Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, charming village along the water
Initially, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne was a small fishing village nestled in a meander of the Dordogne. Today, it is a dynamic village full of charm labeled "most beautiful village in France.
In the heart of the Dordogne Valley, Beaulieu lives to the rhythm of its river. Between picturesque architectural heritage, water sports and gastronomy, there is something for everyone. Hurry up, Beaulieu is waiting for you!
5 good reasons to go to Beaulieu
- Visit the Saint-Pierre abbey church, the largest church in Corrèze.
- Celebrate (and taste!) strawberries on the second Sunday in May during the Strawberry Festival.
- Climb aboard the unmissable barge.
- Go down the Dordogne by canoe using several routes of different lengths.
- Take a trip to the local Farmers' markets every Monday, during the summer period.
What to see in Beaulieu?
Here, fans of history and old stones will not be left out. The old medieval village is built around the Saint-Pierre abbey, a vestige of the Benedictine abbey founded in the 9th century by Raoul de Turenne. It is particularly known for its sculpted tympanum, jewels of Romanesque art, but it has another particularity: EXTRAORDINARY measurements! And yes, imagine that with its 63m long and 23m high, it is the largest church in the department!
What to do in Beaulieu?
Take a barge ride on the Dordogne
Beaulieu is also the Dordogne river and its barges which punctuate life in the valley. Gabares are large flat-bottomed boats which were used to transport goods to Bordeaux before the arrival of the railway. Moreover, if you go for a stroll on the quays, you may have the opportunity to board “Adèle et Clarisse”. This barge built in 2002 using original methods, and Alain its captain, will take you to discover the history of inland waterways.
The Dordogne and water sports
We can't talk about the river without mentioning water sports... Here canoeing is king, and it's one of the best ways to enjoy the environment. If you're lucky, you might see a heron fishing!
This preserved environment is also a privileged spot for fishermen. The Argentat basin in Beaulieu is home to an exceptional population of trouts, but also pikes, zanders, carps...
What to eat in Beaulieu?
Finally, here we are also high up on gastronomy... Did you know that Beaulieu is nicknamed “The Limousin Riviera”? This is because of the mildness of its climate, ideal to the cultivation of strawberry. We celebrate this little fruit every year on the second Sunday in May. On this day, bakers and pastry chefs make an extraordinary dessert... a giant strawberry pie! So gaillard... For local specialties and products, go to the local Farmers' Markets. In Beaulieu, it's every Monday evening in July and August, from 5 p.m. They take place on the banks of the Dordogne, in a picture-perfect setting on the quays of the Chapelle des Pénitents. And you know what ? You can even eat on site. So remember to take your cutlery!
Pratical information
Where is Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne located?
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is located 24 km from Argentat-sur-Dordogne, 37 km from Rocamadour and 40 km from Brive. It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Brive.
Information to know before going to Beaulieu
- The Saint-Pierre abbey church can be visited all year round from 9 a.m. to 18 p.m.
- For the barge ride, tickets must be booked at the Dordogne Valley tourist office.
Dordogne Valley Tourist Office (Place Marbot – 19120 Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne – +05 55 91 09 94 XNUMX).
- Fishing licenses are on sale at the tourist office.
Our tip Go back in time by boat along the Dordogne
Do you want to go back in time? Do it on the "Limousin Riviera", by boarding the "Adèle et Clarisse", a barge that will take you on the Dordogne like in the grandiose days of inland shipping. And when you arrive in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, admire the magnificent Chapel of the Pénitents, almost intact from the 12th century, the largest church in the department. If you aim carefully, on the second Sunday in May, you can even enjoy giant strawberry tarts. Because the little red fruit is here in its kingdom.
Boat trip,
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne,
19120 Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne
+05 55 91 09 94 XNUMX
Share this article
Or share the link
You will also like...
