Terrasson, gateway to Périgord Noir
The first stage of the famous Vallée de l'Homme circuit begins in Terrasson,
large site, only about twenty kilometers from Brive.
At the crossroads between Dordogne and Corrèze, Terrasson - or Terrasson-Lavilledieu, its full name - is built on the side of a cliff. It dominates with all its majesty the Vézère Valley. Over time, this ideal geographical location has made it a crossing point and an important economic crossroads in the region. Don't miss this city with its rich and surprising heritage!
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5 good reasons to go to Terrasson
Discover the ancient city and its exceptional heritage.
Stroll and above all dream around in the sumptuous Gardens of the Imagination.
Go to the market on Thursday morning and stock up on Périgord products.
Let yourself be tempted by some sweet treats at the Bovetti Chocolate Museum.
Climb aboard a barge for a trip along the water (of course, it’s also possible on the Vézère!).
The story of Terrasson
The legend surrounding the founding of Terrasson
Like many other places, the foundation of Terrasson is based on a legend. For this, we have to go back to the Merovingian era, around the 6th century. Saint Sour is a hermit installed in a cave in the current surroundings of Terrasson. By a miracle, he managed to cure King Gontran of leprosy. To thank him, the sovereign offered him money to finance the construction of a monastery. And to determine the future location of the place, Saint Sour settles on a rock and releases doves which land on the site of the current city. The hermit then cries “Terra sunt!” », which gave rise to the name Terrasson.
Terrasson over the centuries
The first traces of human occupation in Terrasson date back to prehistory. During the Gallo-Roman era, villages developed nearby. Then, in the Middle Ages, an abbey was founded by Saint Sour on the site of the current city but, most certainly, in less romantic conditions than legend has it. The first bridge over the Vézère was built in the 12th century, which allowed the city to become a nerve center of traffic and commerce. This status was reinforced in the 19th century with the construction of the main road leading to Brive and, above all, with the arrival of the railway linking Brive to Périgueux. The 20th century brought Terrasson into the era of modernity and industrialization with the development, in the heart of the valley, of coal mines, a glassworks and other factories.
What to do in Terrasson?
Wander around the ancient town of Terrasson
The first thing to do in Terrasson is to discover the old town, that is to say the historic center of the city. To start the walk, head towards the Malpas cliff. It is a path built into the side of the rock more than 300 m long which offers magnificent views of the valley just below. Then, go in search of cluzeaux. These are shelters dug and scattered throughout the city but whose function still remains a mystery today. Then go to the Saint-Sour church, a vestige of the old abbey. In summer, you can watch a video mapping projected on the facade at nightfall. Near the church, Place du Conventionnel Bouquier, admire the house of Gabriel Bouquier, a representative of the Third Estate who voted for the death of Louis 16 during the French Revolution. The building is classified as a historic monument. End your walk with a little shopping at the Échoppes where jewelers, ceramists, painters and other local artisans are located.
The Terrasson market
The Terrasson market has existed since Renaissance and its establishment by François I. It is held every Thursday morning on the banks of the Vézère. You will find the flagship products of Périgord Noir such as Duck Confit, truffles, walnuts, etc. In winter, don't miss the "foires au gras".
The Bovetti Chocolate Museum
To find out everything about chocolate - Terrasson's other black gold after truffles - a visit to the Bovetti Chocolate Museum is a must. You will learn everything about the history of cocoa, its cultivation, its processing. You may even have the opportunity to attend a demonstration by an expert in the field: artisan chocolatier Valter Bovetti.
Gardens of the Imagination
A unique site in Europe, the Gardens of the Imagination traces the history of gardens since Roman times through thirteen paintings spread over a 6-hectare estate overlooking the Vézère. It is a place that invites you to daydreaming. So, let your imagination run wild...
Pratical information
Where is Terrasson located?
Located at the eastern end of the Dordogne region, the town of Terrasson is just 17 km from Montignac and 20 km from Brive. The drive takes approximately 20 minutes from Brive.
Welcome by the Vézère Périgord Noir team
Would you like to take a trip aboard a barge, go down the Vézère in a canoe or take a guided tour of Terrasson? The Vézère Périgord Noir Tourist Office offers all its activities and many more. Get in touch with them on 05 53 50 37 56 or meet them at the following address: rue Jean Rouby, 24120 Terrasson-Lavilledieu.
On site, do not hesitate to ask them for the book of ticketsAdventure Pass which, for €5, allows you to have discounts on entry to numerous visiting sites and activities located in Dordogne but also in Corrèze. We can also provide it to you at our reception desks of Brive (at the lighthouse) and Turenne.
Visit the Bovetti Chocolate Museum
The visit to the Chocolate Museum lasts 45 minutes and requires reservation. Find all the information you need to prepare for your visit
here
.
Visit the Gardens of the Imagination
The Gardens are only open from April to October. More information to prepare your visit
here.
Our tip
Let's take a walk in Terrasson
Under the Pont Vieux flows the Vézère. As you lean over, you see your reflection in the water and that of the old buildings lined up on the quays. Going through the alleys, you discover the Saint-Sour church, the shops occupied by craftsmen, the elegant fountains; a little further up, the Gardens of the Imagination unite water and wind, trees and flowers to tell you an age-old story, and as you are a gourmand, you don't miss out on shopping at the Bovetti chocolate factory.
Gardens of the Imagination
Place de Genouillac
24120 Terrasson
05 53 50 86 82
jardin-imaginaire.com
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