Argentat sur Dordogne Towns & Villages in Argentat-sur-Dordogne

Argentat-sur-Dordogne, the Capital of the Gabarriers, is nestled in a wooded and hilly environment (just downstream of the Dordogne gorges), right on the edge of the river. It is an old port and the river has, in the past and still today, held a place of choice in the economic emancipation, then tourist of the city. Argentat was formed on both banks of the Dordogne, unlike Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne.

As you walk through the village, you will notice that some roofs are covered with lauzes, which gives a lot of character to the whole. The noble houses have turrets, corbelled facades and prettily flowered half-timbered facades. The Lestourgie quays are paved with pebbles, as if to recall once again the importance of the river on this ancient trading port. In the 18th and 19th century, Argentat was a prosperous economic and commercial place thanks to the activity of the gabarriers, who transported goods on their flat-bottomed boats.

Visit the Heritage House to admire the remains of amphorae which attest to human presence from 450 BC. Other remarkable observations, the Convent of the Récollets which dates from the 17th century as well as the Saint-Pierre church. Download the city map of Argentat-sur-Dordogne (fr).

What to do in and around Argentat?

• A trip in a barge to relive the era of the barges of yesteryear. In summer, evenings with costumed comedians take place, for total immersion!
• Sports! The generous natural environment calls you... In and around Argentat, you can go hiking, canoeing, SUP, outdoor activities such as climbing, rafting, via ferrata, canyoning, abseiling, MTB...
• During your stay, delight the children by bringing them a day at Splash, an aquatic center with swimming pools, slides and grass areas for sunbathing.
• Discover the Departmental Biodiversity Reserve of Argentat (fr), Les Gravières d'Argentat. It is the first in the department, created in 2020 on a 40-hectare wetland, in a former quarry. There is a free application to visit the reserve independently, to understand this ecosystem in reconquest, respecting its fauna and flora.
• 12km to the northwest, the Waterfalls of Murel in Albussac is a natural site perfect for a family outing. There are several small waterfalls and the site is lush and shady in the summer! There are different trails, take good shoes or park at the free parking lot 5 minutes from the falls!
• 5km to the north, upstream from the Dordogne river, the Roc Castel site offers you a lovely view of the river which meanders through the vegetation.
• Lac de Feyt in Servières-le-Château (north-east of Argentat) is another ideal place to swim during the summer, it is supervised and you can do sports and water activities (some through camping on its shores). It is a pleasant place of 45ha of aquatic surface, in a wooded environment. A little further is the impressive Chastang dam, you can make visits by appointment and enjoy a nice view (be careful, no parking, park safely).
• 12km to the west, families enjoy the Sente aux Cochons, a trail in the forest with playful and high-quality educational panels, a path full of humor that is worth the detour...

Zoom on Xaintrie and the Tours de Merle: This region of Corrèze is called Xaintrie, it begins in the foothills of the central massif and also enters neighboring Cantal. The Xaintrie, comes from the word Saint Trie because there are 3 rivers that flow through this natural granite region: The Dordogne, the Cere and the Maronne. These rivers have formed gorges, some quite deep and hiding dense vegetation and some fantastic heritage remains such as the Tours de Merle. An absolutely spectacular site, an old co-lordship perched on a rocky outcrop, made up of 7 towers, built between the 12th and 15th centuries. Classified as a historical monument, in the hollow of the Maronne valley, these are spectacular remains that are also appreciated for the enchanting natural setting that surrounds them. Don't miss a detour to the Middle Ages Farm of Xaintrie, a magnificent reconstruction of an open-air farm, with an educational trail, animals, a real journey through time.

If you want to know more about Argentat-sur-Dordogne, go to the Tourist Office by clicking here!

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