What to do in and around Jumilhac-le-Grand? The must-sees of Périgord Vert

Sommaire afficher

Located in the heart of Périgord Vert, Jumilhac-le-Grand is an ideal destination for nature lovers, heritage enthusiasts, and outdoor activity seekers. With its famous Renaissance castle, rivers, charming villages, and preserved landscapes, there’s no shortage of things to do.

Whether you’re staying for a few days or a week at Camping La Chatonnière, discover our selection of the best sights and activities in and around Jumilhac-le-Grand, all just a few minutes away.

What to do in Jumilhac-le-Grand?

The village of Jumilhac-le-Grand alone is worth a day’s exploration. Its remarkable heritage, outdoor activities, and preserved environment make it one of the essential destinations in northern Dordogne.

Jumilhac Castle - a 10-minute walk from the campsite

Standing proudly above the Isle valley, Jumilhac Castle immediately captivates with the fairytale silhouette of its roofs. Often described as the ‘most romantic in France’, its slender spires, turrets, and lead ridges give the building an architectural fairytale appearance. A former medieval fortress extensively remodelled during the Renaissance, this castle offers spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Périgord Vert forests.

During your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the castle’s sumptuously restored sections. Outside, let yourself be charmed by the magnificent French-style gardens. They feature a fragrant rose garden, a plant labyrinth perfect for entertaining children, and an original mini-planetarium that delights astronomy enthusiasts.

For an even more memorable experience, opt for the theatrical night tours. These take place only on Tuesdays from June to September and Thursdays from July to August, starting at 9:30 PM. A magical journey back in time, by torchlight!

Terra Aventura - a 3-minute walk from the campsite

To motivate children (and adults) to walk and discover the rich heritage of the surrounding small villages, Terra Aventura is the ultimate magical tool. A geocaching solution in Nouvelle-Aquitaine, this life-sized treasure hunt offers numerous captivating themed routes throughout Périgord Vert.

Terra Aventura

Gold Panning – a 5-minute walk from the campsite

Did you know that the Isle river has hidden precious geological treasures since the time of the Gauls? Near Jumilhac-le-Grand, you can participate in a real gold panning workshop in the heart of nature. This introduction to gold panning activity is particularly popular with children, who must be accompanied by an adult for the occasion.

Supervised by a passionate geologist and guide, with your feet in the cool river water, you’ll learn to handle the pan to separate sand from heavy sediments. With a little patience, technique, and perseverance, you’ll manage to isolate genuine fine gold flakes and small local semi-precious stones (garnets, olivines). The highlight? You’ll proudly return home with your finds slipped into a small vial of water.

Gold Panning

What to do around Jumilhac-le-Grand?

Within an hour’s drive, many iconic sites of Périgord Vert and Limousin await you. Here are the essential excursions to plan during your stay.

Nature and Sports Activities

Canoeing on the Auvézère – 20 mins from the campsite

You simply cannot envisage a holiday in Dordogne without spending at least one afternoon on the water. Canoeing is a true institution here, offering a unique, shaded, and peaceful perspective on river wildlife, watermills, and limestone cliffs.

Fans of challenging routes will appreciate the Auvézère (located 20 minutes from the campsite), which alternates rapids, technical sections, and calmer stretches, offering an experience that is as fun as it is exotic. Lined with preserved vegetation, it flows through one of the most beautiful natural areas of Périgord Vert.

Lake Rouffiac – 25 mins from the campsite

A true leisure base in the heart of the forest, Lake Rouffiac is the ideal spot for a family day out. Its equipped beach allows for swimming, while the more athletic can try wakeboarding, water skiing, or kneeboarding thanks to the cable ski.

The site also offers a tree-top adventure course, paddleboard, canoe, pedal boat, and mountain bike rentals, as well as play and picnic areas. A perfect destination for combining relaxation and sports activities.

