Discover Bars

Bars brings together architectural and musical history, a free plant activity, fables by Jean de La Fontaine and routes of different lengths.

Church and Accordion Museum

The portal of the church in Bars has a Gothic appearance. Above it rises a bell gable with four sound openings, two of which hold bells. One dates from 1653, the other from the early years of the 17th century. A bell gable is a wall-like tower form with bells hanging in its openings. At the church in Bars, this wall has four sound openings, two of which hold bells. Its open arrangement distinguishes this architectural form from an enclosed tower shaft and makes the bell positions visible from the outside.

The church is said to have been founded between 1025 and 1120. It is considered a priory dependent on a Benedictine abbey founded in 1025. The Accordion Museum is housed in the 11th-century church; restoration of the building was completed in August 2005.

The collection includes 19th-century accordions, some signed by famous artists. Knowledgeable visitors are allowed to play some of the instruments. If you would like to try this, you can check what is possible before your visit.

Discover plants and fables

The Atelier des herbes folles offers a free, participatory opportunity to get to know a plant, identify it and learn its story. Sometimes the plant is also eaten, so this step is not always part of the activity.

Fables by Jean de La Fontaine can also be discovered in the village. The opportunity to find them there may depend on local upkeep. If this is important to you, you can check the current situation in advance.

Walking routes and trails

The Boucle de la Croze is a 6.2 km circular walking route in the area around Bars. The Route des Canons offers a different distance: it is a rural route about 34 km long that passes through ten municipalities, including Bars. This gives you a choice between a circular walk around Bars and a longer route through several municipalities.

The Route des Canons also connects Bars with the “forge itinérante” practised in the forest—a travelling forge. This historical craft connection adds another perspective on the area to the route description.

Finding your way around

There is a car park beside the church in Bars. Information boards there show the municipality’s circular walking routes. If you are considering one of the local circuits, the boards can help you find your way. Please check the condition of the car park and routes on site.

Discover more destinations: Montcaret, Montferrand-du-Périgord, Saint-Crépin-Et-Carlucet, Saint-Aubin-De-Lanquais, Négrondes, Condat-Sur-Trincou, Saint-Médard-De-Mussidan, Anlhiac

See the overview of destinations in the wider region: Dordogne.