Le Bugue, Perigord Noir
Relaxed market town situated in the heart of one of the most visited areas in France
The relaxed town of Le Bugue sits on the river Vézère where it's joined by the Doux. A more tranquil base for exploring the region, it has some pretty, narrow streets and a bustling market twice a week.
This town is a good base if you want to explore the Perigord Noir area. Not only because it's close to some of the most popular and interesting pre-historic sights, but also because you can also escape all the 'pre-history' sightseeing for a while - you can sometimes have too much of a good thing.
There are plenty of other attractions in this pretty market town, not least the Tuesday market itself, but also the popular Aquarium du Perigord Noir, several theme parks and some great canoeing on the river.
The town itself sits on the banks of the river and is very pretty in its own right, with narrow winding streets and some beautiful traditional architecture to be seen.
Jump to
History & Culture in Le Bugue
Inhabited since prehistoric times, Le Bugue enjoyed a period of prosperity until 1154, when the province of Périgord came under English control. The town was often a source of disputes between British troops and those of the King of France, and therefore it suffered greatly.
Maintaining itself as a quiet commercial town it was only in the 19th century with the arrival of the railway line that ran between Perigueux and Agen, and the construction of the bridge, that the town became better known.
Sights & Attractions in Le Bugue
There are a number of prehistoric sites in and around Le Bugue which are open to the public.
The Grotte de Bara Bahau is on the north west edge of Le Bugue and contains a number of engravings made by prehistoric man. Also on the edge of town is the Gouffre de Proumeyssac with its cavernous interior and wonderful collection of stalactites.
About 4km away in Saint-Cirq you'll find the Grotte de Sorcier, beautiful on both the inside and the outside as the pretty village of Saint-Cirq seems to escape from the cliff face.
If you decided to venture further into the town of Le Bugue itself then you will find that these streets are often very quiet and your only companions may be the neighbourhood cats.
The church in le Bugue is rather unusual in that it looks quite British, rather than the usual chapels, cathedrals and abbeys that we're used to seeing in this part of France.
Sights in Le Bugue
See all Sights in Le Bugue-
Grotte Bara-Bahau, Le Bugue
The southernmost of all the caves of the Vézère valley, Bara-Bahau was classified as an historic monument in 1961.
-
Gouffre de Proumeyssac, Le Bugue
The largest cave in the Périgord region, close to the pretty and tranquil town of Le Bugue. Proumeyssac has a vast subterranean grotto reaching 40 metres in height.
-
Chapelle Saint-Martin, Limeuil
The church at Saint-Martin is distinguished for its original frescoes, which can be foudn inside, and its dedication stone.
Events in Le Bugue
One of the most important dates in the town's history was in November 1319, when the King of France, ordered by deed that the market be permanently held on a Tuesday. This is still the case today, and the market of Le Bugue has become one of the best in the region.
Events in Dordogne
See all Events in Dordogne-
European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Dordogne, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
-
Grandes Heures de Saint-Emilion
The association Les Grandes Heures of Saint-Emilion offer you high quality classical concerts held within the magnificent wine estates of Saint-Emilion.
-
Ban des Vendanges, Jurade de Saint Emilion
The Autumn festival in Saint-Emilion celebrates the wine and heritage of this medieval city. The 'Jurade' are the Saint-Emilion wine brotherhood who historically had administrative rights over the town. As part of the festival they parade through the town in their traditional crimson robes, reminiscent of the all-powerful aldermen of centuries past.
-
Rassemblement Européen de Montgolfieres, Rocamadour
A hot air balloon fiesta in Rocamadour in late September. This gathering of European hot air balloons forms a stunning sight against the backdrop of the pilgrimage town of Rocamadour.
-
Sauternes and Barsac Chateaux open day wine tasting
At the beginning of November, the Sauternes and Barsac Châteaux opens its doors for a weekend in which more than 50 estates welcome the public to sample their wines.
Things to do in Le Bugue
A great family destination due to the number of child-friendly activities that are available right on your doorstep, Le Bugue offers theme parks, open-air museums, animal parks and canoeing on the gentle Vézère river.
If you do visit Le Bugue on market day then be prepared for the crowds. It's only a small market but people flock to it - especially the locals. The downside of this market is that it sits right on the main intersection through town. But cross the river here and you have plenty of parking and a calm environment, perfect for walking along the river banks or having a picnic.
Things To Do in Le Bugue
See all Things To Do in Le Bugue-
Aquarium du Perigord Noir, Le Bugue
A great place for a family day out and to escape the pre-historic world of the Dordogne...instead, enjoy the family atmosphere and displays of this fresh water aquarium.
-
CANOEric, Le Bugue
Easy canoeing for everybody. You can navigate with family or friends in peace. You’ll be given a solid equipment, stable canoes and buoyancy aids.
-
Le Bournat - Living History Museum, Le Bugue
A living museum that offers much more than your ordinary museum or theme park. A great day out that will take you and your family back in time to an era long ago.
