A dozen kilometres northeast of Brantôme lies the hamlet of VILLARS, surrounded by beautiful countryside where you'll find the Château de Puyguilhem, with some fine interior detailing, as well as a couple of other interesting sights. A short distance north of the hamlet are the Grottes de Villars (daily: April & Oct 2.30–6.30pm; May, June & Sept 10am–noon & 2–7pm; July & Aug 10am–7pm; €6), where local cavers discovered impressive stalactites and stalagmites, together with a few prehistoric paintings – notably of horses and bison – in 1958.The nearest accommodation is some 11km away in St-Pardoux-la-Rivière at the simple Hôtel de France (tel 05.53.56.70.15; €30–40; restaurant from €11).
Pages in section ‘Villars’: Château de Puyguilhem.
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