Village of nearly 500 inhabitants, Villars takes place in the Dordogne, in the region of New Aquitaine. Also nicknamed the village with three wonders for its architectural heritage, it is located just a few kilometers from the Regional Natural Park Périgord-Limousin, near Brantôme and Thiviers.
Populated since prehistoric times, as evidenced by the remains of a bronze ax found on site, the town developed in the Middle Ages, including the construction of the Abbey of Our Lady of Boschaud in the eleventh century.
Highly appreciated for its heritage, to discover the time of a stay in the region, the village of Villars is also known for one of its culinary specialties AOC, the famous Périgord walnuts. Ideal place to enjoy the calm of the countryside, it is also a unique site and rich in history.
Listed as an historic monument, the Puyguilhem castle was built in the 16th century. Commissioned by bishops of Dax, it is now owned by the state. This beautiful construction of Renaissance style, visitable, including machicolations, a feudal tower, and monumental fireplaces which one of the sculptures represents six of the twelve works of Hercules. Around the castle, it is also possible to see a dovecote, as well as the old sheepfold.
While strolling in the neighborhoods, do not miss the noble lair of Barbinie, as well as its dovecote. Between the seventeenth and nineteenth century, he hosted the Prevost family, provider of gendarmes and bodyguards of the king.
Today guesthouse, the small castle of Villars dates from the mid-nineteenth century.
Also classified as an historic monument, the Villars cave, also known as the Cluzeau cave, features rock carvings from the Upper Paleolithic. Thirteen kilometers of gallery have so far been listed, but only 500 meters of them are visible to the public. In addition to paintings dating back 17,000 years, it is also possible to admire concretions.
It is also possible to admire the ruins of the former Cistercian Abbey of Boschaud built in the eleventh century. Listed as Historical Monuments, they include, among others, the ruins of the church, as well as part of the cloister buildings.
The fortified church Saint-Martial dates from the twelfth century and was modified in the sixteenth and nineteenth century. Listed in the Historical Monuments, it reveals in particular beautiful stained glass windows of Saint Martial and Saint Radegonde. The cemetery chapel is also worth a visit.
A garage sale takes place every year for May 1st.
The patronal festival is organized in August with animations, a fireworks display, a petanque competition, a fishing contest or a drawing contest for the youngest.
Châteaux en Fête - Château de Puyguilhem
- From 13 to 28 april 2024
- 117 Lieu-dit Puyguillem, Château de Puyguilhem
- Baroque magic" exhibition - Stroll through the visual and sound installations in this dreamlike journey honoring the figure of the magician, who left her mark on the artistic imagination from the Renaissance to the Baroque period. - From 26 years : 7 ? - Free for under-26s - This event is indoors - Monument entrance fee included - Payment methods accepted : credit card, cheque, cash, ANCV
Châteaux en Fête - Le Petit Château de Villars
- From 17 to 27 april 2024
- Le bourg, rue du moulin
- EXHIBITION - Description to come - This animation is planned indoors - No reservation necessary
Visite Spéciale "Familles" : La Petite Aventure Souterraine
- On 18 april 2024
- Grotte de Villars
- The little underground adventure ; it is a playful visit, adapted to children from 5 to 12 years old. The visit is done partly in the dark, by the light of flashlights. Commentary adapted to the young public. Reservation required.
Visite Spéciale "Familles" : La Petite Aventure Souterraine
- On 22 april 2024
- Grotte de Villars
- The little underground adventure ; it is a playful visit, adapted to children from 5 to 12 years old. The visit is done partly in the dark, by the light of flashlights. Commentary adapted to the young public. Reservation required.
Visite Spéciale "Familles" : La Petite Aventure Souterraine
- On 23 april 2024
- Grotte de Villars
- The little underground adventure ; it is a playful visit, adapted to children from 5 to 12 years old. The visit is done partly in the dark, by the light of flashlights. Commentary adapted to the young public. Reservation required.
Châteaux en Fête - Château de Puyguilhem
- On 24 april 2024
- 117 Lieu-dit Puyguillem, Château de Puyguilhem
- Games at the chateau ! - Take advantage of the fairground games and treasure hunt on offer in the castle grounds ! - Over 26s : 7 ? - Free for under-26s - This is an outdoor event, with no possibility of moving indoors in the event of bad weather (cancellation) - Monument entrance fee included - Family audience (Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult) Subject to weather conditions
Tir au Propulseur et Ateliers Peintures Préhistoriques
- On 24 april 2024
- Grotte de Villars, Le Cluzeau
- Thruster shooting and prehistoric paintings (activities suitable for the whole family. No extra charge with cave or garden ticket.
Visite Spéciale "Familles" : La Petite Aventure Souterraine
- On 24 april 2024
- Grotte de Villars
- The little underground adventure ; it is a playful visit, adapted to children from 5 to 12 years old. The visit is done partly in the dark, by the light of flashlights. Commentary adapted to the young public. Reservation required.
Visite Spéciale "Familles" : La Petite Aventure Souterraine
- On 25 april 2024
- Grotte de Villars
- The little underground adventure ; it is a playful visit, adapted to children from 5 to 12 years old. The visit is done partly in the dark, by the light of flashlights. Commentary adapted to the young public. Reservation required.
Châteaux en Fête - Château de Puyguilhem
- On 26 april 2024
- 117 Lieu-dit Puyguillem, Château de Puyguilhem
- Investigation game "le soldat lesperance A disparu" - animation cancelled - Do you know the strange misadventure of soldier Lespérance in Puyguilhem ? We invite you to solve the enigma surrounding his disappearance ? This life-size investigation game is organized by the Espace Jeunes de Brantôme. - animation annulee