The gorges of the Dordogne and the bridge Vernéjoux ...
Vernéjoux was one of many ports on the Dordogne, and was the first port in the upper part of the river. The site housed an inn to which was attached a farm, a mansion and a micro-hydro led by Mr. Brown that provided the current tanneries Bort-les-Organs. In the 17th century, navigation was flourishing on the Dordogne. Nearly 300 boats per year. The "barges" carried mostly products of the forest staves for barrels, lumber, charcoal, wood ... but also agricultural products: cheese, chestnuts, skins ... Coal Mine champagnac was driven wagon Champagnac Vernéjoux to where it was shipped downstream towards Bordeaux. Sometimes residents settled on board as passengers. Down the Dordogne at that time was a perilous adventure as the current was tumultuous, "It was a wild water course, cluttered with obstacles and swift currents. Navigating the upper Dordogne ceased around 1914 with the development of Rail Bridge Vernéjoux;. the first bridge was built in 1846 to connect via Champagnac Neuvic Sérandon This bridge, built in stone, was replaced in 1929 by a metal suspension bridge because it was built too low relative.. the flood level and in relation to the road. suspension bridge was in turn destroyed in June 1944 by the resistance. The current bridge was built in 1945 during the construction of the dam of the Eagle. tanneries Electric Factory located slightly upstream will be flooded by the reservoir. With the construction of dams, the Dordogne has become less agitated and tumultuous. Today is a river "quiet" place conducive to fishing (track update the water) and walks including many hiking trails (see guide hikes Sumene Artense available from tourist offices and town halls).
