Saint Cyprien

ST CYPRIEN

Ancient medieval city at the junction of thousand and one treasures of the Périgord.
Settled between the valley of Dordogne and the valley of Vézère, this colourful village, full of history and of the harmony of its ochre walls in a green setting will seduce you thanks to its privileged position.
You will spend some peaceful and rewarding holidays along one of the most beautiful French rivers: the Dordogne.   

The abbey and its bell tower of the XIIth century, the alleys, the characteristic landscapes, the rich architectural heritage, the hiking trails, the art ateliers and galleries, the typical villages, the colourful Sunday morning market and the high traditional gastronomy make this town an incontrovertible myth to visit.

You will receive a convivial and smiling welcome in our tourist centres; the various entertainment and cultural activities will enrich your stay and they will leave you an unforgettable memory.

Within a 10 km radius, the prehistory, the castles, the gardens, the caves and the chasm...

The history of the city is entirely related to that of the abbey. Around the year 620, a hermit named Cyprien settles in a cave upon the Dordogne valley. He attracts other religious people and they create a monastic community. The arrival of the barbaric invasions (848) forces them to build some ramparts (relics: bell tower).

In 1076, the Augustinian monastery is becoming flourishing and Bertrand de Got, Archbishop of Bordeaux (next Pope Clement V) places it under his jurisdiction.
During the Hundred Years War, Saint-Cyprien will be badly affected because of its position next to the frontier between the Aquitaine of Aliénor and the French kingdom.