Brantôme Abbey in Périgord

The Benedictine abbey of Brantôme is undoubtedly one of the jewels of the religious heritage in the Périgord. The monks lived originally as troglodytes in this abbey founded according to the legend by Charlemagne who is said to have offered the relics of one of the Holy Innocents named Sicarius (Sicaire in French), and took gradually their independence from the rock. The limestone cliff behind the convent buildings contains cavities designed by man then transformed into quarries, including the enigmatic “Last Judgement” Cave decorated with two monumental bas-reliefs. The 11th century Romanesque bell tower, one of the oldest in France, overlooks a rib-vault abbey church. On the ground floor of the vast 18th century monastic wing built between the river and the cliff, a museum presents the mediumistic works of the engraver Fernand Desmoulin (1853-1914) who made from 1900 to 1902 mysterious drawings signed by three different spirits. Two different tours are offered to discover the abbey, to do independently or as a complement to each other:

1. The Caves of the Abbey & Museum Fernand Desmoulin

You will discover, during a self-guided tour (following a path marked by 34 explanatory boards) or with a guide, the troglodytic remains of the monastery, the rock-hewn first living spaces of the monks, the “Last Judgement” Cave, the Saint-Sicarius Fountain whose waters were known for their miraculous properties, and the museum dedicated to Fernand Desmoulin, a major spiritualist artist.

2. The Cloister, the Abbey Church and the Bell Tower

You will discover with a guide one part of the abbey buildings: the chapter house where the monks used to gather every morning, the only cloister gallery to have survived after the 19th century restoration works, the abbey church in which are kept the relics of Saint Sicarius, and go up to the bell tower (one of the oldest in France!) to enjoy a fantastic view of the city.

Practical Information:

Opening period: open all year round

Duration: 45 mn-1h (self-guided tour) – 1h-1h15 (guided tour)

Open to people with physical disabilities with helper.

Free game for kids

Pets allowed (except museum).

Toilet.

Ticket office at the Tourist Office or vending machine at the entrance (payment by credit card only).

Practical Information:

Guided tours form Easter until All Saints’ Day – Guided tours schedule depends on celebration of religious services.

Duration: 1h15

20 people maximum.

130 steps to go up to the bell tower.

Ticket office at the Tourist Office. All tours depart from the Tourist Office.