches of the Périgord
The church at Saint-Martin is distinguished for its original frescoes, which can be foudn inside, and its dedication stone.
Dining in Le Bugue
Restaurants in Le Bugue
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L'Auberge Medievale Restaurant, Audrix
A great discovery.
The young chef at this restaurant, David Beyney, produces creative French cuisine using local products. It is a real gem of a restaurant, located high in the Périgord village of Audrix. There is also a small attractive hotel attached.
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Les Glycines Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Exemplary hotel restaurant which once served Prince Charles
With their very own garden, the restaurant has access to the freshest fruit, vegetables, edible flowers and herbs. This is reflected in the menu, which makes the most of the regions famous culinary delights, including foie gras and of course Perigords black diamond, the truffle. You will easily settle into the cosy, contemporary restaurant or get to enjoy your surroundings while dining out on the terrace.
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Hostellerie du Passeur Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
The finest local food in the finest of locations
With a terrace set alongside the Vezerie river and within a hotel clad in Virginia Creeper and decorated with heart, warmth and style, the restaurant is hugely inviting.
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Le Moulin de la Beune Restaurant, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Food of the Perigord inside an old stone mill house
A bright restaurant with stone walls, old wooden beams, fireplace and inviting allure, offer up culinary delights from the region. A strong focus is on local local treats and seasonality.
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Le Vieux Logis Restaurant, Tremolat
Michelin star perfection in former tabacco drying house
Stone walls, high ceilings, charming surroundings and elegant table settings lure you into the restaurant, with precise modern day interpretations of classic regional food, made from the finest local produce.
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Bistrot de la Place Restaurant, Tremolat
Bistrot simplicity paying homage to its heritage
Located 50 yards from the Vieux Logis Hotel, the Bistrot de la Place has exposed wooden beams, simple yet effective place settings and makes you feel immediately comfortable in the fuss free, cosy setting in the centre of Trèmolat.
Things to do in Le Bugue
A great family destination due to the number of child-friendly activities that are available right on your doorstep, Le Bugue offers theme parks, open-air museums, animal parks and canoeing on the gentle Vézère river.
If you do visit Le Bugue on market day then be prepared for the crowds. It's only a small market but people flock to it - especially the locals. The downside of this market is that it sits right on the main intersection through town. But cross the river here and you have plenty of parking and a calm environment, perfect for walking along the river banks or having a picnic.
Things To Do in Le Bugue
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Aquarium du Perigord Noir, Le Bugue
The biggest fresh water aquarium in Europe is in Le Bugue
A great place for a family day out and to escape the pre-historic world of the Dordogne...instead, enjoy the family atmosphere and displays of this fresh water aquarium.
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CANOEric, Le Bugue
Canoeing and kayaking down the Vereze valley in the heart of the Dordogne
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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Le Bournat - Living History Museum, Le Bugue
Le Bournat is a unique village, every day life & objects from a bygone age
A living museum that offers much more than your ordinary museum or theme park. A great day out that will take you and your family back in time to an era long ago.
Watersports in Le Bugue
Watersports in Le Bugue
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CANOEric, Le Bugue
Canoeing and kayaking down the Vereze valley in the heart of the Dordogne
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.
Holiday Rentals in Le Bugue
Holiday Rentals in Le Bugue
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Le Mas Villa
5 bedroom villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 10
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
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La Cloche Villa, Prats-du-périgor
3 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 8
Surrounded by a patchwork of fields and forests in the picturesque Perigord Noir area, the charming village of Prats-du-Perigord, with its honey coloured stone buildings topped with pitched roofs of deep red tiles, is most typical of the region.
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La Croix Villa, Prats-du-Périgord
3 bedroom Villa in Prats-du-Périgord, South West France. Sleeps 8
This recently renovated semi-detached stone village house is a delightful addition to our collection of properties in the picturesque Dordogne region. Situated along one of the narrow lanes in the village of Prats-du-Périgord, La Croix is a restoration that blends the traditional with the contemporary to great effect.
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Le Mazet Villa
1 bedroom villa in Dordogne, sleeps 2
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
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Le Mas & Le Mazet Villas
6 bedroom villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 12
A combination of two renovated villas in the heart of Dordogne.
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La Castille Villa, Castillonnès
5 bedroom Villa in Dordogne. Sleeps 8
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.
Hotels in Le Bugue
Hotels in Le Bugue
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La Rolandie Haute B&B, Limeuil
Peace & quiet in picturesque Limeuil
Laurence and Stèphanie will welcome you with open arms to La Rolandie Haute, situated in the heart of the Pèrigord Noir in "one of the most beautiful villages in France".
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Le Vieux Logis Hotel, Tremolat
Relais & Châteaux luxurious four star hotel
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.
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La Maison Olea B&B, Le Bugue
Stunning guesthouse in the hills above Le Bugue
Situated in a picture perfect location and in the epicentre of the Pèrigord Noir, La Maison is in the ideal location to explore one of the many regional delights.
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Le Centenaire Hotel, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
100 year anniversary hotel for first discovered prehistoric site
"Le Centenaire" was open in 1964, 100 years after the first prehistoric discovery in the region. Recently renovated in 2013, the hotel creates a comforting home from home environment with all the conveniences of a modern day hotel that you would hope for.
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La Borie Chic B&B, Meyrals
Comfortable B&B in gorgeous Meyrals
Located in a region steeped in rich culture, history, gastronomic pleasures and beautiful countryside, La Borie is in the perfect spot to explore. There are comfortable rooms, with their own private terrace overlooking the garden and pool.
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Domaine des Eymaries B&B, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Peace & quiet in 15th Century restored farm
In the heart of the Pèrigord, just a short distance from prehistoric sites and a short drive to Medieval Sarlat, Domaine des Eymaries is a serene spot to base yourself. With its large heated pool, jacuzzi, large garden with pond, a bar and wonderful breakfast, there is plenty to be enjoyed.
Property For Sale in Le Bugue
Property for Sale in Le Bugue
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Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Magnificent chartreuse north of Les Eyzies for sale
The property,dating from the 17th century, lies in a quiet, open valley, fed by a small stream.
Les Eyzies Property For Sale - REF 3380612, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
€3,500,000 -
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
3 bedroom house for sale
Perigord authentic house with about 160m2 living space surrounded by a lovely garden and orchard of 1600m2.
Paunat House, Tremolat - Ref.2014
€249,000 -
Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
4 bedroom house for sale
Located about 50 minutes away from Bergerac airport, this house has a living space of 265m2 and a garden of 6398m2 of land.
Character Property, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin - Ref.MP112684
€465,000 -
Stone House, Couze-et-Saint-Front - Ref.2713
2 bedroom stone house for sale
Typical stone house Perigord style dating from 1807 completely renovated.
Stone House, Couze-et-Saint-Front - Ref.2713
€171,200 -
Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
Manor for sale around Sarlat la Caneda
In a typical environment of the Dordogne, superb set of properties with a mansion with a living room of 68m2 and 6 rooms and a listed 3 bedrooms cottages and private pool, a second holiday 3 bedrooms, large heated pool, in a lovely over 1.8 hectares garden.
Chateau For Sale, Sarlat-la-Caneda - Ref.13318
€1,410,000 -
Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569
9 bedroom character house for sale
This property is located close to the village shops, about 10 minutes from Montignac town and 40 minutes from Brive airport.
Character Property, Montignac - Ref.MP112569
€700,000











































