Venice of france dordogne full#

But if today, we can appreciate Brantôme and the remains of its abbey in its almost original integrity, it is thanks to Abbé Pierre de Bourdeille (known as “ Brantôme”!), Commendatory of the city in the 16th century, writer, courtier and soldier. The abbey will be razed twice by the Vikings around the 9th century… It will then pass (and the city with it) many times into the hands of the English, then the French, in a game of power and governance. Charlemagne came to deposit there in 769 the relics of Saint-Sicaire (a child martyr) and he consecrated the building.

Coulon is the main town of the Marais Poitevin and a great base for an adventurous break.In the 8th century, Benedictine monks also established themselves, and they then set up the Abbey of Brantôme in this green and natural setting where all the raw materials and nourishing elements are at hand! They have the limestone cliff to protect them, the Dronne to water them and irrigate the crops that are installed on the fertile and silty soil. Peaceful canals criss-cross lush pastures and wetlands, making it the perfect destination for an active family holiday – boating, hiking and biking are all popular pastimes here. The Green Venice (Venise Verte) is a fitting nickname for the eastern Marais Poitevin, the largest marsh on the Atlantic coast. You may well know Brantôme thanks to its magnificent abbey, but did you also know that it is called the Venice of Périgord (Venise du Périgord)? The village sits on an island surrounded by the River Dronne and its narrow streets are perfect for exploring on foot – don’t forget your camera! The abbey, reputed to have been founded by Charlemagne, is a must-visit. The River Sorgue encircles the town and once a year, on the first Sunday of August, it hosts the world-famous floating market. Its nickname, the Venice of the Comtat (Venise Comtadine), is a nod to its past. Martigues’ southern charm has inspired artists including Auguste Renoir and Raoul Dufy.Ī favourite among antiques enthusiasts, the idyllic town of L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue was part of the Comtat Venaissin, a papal enclave from the 13th to 18th centuries. This fishing port sits on the Canal de Caronte, connecting the Étang de Berre lagoon with the Mediterranean. Take a trip along the waterways a traditional barque à cornet to see a different side to this northern city.įor an interesting day trip from Marseille, look no further than the Provençale Venice (Venise Provençale). Today, just seven remain and you can seek out their produce at the water market in the Saint-Leu district.

Venice of france dordogne full#

Extending over 300 hectares, this urban oasis was once full of market gardeners growing vegetables for the Amiénois. The Lauch river flowing through the quarter is lined by half-timbered houses, many of which are souvenir shops and restaurants perfect for a waterside table with a view.Ĭome to the Little Venice of the North (petite Venise du Nord) to experience the famous Hortillonnages, Amiens’ floating gardens.

The Little Venice (Petite Venise) district of Colmar is the sort of place that adorns the covers of travel magazines and guidebooks. You can while away hours strolling around the cobbled Old Town admiring the beautiful flowers or hire a boat to explore the lake. The so-called Venice of the Alps (Venise des Alpes), Annecy is a patchwork of quaint, shuttered townhouses towering over azure canals. On the shores of Lake Annecy is a medieval town brimming with Alpine charm. From the Green Venice to the Venice of the Alps, these waterside towns and villages in France are excellent holiday destinations