Guide Perigord_version anglaise

©DR

“Originally from the Drôme region, I discovered Brantôme when I came to Dordogne to train as a glass blower. I fell in love immediately! In 2004, I decided to set up my workshop in one of the underground grottos of the cliffs that shelter the town. Down under the rock, the peaceful atmosphere gives off amazing vibrations and tremendous energy to work with.When creating my glass sculptures, I take my inspiration from the vivid countryside all around Brantôme —mushrooms, butterflies, flowers… It’s really worth climbing to the top of the Abbey church’s bell tower for a breathtaking view of the town.The upturned keel framework in the old monk’s dormitory is also outstanding.” “The atmosphere here gives off amazing vibrations” Eric Simonin, glass blower

©PhilippeRoy

A LITTLE BACKGROUND

The limestone cliffs overhanging the Abbey, house mysterious grottos inhabited since the VIIIth cen- tury, when Benedictine monks first established a mo- nastery there. A discovery trail leads the way through this troglodytic universe that includes a pigeon loft, a washhouse, remains of dwellings, and a fountain devoted to Saint Sicaire. The most striking feature is The Grotto of the Last Judgement. Two monumental bas-reliefs are carved in the rock wall: a XVIIth cen- tury Crucifixion (opposite) and an enigmatic sculpture on the theme of “the triumph of Death”. Troglodytic Mysteries

Before the war, Brantome was home to ironmongers, mattress makers, seamstresses, coopers and stonecutters. A vanished world brought to life in Jean Lapouze’s book Vieux Métiers d’hier et histoire de Brantôme (Iota, 2014).This work retraces the history and showcases the skills of some 90 local craftsmen. Forgotten today, these men and women, who earned a meagre living, were once part of the town’s vital features. Early Trades and Crafts

©PhilippeRoy

© Jean Lapouze/Iota

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24+1 VILLAGES OF PÉRIGORD