Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
soonafterpassingthroughashorttunnel,beonthelookoutforthelittlesignpostedturn-off
on the right to the
Eglise de Carsac
(Church of Carsac). Set peacefully among cornfields,
with its WWI monument, bonsai-like plane trees, and simple, bulky Romanesque exterior,
the church is part of a vivid rural French scene. Take a break here and enter the church
(usually open, find English handout). The small cornfields nearby are busy growing food
for ducks and geese—locals are appalled that humans would eat the stuff.
From here, continue on, following signs to
Montfort
. About a kilometer west of
Carsac, pull over to enjoy the scenic viewpoint (overlooking a bend in the river known as
Cingle de Montfort). Across the Dordogne River, fields of walnut trees stretch to distant
castles, and the nearby hills are covered in oak trees. This region of the Périgord is nick-
named “black Périgord” for its thick blanket of oaks, which stay leafy throughout the
winter. The fairy-tale castle you see is
Montfort,
which was once the medieval home of
Simon de Montfort, who led the Cathar Crusades in the early 13th century. Today it's con-
sidered mysterious bylocals. (The hometown rumor is that the castle is nowthe home ofa
brother of the emir of Kuwait.) A plaque on the rock near where you parked honors those
who fought the Nazi occupiers in this area in 1943.
