The best traffic-free bike rides around Cauzac

The Sainte-Colombe church has watched over the village since the Middle Ages. Originally Romanesque, it was extensively remodeled in the 19th century, but retains a remarkable bell tower housing a bell dated 1525, now listed as a historic monument.

Overlooking the valley from its promontory, the town of Beauville seems to be one with the rock. To see: the corner square, surrounded by stone and half-timbered houses, the Saint-Jacques church, dating from the 14th century (with its Renaissance door and the bell tower-porch). It is said that during the Hundred Years' War, Beauville, formerly called Boville (city of the Ox), triumphantly resisted the attacks of the English.

Old fortified castle, located on a rocky promontory, defending the village of Beauville. It is made up of thick surrounding walls, a protective half-moon. The foundations and bases date from the end of the 13th century. About half of the building dates from the 16th century (mullioned windows). The Renaissance architecture is present in the front door and the fireplaces. Finally, a wing of the building was rebuilt in the 19th century. From 1831 to 1976, the building served as a gendarmerie barracks. Private castle. Can only be seen from the outside. By the way, don't forget to enjoy the beautiful views outside from this high vantage point.

Combebonnet would have originally been the center of a rural exploitation. To defend it, its owner would have built a small fortress. The original castle had the shape of a right triangle whose east and west angles were topped with cantilevered watchtowers. Two of the sides were naturally fortified. At the end of the 13th or beginning of the 14th century, a square tower armed with cross pattée loopholes was added to the north corner. The castle was remodeled and enlarged at the end of the 15th or beginning of the 16th century. It was perhaps at this time that buildings, now demolished, were attached to the east, and a chapel was built as well as the enclosure which defended some houses. In the 17th century, the castle was extended on the north side. The two semi-circular portals decorated with columns, giving access to the courtyard, date from this period. To the west stands a chapel with a flat apse.

The caves located in Sainte Colombe de Villeneuve are natural, shaped 25 million years ago by an underground river. They allow us to understand the geology of the area. Three rocks are found in the caves: limestone, in which they were carved out; clay, which is insoluble and forms plugs or deposits; and finally calcite, which is calcium carbonate that saturated water deposits as it evaporates. This material is the component of stalactites, stalagmites, columns, draperies, and flowstones. This cave consists of seven chambers: the Puits chamber, the Ratepenado chamber, the Ronde chamber, the Salle des Colonnes chamber, the Marboutin chamber, the Salle de la Statue chamber, and the Salle de la Source chamber. The constant temperature is around 14°C all year round.

Chateau de Beauville, beautiful but quiet village in the Dordogne

Beauville Castle was a fortified castle built around the 13th century. What you see today was mostly built in the 16th century. It was used as a Gendarmerie barracks from 1831 to 1976. By the way, don't forget to appreciate the beautiful views outside from this high vantage point.

The first mention of this castle dates from around 1350. It dominates a deep valley and is visible from the east and south. It is not known exactly why, but in 1790 local troublemakers threatened to burn the castle, but the villagers came to its aid.