Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère
City Tours · Périgord Noir
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© 2023
Saint-Léon-sur-Vézère is nestled in the Vézère Valley between Montignac and Les Eyzies. A small village situated in a curve of the river, it has been sympathetically restored rather than overly renovated.
The village possesses the typical charm and authenticity of the medieval villages of the Périgord Noir. Warm, light-brown stones, slate roofs, and a labyrinth of narrow alleys define its character. The village is overlooked by the Côte de Jor, a range of hills that gently frames the Vézère Valley.
The jewel of the village is the listed Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. It was built on the site of an old Gallo-Roman villa, traces of which can still be seen on the riverbank. Its prominent bell tower with a slate roof provides the setting for the renowned Festival Musical du Périgord Noir during the summer.
The 14th-century manor house Le Manoir de la Salle completes the ensemble. This complex, consisting of a manor house and a square crenellated keep, was originally built to counter insecurity in the valley. Today, it stands as a fascinating example of fortified architecture in the heart of the village.
