The best road cycling routes around Saint-Martial-De-Valette

Nontron is a town with a rich history dating back around 3,000 years, with traces of prehistoric and Gallo-Roman habitation. It is known for its traditional crafts, particularly cutlery, with the famous Nontron knife, one of the oldest folding knives in France. The town stretches over a strategic rocky promontory, once home to fortifications and a historic castle, the latter dating back to the 8th century and rebuilt in the 19th century.

Javerlhac Castle was rebuilt around 1498 by Dauphin Pastoureau, a master blacksmith in Nontron. It is typical of Périgord manor houses, with a rectangular dwelling, a large round tower with machicolations decorated with trefoils, and a polygonal tower housing a spiral staircase. The castle retains defensive features such as gun ports, despite modernization in the early 19th century. It burned down in 1369 during the Hundred Years' War and has undergone several reconstructions. Privately owned, its facades and roofs have been listed as historic monuments since 1974.

beautiful old mill at Flow Velo

Beautiful chateau! Best seen from the road. The last 200 meters or so aren't really suitable for a racing bike.

A beautiful, newly paved cycle path, the Flow Velo, between Nontron and St. Pardoux. The Flow Velo runs along an old railway line much further than to Nontron or St. Pardoux, but this section is the best for cycling. The only annoying thing is the barriers at every crossing, no matter how small, such as a dirt road.

Why Visit Thiviers? For its gastronomy: Thiviers is a paradise for gourmets. With its fat markets, truffles and local products, the city offers an authentic and unique culinary experience. For its historical heritage: Between its Gothic church and its museums, Thiviers allows you to delve into the history of Périgord and discover the Périgord way of life. For the surrounding nature: Located in the Périgord Vert, the city is an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding countryside, whether through hikes or bike rides. Thiviers is an ideal destination for those looking to discover the gastronomic and natural heritage of Périgord, while enjoying the charm of an authentic and welcoming small town.

Nature and hiking: Green environment: Surrounded by hills and forests, Thiviers is the ideal starting point for hikes in the Périgord Vert. Nature lovers can take advantage of the marked trails to discover the local flora and fauna. The Thiviers-Saint-Pardoux greenway: This old railway line transformed into a cycle path allows you to explore the surrounding countryside in complete tranquility, whether on foot or by bike. Market and local traditions: Weekly market: The Thiviers market is a meeting place for locals and visitors. You can find local products, fruits, vegetables, cheeses, and of course, Périgord specialties such as foie gras and duck confit. Festivals and festivals: Thiviers regularly organizes cultural and gastronomic events, such as the Foire du Gras, which celebrates local products, or even music and traditional arts festivals. Vaucocour Castle: 18th century building: Located not far from the city, this castle, surrounded by a magnificent park, is a beautiful example of 18th century architecture. It is possible to visit its gardens and learn more about local history.

Thiviers, located in the Dordogne, is a charming little town in the Périgord Vert, renowned for its rich historical and gastronomic heritage. Nicknamed the "capital of foie gras and truffles", Thiviers is a destination of choice for lovers of good food and history buffs. Surrounded by green landscapes, this town offers a beautiful immersion in the culture and traditions of the Périgord. Points of Interest in Thiviers: Historical Heritage: Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption Church: This Gothic church, dating from the 13th century, is one of the most important monuments in Thiviers. It impresses with its sober and elegant architecture, with its square bell tower and colorful stained glass windows. Museum of earthenware and tableware: Located in a private mansion, this museum houses a beautiful collection of old earthenware and tableware objects, testifying to the importance of culinary traditions in Périgord. Local gastronomy: Capital of foie gras: Thiviers is world-renowned for its foie gras production. Every year, foie gras markets attract many visitors, and the city regularly organizes gastronomic events showcasing this emblematic product. Périgord truffles: In addition to foie gras, Thiviers is also famous for its truffles, these precious mushrooms that make the region famous. The truffle market in winter is an unmissable event for gourmets.