Cycling in Le Bugue
Cycling Routes in Dordogne
See all Cycling Routes in Dordogne-
Greenway (Voie Verte) of Lalinde Canal, Lalinde
This short stretch of Voie Verte (greenway) is perfect for families looking to stretch their legs in the Dordogne countryside, without having to conquer any hills climbs.
-
Old Railway Greenway (Voie Verte) Route, Sarlat-la-Caneda
This Voie Verte (greenway) has been created along the track of an old and now unused railway line.
-
La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
-
Circular route between Ouysse & Causse, Rocamadour
Although just 25km this circular route from Rocamadour does cross some challenging terrain. Partly on river path and some parts on road, you will need to have some experience of cycling to enjoy this route fully.
Hiking in Le Bugue
Walking Routes in Dordogne
See all Walking Routes in Dordogne-
Font-Blanque Loop, Lalinde
Following part of the GR6 route through the Dordogne this walk takes you from Lalinde on a circular route through the surrounding countryside.
-
La Voie Verte, Perigueux
A 23km trail that follows the Isle river through the Perigord countryside from Trelissac (Charrieras) to Marsac (La Roche).
-
A Short Walk up Mont Saint Cyr, Cahors
With stunning views over the Lot river and the town of Cahors this walk is worth it just to enjoy the views.
-
Cirque d'Autoire circular route, Autoire
This walk is wonderful and relaxing way to explore the valley of Autoire and the horseshoe shaped cliff band that guards it to the south-west.
-
Chemin de Halage
Part of a long distance towpath, there is an interesting section cut out of the rocky cliff face between Bouziès and Saint-Cirq Lapopie which was used to drag barges along the river Lot. It's about five kilometres between the two villages and is a stunning section of the river.
Watersports in Le Bugue
Watersports in Le Bugue
See all Watersports in Le Bugue-
CANOEric, Le Bugue
Easy canoeing for everybody. You can navigate with family or friends in peace. You’ll be given a solid equipment, stable canoes and buoyancy aids.
Families in Le Bugue
Villas in Le Bugue
Villas in Dordogne
See all Villas in Dordogne-
Le Mas Villa
Renovated 16th century farmhouse in Dordogne.
-
La Cloche Villa, Prats-du-périgor
Surrounded by a patchwork of fields and forests in the picturesque Perigord Noir area, the charming village of Prats-du-Perigord, with its honey coloured stone buildings topped with pitched roofs of deep red tiles, is most typical of the region.
Price: £1,234
-
La Croix Villa, Prats-du-Périgord
This recently renovated semi-detached stone village house is a delightful addition to our collection of properties in the picturesque Dordogne region. Situated along one of the narrow lanes in the village of Prats-du-Périgord, La Croix is a restoration that blends the traditional with the contemporary to great effect.
Price: £1,298
-
Le Mazet Villa
Charming renovated detached cottage in the heart of Dordogne.
-
Le Mas & Le Mazet Villas
A combination of two renovated villas in the heart of Dordogne.
-
La Castille Villa, Castillonnès
Enjoy French country living at La Castille, a beautifully restored 18th Century stone bastide which offers charm and style in abundance, in an area renowned for delicious food and wine. La Castille is the sister property to La Perigourdine and La Petite Maison.
Hotels in Le Bugue
Hotels in Le Bugue
See all Hotels in Le Bugue-
Ferme de Tayac B&B, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
Previously a farmhouse and monastery dating back to the 12th Century, with oak beams and rooms carved from local stone, Ferme de Tayac is perfectly in fitting as a base from which you can explore the Vezere Valley.
-
Le Centenaire Hotel, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
"Le Centenaire" was open in 1964, 100 years after the first prehistoric discovery in the region. Recently renovated in 2013, the hotel creates a comforting home from home environment with all the conveniences of a modern day hotel that you would hope for.
-
Le Vieux Logis Hotel, Tremolat
This luxury hotel has large rustic-style bedrooms, a magnificent park, a sunny terrace and an outside pool made from local yellow stones typical of the Périgord region. The estate includes a manor house, tenanted farm, outbuildings, a tobacco drying room which houses a lounge and smoking room, and two restaurant dining rooms. This Relais & Châteaux hotel is an excellent choice with great food and superb surroundings.
-
La Rolandie Haute B&B, Limeuil
Laurence and Stèphanie will welcome you with open arms to La Rolandie Haute, situated in the heart of the Pèrigord Noir in "one of the most beautiful villages in France".
-
Hotel des Roches, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
A warm welcome awaits you at Hotel des Roches, located in the heart of the Pèrigord. Contemporary comforts, outdoor swimming pool, garden stream and private bar are sure to put you at ease the moment you arrive.
-
Domaine des Eymaries B&B, Les Eyzies-de-Tayac
In the heart of the Pèrigord, just a short distance from prehistoric sites and a short drive to Medieval Sarlat, Domaine des Eymaries is a serene spot to base yourself. With its large heated pool, jacuzzi, large garden with pond, a bar and wonderful breakfast, there is plenty to be enjoyed.