Limeuil, Perigord Pourpre
A pretty hill top village where the Dordogne river meets the Vézère river
Limeuil is a picturesque old village which features on the list of 'Les Plus Beaux Villages de France'. It has a pretty park on the top of the hill and some ruins from its medieval past.
Sitting at a point where the Vézère meets the Dordogne and on a bend in the river known as a 'cingle', this is certainly one of the jewels of the Perigord. Its artisans and craftsmen, panoramic gardens, riverside setting, and natural beauty offer you a holiday destination of exceptional wealth. Plus it's a good spot to hire a canoe for a gentle paddle along the river.
Much like its neighbours, Tremolat and Le Bugue, this is on the less travelled tourist trail but holds the same charm and interest as La Roque Gageac. From one side of the village you can park and do the circular tour via a short and steep forest path which brings you directly to the top and the jardins panoramique. The narrow streets that then wind their way back down to the river are incredibly pretty and offer up a few choice locations for stopping off for a snack and some lovely boutiques.
The tourist office sits at the bottom next to the Mairie (town hall).
There is also a small beach in Limeuil! A great place for some family fun and to cool down on a hot summer day.
History & Culture in Limeuil
Limeuil has lived through several horrors over the centuries, including the Viking invasions and the Hundred Years’ War.
Today only three fortified gates are left to bear witness to those times and to its medieval past as a bastide. Once a bustling river port, the village with its stone-built, dark-tiled houses is very typical of the Périgord Noir area. and makes it a charming, refreshing place in which to stop.
Sights & Attractions in Limeuil
The one outstanding feature of this village are the panoramic gardens. Offering spectacular views and wonderful insight into plant life, from both the local area and worldwide, with substantial influence from Spanish and Moorish gardens.
Sights in Limeuil
See all Sights & Sites-
Grotte Bara-Bahau, Le Bugue
Located in Le Bugue
The southernmost of all the caves of the Vézère valley, Bara-Bahau was classified as an historic monument in 1961.
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Gouffre de Proumeyssac, Le Bugue
Located in 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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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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Abbaye de Cadouin Abbey, Le Buisson-de-Cadouin
Founded by Gérard de Salles in 1115, and affiliated to the Cistercians, the Cadouin Abbey is an incredibly well-preserved example of religious architecture.
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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.
Things to do in Limeuil
Whilst Limeuil is a place of peace and tranquillity to be enjoyed at a slow pace, there is still plenty to do here. The river beach offers a pleasant place to cool off and to relax.
Hiring a canoe is probably one of the most popular past times and a great way to see a little more of the area without too much effort. What could be better than paddling along the river, stopping for a picnic and enjoying the nature that surrounds you.
Things To Do in Limeuil
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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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Aquarium du Perigord Noir, Le Bugue
Located 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
Located in 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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Domaine des Eymaries Horse Riding, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Located in Les Eyzies-de-Tayac-Sireuil
Experience the beautiful Vezere valley and its prehistoric sites on horse back.
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Le Bournat - Living History Museum, Le Bugue
Located in Le Bugue
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.
