Carennac, a picturesque village on the Dordogne

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Carennac is a small town with less than 500 inhabitants located in the touristic Dordogne – Lot region. It is beautifully situated high above the right bank of the Dordogne on the edge of the Haut-Quercy, near Rocamadour and Autoire. Why this region is so popular with tourists becomes immediately clear when you visit the village in this region from your holiday park in the Dordogne. It is not for nothing that it is one of the French "les plus beaux villages". Carennac has everything: a castle, a church, a monastery, picturesque streets and a beautiful view of the Dordogne. The most famous inhabitant of the village was the French writer Fénelon, known for “Adventures of Telemachus” and precursor of the Enlightenment. In 1681 he became dean of the monastery in Carennac and governed it for about fifteen years. His name is still upheld in the village, for example, it is the name of a local hotel-restaurant.

Visit Carennac for a day during your holiday

Carennac is a village with a characteristic appearance that you can slowly walk through, discovering all its hidden streets and beautiful houses. The houses in Carennac are built with amber-colored natural stone, which gives the village a warm and pleasant atmosphere. The narrow streets and alleys with the occasional atmospheric terrace offer a feeling of nostalgia and tranquillity. Some houses show influences of the Renaissance, with carved windows and other decorative elements. The village is like an open-air museum, after every corner you will see a street with authentic houses. Carennac has an impressive collection of historic buildings such as the Église Saint-Pierre from the 11th century, Château des Doyens from the 16th century and the Cloister. Taste the local specialties in one of the warm restaurants and cafes. The region is known for its delicious wines and gastronomy. From Carennac in the Dordogne - Lot you have a beautiful view of the Dordogne river on which you can also go canoeing.

Sights

  • Église Saint-Pierre
  • Tympanum and bell tower
  • Castle of Château des Doyens
  • L'Espace Patrimoine
  • Cloister
  • Cloister Garth
  • Picturesque streets
  • View over the Dordogne valley
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Château des Doyens

The Château des Doyens is an important historic building in the medieval village. Built by order of Dean Alain de Ferrières between 1529 and 1554, this 16th-century castle is a prominent part of the region's cultural heritage in the Dordogne Valley. The castle shows clear Renaissance influences and has several notable features:

  • An impressive Italian staircase that connects the four floors.
  • 17th-century painted ceilings and murals.
  • A ceremonial hall on the second floor with a French ceiling from the first half of the 17th century.
  • Large windows that let in plenty of light on the top floor.

The Château des Doyens served as a residence for François Salignac de la Mothe-Fénelon, the famous author of "Les aventures de Télémaque". Today, the Château des Doyens functions as a cultural centre. It houses L'Espace Patrimoine, a heritage center and museum dedicated to the art and history of the Dordogne valley. There is a permanent exhibition spread over four floors that showcases the richness, heritage, art and architecture of the region. The centre organises tours and events in the area.

Cloister of Carennac

Carennac arose around a priory, a fortress of the monastic order of Cluny. In the eleventh century, the first stones of the monastery buildings were probably laid. Despite the violence of the late Middle Ages, much has been preserved from the first centuries of the village's existence. During the Hundred Years War,  the monastery was largely destroyed after which it was rebuilt and expanded in the 15th century. During the French Revolution, the monastery was damaged again, but was then partially restored. The monastery combines Romanesque and Gothic elements, which gives it a unique architectural character. The cloister is one of the most beautiful places in Carennac and offers a serene environment for visitors. If you are visiting Carennac from your holiday home in the Dordogne then the Monastery of Carennac is a must-see for anyone interested in history, architecture and culture. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the rich history of the region.

Église Saint-Pierre in Carennac

Next to the cloister is the beautiful Romanesque church of Saint-Pierre from the eleventh century. Before entering, look up, because above the door is a beautiful tympanum from the twelfth century. This decoration of the main portal depicts the end of time, with Christ in the centre and the disciples around it, as well as the symbols of the four evangelists: John (eagle), Matthew (angel), Mark (lion) and Luke (bull). The church was built at the end of the 11th century and is part of a Cluniac priory founded in the 11th century. You will see the Romanesque architecture, characterized by robustness and simplicity, with a square Romanesque bell tower that rises above the transept. The church contains thirty carved capitals, which further enriches the interior. The nave has a barrel vault, typical of Romanesque churches, with two aisles leading to the choir. The monument of the Entombment is considered one of the most beautiful sights in the church.

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The surrounding area of Carennac

There is plenty to see and do in the vicinity of Carennac. Less than ten kilometres from the village is the Gouffre du Padirac. A little further, the famous pilgrimage site Rocamadour lies along the beautiful  river Lot. There are plenty of beautiful villages around Carennac. In the vicinity you’ll find Autoire, Turenne and Loubressac. Driving a little further north, you’ll find Colloges-le-Rouge and to the west are Domme and La Rogue-Gageac. The Dordogne valley with the Causses du Quercy offers numerous hiking trails with breathtaking views of the river and the surrounding hills. You can walk along the banks of the Dordogne orgo higher up in order to enjoy panoramic views. The surrounding area is also ideal for Cycling, with well-marked routes through the valley and over the hills. On the east side of the village, you can rent canoes to sail on the Dordogne.

Events and festivals

In Carennac there are various activities that are fun to visit during your holiday in the Dordogne. At the beginning of August, the association "Friends of Carennac" organizes an open-air theater and cinema. This cultural event offers visitors the chance to enjoy performances and films under the stars, surrounded by the beautiful medieval architecture of the village. On the first Sunday after August 15, the annual village festival takes place. This festival is a great opportunity to experience the local culture and traditions of Carennac. Visitors can enjoy music, dancing, local cuisine and the cosy atmosphere that is so typical of French village festivals in tourist villages. During the Christmas period there is a Christmas market in the cloisters. In addition, there are periodic markets where food and other items are sold.

Gastronomy

Carennac has a number of excellent restaurants with terraces where visitors can enjoy delicious meals and a relaxed atmosphere. One of the most highly rated restaurants in Carennac is Le Prieuré. It is known for its refined cuisine and offers guests the opportunity to enjoy local specialties on a lively terrace. For a more rustic experience,  we recommend visiting Chez Paul. This is an excellent restaurant where you can try authentic local cuisine. Restaurant Le Fénelon is another must-see for those who want to enjoy French cuisine in a relaxed environment. The terrace offers stunning views of the surrounding area, making it the ideal place to rest after a day of exploration. Don't forget to taste the local delicacy Malakoff during your visit. Named after a historic battle, this treat is a must-try for those with a sweet tooth.

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