Date and Time (Original) – 2023:08:01 14:50:08
The village of Beaulieu-Sur-Dordogne also means “beautiful place along the Dordogne side” in French. Although the name “Dordogne” is included in the village name, it is a beautiful village located in the neighboring Corrèze department. This village has also been registered as one of the most beautiful villages in France since 2017, but I knew its name from sources like the Corrèze department’s website even before that. In fact, I traveled around this area in 2017. It was one of the places we considered visiting at that time, but we decided to skip it, so this was our first visit.
This was the third beautiful village we visited on this day, but we spent the day relatively leisurely, so we arrived in this village around 15 minutes before 3 p.m.
We had a lot of trouble with parking. There was a parking lot for tourists, but it was quite far from the center of the village and on top of a steep slope, so we decided not to park there. We spent a while driving around the village, and after about 5 to 10 minutes, we finally found a parking space in an alley about a minute from the heart of the village and were able to park our car safely.
The landmark of the village is undoubtedly the Saint Pierre Abbey Church. It catches your eye as soon as you enter the old town. This church is at the center, with restaurants, hotels, and souvenir shops lined up around it. As always, we didn’t shop, but leisurely strolled through the village while taking photos. I think we walked around for about 40 minutes. One regret is that we couldn’t take a photo of the village along the river. To take this photo, we would have had to walk outside the village. However, just before arriving at the village, we saw that view from the car, which was enough. Our tour of beautiful villages for the day ended with this village. We then headed to our accommodation in Clermont-Ferrand for the night.
For a detailed description of the village, please refer to the information below.
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is a picturesque town situated in the Corrèze department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region in southern France. The town is known for its natural beauty, rich history, and architectural treasures. Here’s a brief overview of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne:
- Historical Significance: Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne’s history dates back to medieval times. It was an important stop for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
- Abbey Church of Saint-Pierre: One of the most notable landmarks in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is the Abbey Church of Saint-Pierre. This Romanesque-style church is known for its beautifully sculpted tympanum, which depicts the Last Judgement.
- Natural Beauty: As the name suggests (“Beaulieu” means “beautiful place” in French), the town is located on the banks of the Dordogne River, offering scenic views and opportunities for water-based activities like canoeing.
- Architecture and Narrow Streets: The town’s streets are lined with well-preserved medieval houses made of local yellow stone. Walking through the narrow streets, you’ll feel transported back in time.
- Local Delicacies: The region around Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is known for its culinary specialties. Among the most famous is the “fraise”, a type of strawberry that has been cultivated here for over 100 years. The town celebrates this with a strawberry festival every spring.
- Proximity to Other Attractions: Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne’s location in the Corrèze department makes it a convenient base to explore nearby attractions, including other historic towns, the Dordogne Valley, and the rolling countryside of the Limousin region.
- Lively Events: Throughout the year, the town hosts various events and festivals, which include medieval fairs, the aforementioned strawberry festival, and local markets.
- Tourism: Over the years, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne has established itself as a popular tourist destination, particularly during the summer months, attracting visitors with its charm, history, and the natural beauty of the surrounding region.
In summary, Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is a gem in the Corrèze department, offering a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that captivates those who visit.
