Villages of Perigord

“Bourdeilles Castle is famous, but the whole village built

at the foot of the castle, a genuine peace haven, is worth

knowing. I know all its little secrets. For example, where

does the name Bourdeilles come from? Perhaps from

‘Brogos’ meaning ‘Tower’ and ‘Helios’ that signifies ‘the sun’,

because together they suggest the castle’s high tower.

The village became known as ‘Bourg de Hélies’. Hélie was,

incidentally, the first name given to the lords of Bourdeille

for generations.The name could also come from Athilda

Bourdeille, daughter of a King of England who gave seven

children to the King Marcomer

(see below)

.”

In Gallo-Roman times, three of Athilda Bourdeille’s and

King Marcomer’s sons set out to free the province of

Aquitaine Gaul from the Romans.They fought against men

and… lion-bodied, eagle-headed, griffins. One of the three

brothers, named Nicanor, escaped after cutting off the

talons of one of the ferocious beasts… eagle’s talons that

can be found on the House of Bourdeille family crest and

the village coat of arms.

“I know all the village

secrets”

Jean-Pierre Faye,

volunteer at the Tourist Office

Griffin Coat of Arms

At the Enchanted Tricycle Upcycling Centre

(above)

, the

fight against waste shows passion and talent! Mem-

bers of the association collect used objects around the

countryside and create partnerships with local dump

management. They then repair and sell objects at a low

price. More than a creative waste reclamation centre,

this is also an environment awareness education centre.

For the last ten years, the group organises a Re’use

Festival in October.

Recycle and Create

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

24+1 VILLAGES OF PÉRIGORD