Religious Sights in Dordogne

The great wall, or Grandes Murailles, is now all that remains of a once Dominican monastery that was built in the 12th-century.

The monks originally lived just outside Saint-Emilion, but in 1338 they obtained permission from the Pope to establish a monastery within the walls. The cloister was built in the 14th-century.

Standing near the Porte Barnicou (one of the five gates to the walled city), this 12th-century church was rebuilt in the late 15th-century and remodeled once again in the 17th-century.

Situated in the heart of the pretty town of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, the Abbaye Saint-Pierre church sits in the Place du Marche and stands high above the surrounding buildings.

This 19th century church was constructed when the expanding city required somewhere larger to house the congregation.

Although it is believed to have dated back to the eighth century, Father Goustat wrote in 1883 that this building could date back to VIII, XI or even the fourteenth century. It has been repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt in part or in whole over the years. 

The Lanternes des Morts (Lanterns of the dead) are small towers mainly found in the central and western parts of France. Thought to indicate the position of a cemetary.

Built between 1075 and 1150, the Abbey Sainte-Marie ranks among the finest examples of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles in the south-west of France.

Built between the 12th & 15th centuries, this church is one of the largest in Gironde. It's design is both Romanesque and Gothic, showing how it has been remodelled and renovated throughout history.

The beautiful Abbeye de Beaulieu-en-Rouergue was established in 1144 in the valley of the Seye by the Bishop of Rodez. This Cistercian abbey had a successful existence for many years and was expanded in the 17th and 18th centuries. It went into decline as the monastic discipline was relaxed but was saved from ruin in 1960 when it was subject to extensive renovation and turned into a contemporary arts centre which holds a number of temporary exhibitions each year.

With one of the oldest bell towers in France this abbey is set into the cliff face and overlooks the Dronne river, a beautiful centre piece to this delightful town.

A catholic church that originates from the 10th or 11th centuries and was once said to contain the remains of the Sainte Spérie.

Founded by Gérard de Salles in 1115, and affiliated to the Cistercians, the Cadouin Abbey is an incredibly well-preserved example of religious architecture.

This church in very bad condition after the war, and so it was lovingly restored in the 1950s by the locals of the town who were very attached to its heritage.

At 68 metres above the ground, looking down on the rooftops of the medieval town, take a deep breath and enjoy the 360° panoramic view of the most famous wine appellation.

The cathedral in Cahors dates to the 11th century though it has undergone modifications over the centuries.

This impressive church was built in 1740 under the patronage of the Marchal of Turenne, count of Castillon, who had left money to the city in his will.

This pretty church in the minute village of Allemans-du-Dropt originally dates to the 10th century, though there have been many changes and additions over the years. The reason for visiting it to see its frescoes which date to the 15th century and are in impressively good condition. They feature the Last Supper, Crucifixion, Last Judgement and a rather grim view of Hell.