Villamblard: Hiking Trail, Heritage and Distillery

You can plan a trip to Villamblard around three specific attractions: the Boucle des crêtes, the local heritage and Distillerie Clovis Reymond. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether you would like to focus your stay more on nature, historic buildings or a visit with a tasting. These different themes give you a clear idea of what makes Villamblard a distinctive destination.

The Boucle des crêtes: exploring forests and countryside

The 9 km Boucle des crêtes starts in front of Villamblard Town Hall. Its wide, easy-to-walk paths are lined with chestnut and pine forests. The route also features several lovely viewpoints and unspoilt natural surroundings. Both the named starting point and the route length are useful for planning: you know where the walk begins and how far it goes. The route’s described character makes it an option for anyone who would like to spend time walking in the countryside during their stay.

Château, market hall and other landmarks of local history

Château de Barrière is located in the centre of Villamblard and shares its name with Château de Barrière in Périgueux. The fortress dates from the Middle Ages. It tells its story and displays extensive collections dedicated to the heritage of the Périgord. These include fossils, prehistoric artefacts and cast-iron objects. The collection thus spans everything from geological evidence to objects from the region’s history.

Villamblard’s market hall also tells the story of the town’s development. It was built in the 19th century to replace the former castle market hall. Its cleverly arranged pillars give the building a classical appearance despite its irregular floor plan. The Croix de la Passion reveals another aspect of the heritage: the wrought-iron cross has overlooked the market square since the early 19th century. Its decoration includes the instruments of Christ’s Passion.

Lavoir du Buguet is a former washhouse that was recently restored. The historic artefacts presented under the name “Les chaudières” stand in front of Villamblard’s cultural centre. They recall the four forges of the Crempse Valley, which made cannons for the Royal Navy and boiler tanks for sugar factories in the Antilles. These details offer different perspectives on local history, from individual buildings to the products made in the region.

Villamblard as a historic stopping place

Until the end of the 18th century, Villamblard was a significant town and an important stopping place halfway between Bergerac and Périgueux. Villamblard was also a stop on the Way of St James until the end of the 18th century. This historical context complements the account of the buildings with a sense of Villamblard’s former importance as a station between two cities. It describes the town’s role at that time and offers another way to explore the destination’s history.

Distillerie Clovis Reymond: tour and tasting

Distillerie Clovis Reymond in Villamblard was founded in 1834. Fruit is distilled on site in old copper stills and made into brandies, liqueurs, aperitifs and syrups. Both the production process and the wide range of products are part of the local attractions. For travellers interested in distillation, a visit to the distillery is a different way to discover Villamblard than exploring its buildings and local history.

In July and August, a free guided tour with tasting is offered Monday to Friday, preferably at 10:30 am and 4:30 pm. Tours are available by appointment year-round. As seasonal arrangements may change, check the dates before your trip and arrange visits in advance outside the regular season.

Discover more destinations: Chantérac, Salagnac, La Chapelle-Faucher, Singleyrac, Saint-Barthélemy-de-Bussière, Corgnac-Sur-L'isle, Saint-Pierre-De-Côle, Champniers-Et-Reilhac.

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.