The Gorges de l’Auvézère – 34 min from the campsite

A radical change of scenery with the Gorges de l’Auvézère, a preserved, wild, and steep natural site where the river carves a winding path through masses of hard rock (quartz and gneiss). It is the undisputed paradise for hikers, trail runners, and all lovers of wild open spaces.

The site offers several marked hiking loops for all levels, dotted with wooden suspension bridges that give the walks a touch of tropical adventure. Don’t miss admiring the Saut Ruban waterfall, a particularly photogenic spot where the water powerfully churns amidst the trees. The strength of the current also makes the Auvézère a technical river, regularly classified and used for the French kayaking championships. If you’re looking for what to do in Périgord Vert to get your fill of adrenaline and greenery, this is the perfect place.

Activities related to Heritage and History

The Savignac-Lédrier Forges – 31 mins from the campsite

A former hub of Périgord metallurgy, the Savignac-Lédrier Forges offer a fascinating immersion into 18th-century industrial history. The site can be explored along a pleasant route punctuated by waterfalls, remains of workshops, and demonstrations during the season.

Guided tours (available only in season) provide a better understanding of how the old forges operated and the lives of the workers, all within a particularly pleasant natural setting.

Villars Cave – 42 mins from the campsite

p>The Villars Cave is one of the largest underground networks in Périgord. It is a doubly exceptional site, combining geological wonders and major artistic testimonies from Prehistory.

Discovered in 1953 by the Périgueux speleology club, the cave can be visited on a captivating guided tour lasting approximately 45 minutes. You will discover original prehistoric paintings (notably the famous and rare depiction of a blue bison and a small sorcerer man) alongside fantastic natural concretion caves. The delicate calcite draperies, translucent stalactites, and massive stalagmites create an enchanting spectacle enhanced by carefully designed lighting.

In addition to the underground visit, an outdoor discovery trail has been specially designed to understand the lifestyle and environment of Cro-Magnon Man. Allow about an hour for this fun and educational walk, accessible at no extra charge.

Puyguilhem Castle in Villars – 45 mins from the campsite

Located in the commune of Villars, just a few minutes’ drive from the famous prehistoric cave, Puyguilhem Castle offers a perfect historical transition. While Périgord is often associated with the austere medieval fortresses of the Hundred Years’ War, Puyguilhem stands out radically with its architectural elegance directly inspired by the great Loire castles.

Built at the very beginning of the 16th century for Mondot de La Marthonie, a high-ranking magistrate and close associate of King Francis I, this jewel of the French Renaissance is distinguished by the extreme finesse of its sculptures, its richly adorned dormer windows, its large mullioned windows, and its magnificent ceremonial staircase. The castle’s interior, fully furnished and beautifully restored by the Centre des monuments nationaux, provides insight into the refined lifestyle of the nobility of the era. The guided tour particularly highlights monumental sculpted fireplaces illustrating the labours of Hercules.

Brantôme Abbey – 50 mins from the campsite

The town’s flagship monument is undoubtedly the majestic Brantôme Abbey. Nestled against an impressive limestone cliff, it offers a striking panorama right from the town’s entrance. The visit to the complex is particularly rich and includes several major areas:

The large convent building and its elegant cloister,
The abbey church and its bell tower, considered by historians to be one of the oldest Romanesque bell towers preserved in France,
The mysterious cave known as the ‘Last Judgement’, a remarkable troglodytic section housing monumental bas-reliefs sculpted directly into the rock in the 16th century,
The ancient underground quarries that once served as storage and living areas for the Benedictine monks.

Family Outings

Périgord Vert Rail Bike – 34 mins from the campsite

Here’s a truly original way to discover the hinterland and the railway landscapes of yesteryear! Set on rehabilitated old railway lines, the rail bikes allow you to pedal with family or friends aboard convivial small rolling platforms. The route, largely shaded for much of its length, extends for 14 kilometres return. It’s an excellent idea for an outing, especially on a beautiful summer’s day.

