Villages of Perigord

©PhilippeRoy

From the first church in Trémolat, dating

back to the IXth century, only two arch

sections subsist. Built between 1125 and

1160, Saint Nicholas Abbey, the fortified

church that we see today, possesses a mar-

vellous mural painting of the Last Supper

in the choir (opposite). The monastic build-

ings are in excellent condition and make an

interesting visit. And though the cloister

is no more, there are delightful gardens to

walk around.

Monastic Legacy

The Vieux Logis is an exceptional establish-

ment run by Bernard Giraudel, member of

the Relais&Châteaux group. The refined

luxury of this four-star hotel, set in a char-

ming family manor house, can be enjoyed

in the rooms but also in the cosy bars and

lounges or the superb old smoking and pool

rooms. Not to mention the garden, which

offers Michelin starred dining on the terrace.

Hotel Elegance

The immense stretch of water on

the Dordogne is a perfect play-

ground for all water sports, includ-

ing kayak and canoeing. Trémolat

Water Skiing School organises

wakeboarding, water skiing and

baby ski from 3 years old. Alterna-

tively, for a more placid option, try

the new water bike at the club or

take a river trip.

Nautical

Adventures

©PhilippeRoy

Perfect Curve and Rural Heritage

656 feet wide, over 6 miles long: at Trémolat, the Dordogne River traces a perfect

curve in the limestone rock. Take the roads that go to the top of the meander, to

admire from above and see the bend in the river stand out from the pretty mosaic

of the fields. Back at the village, take a leisurely stroll to discover washhouses, stone

crosses, wells and dovecotes. Trémolat’s two churches add to these quaint rural

heritage features; Saint-Hilaire, restored by the villagers in the 1950’s, has beautiful

stained glass windows, while Saint Nicholas’s church (see below right) reveals

some unexpected elements.

153

24+1 VILLAGES OF PERIGORD

152