Dordogne secrète

The medieval town of Beaulieu stands on the right bank of the River Dordogne. Nicknamed the "Limousin Riviera" because of its mild climate, the area is perfect for strawberry cultivation. The abbey church of St Pierre is all that remains of the Benedictine abbey founded here in the 9C by Raoul de Turenne, the archbishop of Bourges. Of particular interest is the tympanum depicting the Last Judgement, one of the finest in France.

The superb polychrome stone sculpture in the cemetery chapel, the Entombment, was created by an unknown 15th-century artist. This stone masterpiece is highlighted by an emotionally-charged sound and light show. Show lasts 16 minutes. Limited to 6 people per show. Cost: 6 euros. Coin-operated with bank card, with or without contact.

Situated on the banks of the Dordogne, Argentat sur Dordogne was for centuries a major trading port. Traditional flat-bottomed gabare boats once left from Quai Lestourgie loaded with local products such as wood, leather and oil. Today the riverside quays, still paved with traditional stone, are lined with old houses bearing lauze-stone covered towers and pepperpot roofs.

Discover the Chastang hydroelectric power station, one of the most powerful in the Dordogne valley. This industrial jewel, commissioned in 1951, is 79 m high and 300 m long at the crest and required 350,000 m3 of concrete to build. With its 31 km long reservoir (which contains the equivalent of 75,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools) and its three 50-tonne "Francis" type turbines, the dam has an annual production equivalent to the residential consumption of 186,000 inhabitants. - Guided tour of the plant (reservation required with regulated access conditions): discovery of how hydroelectricity works at the heart of this exceptional structure. - Free visit to the Odysselec fun and educational area (45 min), which will help you understand how a dam works and the various issues related to hydroelectricity. Accessible to PRM .

Labelled Jardin Remarquable, Sothys offers a new look at nature, inspiring beauty, relaxation and harmony. Covering 4 hectares, the gardens are home to numerous areas ranging from the French garden to the Japanese gardens, via the rose garden (the latest escapade born in 2017). A sensory escape is guaranteed in this garden of atmospheres and in this group of small intimate enclosures with varied atmospheres. Discover the escapades inspired by the world of cosmetics and aesthetics: white, Egyptian, moisturising, scents, sun, velvet, relaxation and skin. Game book for children (from 6 years old). Regular events on the themes of nature, music and culture in general. Shop with a cosmetic area of the Sothys Group, craft and local products, bookshop. Restaurant and top-of-the-range Restaurant and high quality furnished accommodation. Animals not accepted.

Les Tours de Merle: A medieval castrum situated on a rocky spur 40 m high and 200 m long! The Towers of Merle rise in the heart of the forest, above the river, in a truly preserved nature! Built by 6 families of Lords between the 12th and 15th centuries, they are a jewel of the medieval Limousin. This natural fortress is sure to spark the imagination of young and old alike, with its impressive buildings in a steep site and a very special history... To be discovered in a 10 hectare park: the castrum and its viewpoints, the ruins of a medieval village, the river Maronne, the shop (souvenirs, ice creams and drinks)... During the holidays, numerous "Naturally medieval" activities are offered. Plan to bring your own picnic.... and make the most of this exceptional place.

Remains of a feudal fortress (11th and 14th centuries) consisting of two square towers (the south tower for defensive purposes and the north tower for residential purposes) and a village. Free access. Interpretation trail "le secret des Carbonnières" starting from the Auyères car park. Chemin Merlin between Merle and Carbonnières, a 12 km loop. A storytelling walk with a different theme each year, a guided tour and a medieval room (dates and times of events on the website www.goulles.correze.net).

13th-15th century Romanesque church, the oldest in Corrèze, entirely covered in schist slate.