The Rail Bike offers two distinct itineraries starting from Corgnac-sur-l’Isle station:

Route 1: Corgnac – Eyzerac – Thiviers les Chadeaux: This offers a superb passage over the Isle river, ideal for taking magnificent souvenir photos from above.
Route 2: Corgnac – Saint Germain – Saint Andrieux: This spectacular route will take you over the large Ravillon viaduct, offering clear, plunging views of the surrounding canopy.

The outward journey of Route 1 presents a rather physical profile with a continuous climb featuring up to 140 metres of positive elevation gain. Fortunately, for the less athletic or young children, the rail bike fleet is now equipped with welcome electric assistance that transforms the effort into a simple leisurely ride! The return journey, meanwhile, is entirely gentle, almost entirely free-wheeling.

Reynou Zoo – 44 mins from the campsite

Located in a vast landscaped park, Reynou Zoo is home to over 250 animal species from five continents. Lions, giraffes, rhinos, wolves, and red pandas thrive in spacious enclosures that promote their well-being. The visit combines animal discovery with a stroll through a magnificent wooded estate, making it an excellent family outing.

Limoges Aquarium Refuge – 57 mins from the campsite

Housed in a former vaulted water reservoir, the Limousin Aquarium presents over 3,800 animals belonging to nearly 380 species. Sharks, tropical fish, seahorses, and turtles thrive in an original setting that makes the visit as surprising as it is educational. It’s an excellent idea for an outing when the weather is less favourable.

The Most Beautiful Villages around Jumilhac-le-Grand

Périgord Vert boasts several charming villages that are well worth a detour. With their medieval heritage, traditional markets, and flower-filled streets, they offer wonderful ideas for excursions.

Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche – 15 mins from the campsite

A town of character at the gateway to Limousin, Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche captivates with its rich heritage, renowned market, and lively centre. Its historic streets, local shops, and friendly atmosphere make it an essential stop for discovering the local way of life.

Saint-Jean-de-Côle – 33 mins from the campsite

Ranked among the most beautiful villages in France, Saint-Jean-de-Côle charms visitors with its half-timbered houses, castle, medieval bridge, and flower-filled streets. Nestled in a green setting, this authentic village offers a true journey back in time and is a pleasant destination for a walk with family or as a couple.

Brantôme, the Venice of Périgord – 52 mins from the campsite

If there’s one place that embodies the timeless charm of the region, it’s the commune of Brantôme. Aptly nicknamed the Venice of Périgord, this small town of character is magnificently encircled by a natural loop formed by the Dronne river. The reflection of old bourgeois residences in the calm water creates a unique romantic atmosphere, perfect for strolling and photography.

Local Markets

Take advantage of your stay to discover the traditional markets of Périgord Vert and the surrounding areas. It’s the ideal opportunity to meet local producers, sample regional specialities, and fill your basket with fresh produce: seasonal fruits and vegetables, cheeses, cured meats, honey, walnuts, foie gras, and artisanal pastries.

Jumilhac-le-Grand – Place du Château
- Wednesdays from 9 AM to 12 PM (from 6 May to 10 June and from 23 September to 30 December),
- Sundays from 8 AM to 12 PM (from 14 June to 20 September),
La Coquille – Place de l’Eglise: every Thursday from 8 AM to 12 PM,
Ladignac-le-Long: every Tuesday from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM,
Saint-Yrieix-la-Perche
- Place des Rochers: Saturdays from 8 AM to 1 PM,
- Parc du Moulinassou: Thursday evenings from 6 PM.
Thiviers (regional market ranked 9th among the most beautiful markets in France on TF1)
- Place Foch: Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM

Make the Most of Your Stay at Camping La Chatonnière

Between exceptional heritage, outdoor activities, charming villages, and family leisure, the surroundings of Jumilhac-le-Grand offer enough to fill several days of holiday. Thanks to its privileged location, Camping La Chatonnière is an ideal starting point for exploring Périgord Vert and Limousin.

After a day rich in discoveries, return to the calm of the campsite and enjoy a natural environment conducive to relaxation before setting off on another adventure the next day.