Travelers who visit Rocamadour rank the Basilique Saint Sauveur high on their list of must-visit attractions. One of the grandest and oldest churches of the commune, Basilique Saint Sauveur is a revered pilgrim site for many. The church is a 13th-Century construction boasts a gorgeous gray exterior, which is an unmissable landmark on Rue de la Couronnerie. The architecture of Basilique Saint Sauveur is inspired by the Gothic style but it does have some Romanesque nuances. Its ribbed vault is its most striking characteristic, along with the iconic tower that overlooks a deep, emerald valley. In the beginning of the 19th Century, Basilique Saint Sauveur was elevated to the stature of a basilica, today it is also a world-famous UNESCO Heritage site.
Saint-Amand-de-Coly has earned the epithet of being one of the most scenic communes of south western France, it's replete with natural beauty and sights like the Abbaye de Saint Amand de Coly add to its cultural riches. In the 12th Century, a religious disciple called Amand visited Dordogne, he propagated the message of Christ throughout the region and thus the abbey was born. A home to augustinienne monks, Abbaye de Saint Amand de Coly stood witness to several trying times and a tour of the sight is sure to give you valuable insights into its fascinating past. Abbaye de Saint Amand de Coly has an interesting fortified architecture and the surrounding woods are perfect for a short hike after a tour of the abbey.
Cathédrale Saint-Sacerdos is one of the finest and ancient churches in the city. The Cathedral exudes a charm with its fine architectural detailing, that makes the building truly worth looking at. Besides, the church parish conducts prayers, concerts, religious meetings, cultural activities and services regularly. If you are planing on exploring the city, this is one place you should add to your itinerary.
The Calviac zoological reserve is a 3hectare wildlife park specializing in endangered species and committed to the conservation of biodiversity. The park contains about 20 endangered animal species from different corners of the globe. The zoo is set on the side of a hill in the middle of the forest 15 minutes from the town of Sarlat. The reserve is not very big but it is unique; it is a thrilling experience to wander through the spaces of animals. Visitors can also relax at the café shop built in an old barn on a rocky side.
Grottes de Lacave, an ancient group of caves located close to the Dordogne valley was discovered unknowingly in the 19th century. During the development phase, there were many Stone Age weapons, tools and bones excavated from the cave. Currently, the cave is open for public visit and can be reached via an underground electric train.
The 17th-century manor house, Manor d'Eyrignac is surrounded by an 18th-century Italian Renaissance garden which is listed as one of the Notable Gardens of France by the Committee of Parks and Gardens of the French Ministry of Culture. Open throughout the year for public visitations, the park offers tourists a chance to marvel at various topiary sculptures, vistas, fountains, statues and an allée of vases dating.
Located a few minutes away from the French countryside town of Aubas and on the banks of the river Vézère, Château de Sauvebœuf is a beautiful 14th Century castle and a popular tourist attraction for its rich history, remarkable architecture and an amazing pre-historic museum, all owned and maintained by a private individual. For the price of 20 euros, you get a combined tour of the both house and the museum with a highly proficient guide who takes you through the various exhibits like old furniture, valuable paintings, sculptures, preserved natural items, Neolithic artifacts among many other interesting items. The charming rooms and grounds of the castle are also leased out for private events such as weddings, parties, conferences and seminars where your function is sure to be successful in the charming historical atmosphere and stunning riverside views.
People have been exploring the depths of the Padirac Cave since the 15th-Century, when local inhabitants excavated potassium nitrate from the area. It is believed that the cave has existed since the 3rd-Century, when the roof of rock fell into a large cavern deep within the earth. The chasm itself stretches down 99 meters (325 feet) and was first extensively explored by Édouard-Alfred Martel in 1889. The cave system was first opened up to tourists in 1899. Today, tourists can descend into the cavern via stairs or a lift and explore its dark depths either on foot or by boat, which navigates the underground river that flows through the cave system.