THE VEZERE VALLEY / THE ORIGINS OF MAN

I am not a " Périgoudine " by birth as I was born in the Massif Central on the Millevaches (Thousand Cows) Plateau. I rapidly decided to head for Sarlat in Black Périgord (1), the land of welcome for its gastronomy.

From Montignac, around the large meanders that I am describing, between the high wooded hills with oak and chestnut trees, troglodyte settlements, castles, manor houses and churches are built. I distribute some of my freshness on the small plains with fields of corn, tobacco and walnut trees.
Hemmed in between these giant limestone cliffs, after 192 km of wild trail, I finally arrive in Limeuil (2) to join my big sister " the Dordogne" who takes me to the Bordeaux vineyards and the ocean.

(1) The truffle, the black gold of the Périgord		(2) The village of Limeuil

During the ice ages, herds of large herbivores from the plains of Northern Europe (reindeer and mammoths) took refuge in the Aquitain basin. The Vézère Valley was then our ancestors’ land of adoption. They very rapidly came to appreciate this privileged environment abounding with caves and places to shelter. Even at the height of the ice age, the thin ribbon of greenery which ran along my banks enabled men to find game, fish, wood for heating and the alluvial flints necessary for making weapons and tools. This long occupation left numerous traces of their settlement (3), the density and quality of which have made Les Eyzies the Prehistory World Capital.

The lithic industry		(3) An evening around the fire

The remains from this period can today be admired at the National Prehistory Museum, or during visits of the decorated grottoes such as the Font de Gaume or the Combarelles.

The Romans were the first to try to tame me, but without success. Then Henri IV (Jeanne d’Albret, his mother, was the owner of the Périgord) ordered his squires to carry out work on the most difficult sections, and I was therefore fit for navigation from Terrasson to Limeuil in 1698. At the time, I was the first river " motorway ", especially between the Centre and the South-West of France. Around 1825 I was the economic influence of the valley. I then contributed to the development and the construction of mills for wheat and walnut oil, and especially forges of different sizes for the manufacturing of canons sent to Rochefort. With the construction of the railways, my only remaining companions were the fishermen for whom I have protected various species of fish.

A canoe river trip is the only way of discovering the marvels that Mother Nature has left us, most of which are invisible from on land.
As you set out on the grand descent, you will pass very beautiful castles, such as the Château de Losse (4) with its terraces which overlook the river, and the Château de Belcavre (5) (private property, not open for visiting) which is built on a rocky peak in the shape of a bow.

		(5) Château de Belcayre
(4) Château de Losse

You will then arrive at St Léon sur Vézère (6), a haven of peace with its church and castle built on the bank of the river. You can picnic there, have some refreshments or visit the old village. After this stop, you will enter the "royal route " of prehistory traced by the Vézère right to Les Eyzies.

(6) Village of Saint-Léon sur Vézère		(7) La Roque Saint-Christophe

The river will enable you to touch the majestic 80 m high cliffs of La Roque St Christophe (7), with one of the largest natural terraces in Europe which is 500 m long, and was inhabited for 55 000 years from the prehistoric era to the Middle Ages.
You will then paddle alongside the site of La Madeleine (8), its troglodyte village, castle ruins and chapel built overlooking the Vézère.

(8) Site of La Madeleine		(9) Grand Roc caves

Just before you arrive in Les Eyzies, you will discover the high cliffs of Laugerie Basse. An exceptional site with a prehistoric shelter and the Grand Roc caves, a marvel of nature, made of innumerable concretions and crystallizations of exceptional purity.  After discovering the Speleology Museum, you will arrive at the Vézère Valley Canoes base for an overnight stay where you can spend an enjoyable time in a Hotels or Campsite.

Despite all of these eras, I have always preserved my charm and wild nature, my tranquillity, my beauty and my sweetness of living. I would be delighted to take you on unforgettable outings in the heart of my valley, "the valley of man" with my friends from Vézère Valley Canoes.

See you soon!