Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, the must-see!

Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is a must in the Dordogne Valley and for a stay in Corrèze anyway! Since 2022, it has also been ranked among the Most Beautiful Villages in France. It is a superb medieval city nestled on the right bank of the Dordogne river and which enjoys a microclimate! Its heritage, its natural environment, its activities, leisure and quite simply the sweetness of strolling there, make it unique... It is also the ideal place to learn more about the crazy history of the gabarriers on the Dordogne, and to take a tour (in summer) in these characteristic flat-bottomed boats. We're taking you for a walk in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, don't forget the camera!

Photos of the article © Corrèze Guide

A visit to Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne

Let's set the scene right away, Beaulieu is the "Riviera Limousine", get out your sunglasses! Here, no Festival, but almost. The local microclimate gives it lush vegetation which only accentuates its allure of a little paradise. In summer, Beaulieu is adorned with 1000 shades of green that sparkle in the clear waters of the Dordogne. Poetry enough, what are we going to see as we walk around Beaulieu?

First of all, a tip for parking in Beaulieu. It is one of the most visited villages in Corrèze and in summer, we recommend that you do not try to park in the center… Instead, use parking lots and outlying parking lots (follow the signs, Place du Champ de Mars, Place Albert, Quai Docteur Faugère or directly at the Leisure Center near the canoe pass) and take the opportunity to cross the city center before reaching the banks of the river.

The old medieval town of Beaulieu is nestled in the center of boulevard Rodolphe de Turenne and this is the opportunity to explain to you that the birth of Beaulieu is linked to the powerful feudal family of the Viscounts of Turenne, Rodolphe being the founder of the Beaulieu Abbey in 850. The tranquility and strategic position near the river are already being emulated! First Benedictine Abbey, it grew and became a place of pilgrimage at the crossroads of several paths. It then passed under the protection of the Abbey of Cluny (located in Burgundy and celebrated for its spiritual, artistic, economic, political and social influence) at the end of the 11th century. This reform will give rise to the construction of the Abbey of Saint-Pierre (one of the most beautiful in France). In the two centuries that followed, the town developed as well as trade around the conventual buildings. Beaulieu is part of the European Federation of Cluniac sites because of its past attachment to the Clunesian Abbey (from 1095 to 1213).

As you arrive in the center of Beaulieu, head towards the Abbatiale Saint-Pierre, you can visit it and learn more about the history of Beaulieu and the Monastery. Admire its splendid carved tympanum representing Christ with his arms wide open to embrace Humanity. Did you know that it is the largest church in the department? Continue towards Rue Sainte-Catherine and the adjacent streets to admire the houses of medieval origin (La Tour Renaissance, La Maison Bouyssonie), with their half-timbered, half- timbered and sometimes corbelled walls (when the floors are wider than the wheelbase of the house on the street). Retrace your steps, pass in front of the Maison Renaissance de Beaulieu on 5 levels (MH). It is a superb private mansion on Place de la Bridolle, in front of the Abbey. You will notice its sculpted statues on the facade. Now take the Rue de la Chapelle to go down to the Quays, admire the old original town of the village. The Chapel of the Penitents dates from the ^12th century, it is the first church of Beaulieu, later replaced by the abbey. Events and exhibitions take place there in the summer.

Here you are on the quays of Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne. An absolutely delicious place and particularly pleasant in summer, on hot days. Here, we relax, we walk, we can take a ride in a barge ("Adèle et Clarisse"), we can swim in the Dordogne and enjoy the magnificent panorama. Take the Passerelle des Aubarèdes to reach the island opposite the center of the village, you will enjoy an unparalleled view of the medieval complex and the quay. At this point on the river (the Site des Aubarèdes), the river divides into 3: The main arm and 2 canals, 1 for canoes and fish (the gabariers canal), and the Bourrier canal. The Passerelle being an obstacle on the river, it is supplemented by a fish pass, to allow migrating fish to move in the bed of the river. Interpretation furniture will explain how it works. On the Dordogne you will sometimes see fishermen, bathing families and canoes.

What to do in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne?

• The Gabares on the Dordogne at Beaulieu: The Gabarres or Gabares are flat-bottomed boats, which were used to transport materials while sailing on the Dordogne. The wood went from Limousin to Bordeaux, for the construction of wine barrels, to make stakes for the vines or construction, firewood... The barges were for single use! Like rafts, they were dismantled on arrival. It was a tough time and a dangerous job. In Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, but also in Argentat and Spontour, you can take a trip in a barge and listen to the story of these brave men, who braved the Dordogne for trade and to support their families.
  
  
• Canoeing or kayaking in Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne is a very good idea! This activity, available from the age of 7, is possible with several rental companies in the area. Some routes are available, but in general, they are long and do not always start from Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne (sometimes upstream)! For a short family outing, opt for less than 10/12km. Beyond that, it will take a good half-day to paddle and the children will find it long, because the river is wide and depending on the period, you cannot always take breaks on the banks or on the islands. You can also rent Stand Up Paddle or buoys.
  
  
• The second Sunday of May is the Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne Strawberry Festival because it is a delicious little fruit that grows easily in the surroundings, thanks to the mild climate! Humm the Gariguettes!
  
  
• The gourmet producers' market takes place on Monday evenings in Beaulieu during the summer season (next to the Chapelle des Pénitents). It's party time in conviviality! The weekly market takes place on Wednesday morning , place du Champ de Mars. 1^st and 3^rd Friday of each month is held an old-fashioned fair.

We hope to have made you want to visit Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne! See you soon for new adventures.

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