Moulin de l’Abbaye Hotel in Brantôme-en-Périgord, France: A Review

Brantôme-en-Périgord has earned a reputation as one of the most beautiful villages in the Dordogne and the Moulin de l’Abbaye Hotel is right in the centre. It is steeped in the story of the town as it occupies three historic buildings associated with the abbey. As the name suggests the main building occupies the old mill.

Reception at Moulin de l’Abbaye inBrantôme-en-Périgord, the Dordogne

This mill was built during the sixteenth century and was used to grind grain, spin and weave textiles and supply electricity to the town until it ceased operations at the end of the nineteenth century. During the 1980’s the building was beautifully restored. White stone walls and wooden beams were exposed before it started a new life as the first luxury hotel in Brantôme.

A few metres from the mill, by the entrance to the famous Troglodyte caves, is Miller’s House. Across the river is the eighteenth-century Abbey House.

Moulin de l’Abbaye Hotel in Brantôme, Dordogne

Who for

Very popular with couples enjoying a break in the Dordogne and looking for that touch of luxury that makes a holiday special. It is also ideal for families visiting the area as it features three family rooms. Solo travellers will also enjoy a stay here.

Accommodation

A total of twenty rooms are divided between the three historic buildings, the old mill itself, the miller’s residence, and the abbot’s house. All expertly blend historical atmosphere and well-preserved period construction with contemporary design and are well-equipped with modern luxuries. Each room is named after a famous French wine and they fall into three main categories.

Family Room at Moulin de l’Abbaye in Brantôme-en-Périgord, the Dordogne

Rooms with Private Terrace featuring a private jacuzzi. These rooms overlook the river and the Jardin des Moines, a park on the other side of the river. Each of the three buildings has a Family Room and they also have lovely views. These rooms can accommodate up to four people as they have a comfortable sofa bed as well as the main bed. The Classic Rooms are located on the ground floor and on the third floor of the Abbot’s House. The latter, just 300 metres from the mill itself, overlook the Jardin des Moines or the village. One of these rooms is equipped for guests with mobility problems. Dogs are welcome at the hotel.

Food & Drink

The hotel has three restaurants that offer three differing cuisines. The Restaurant Room is a lovely dining area on the water’s edge. It has earned a Michelin Star thanks to is refined Dordogne cuisine and impeccable service. Guests can eat inside or on the terrace outside the restaurant.

Terrace of Moulin de l’Abbaye Restaurant in Brantôme, the Dordogne

There are two other restaurants under the auspices of the hotel. Au Fil du Temps is a bistro specialising in local traditional dishes using the best ingredients from local markets and producers in the region.  Au Fil de l’Eau, a fish restaurant, is right on the bank of Dronne River and specialises in traditional fish dishes from the region. Meat dishes are also available – after all, it is in Périgord.

Drinks from the hotel bar are available in the hotel lounge. A beautifully decorated area with comfortable seating. Other alternatives include the terrace outside the hotel restaurant or under the shade of the trees in the riverside garden.

Lounge at Moulin de l’Abbaye in Brantôme-en-Périgord, the Dordogne

Facilities

The hotel is located on the Dronne River which flows around it offering amazing views of the Jardin des Moines (Monks’ Garden) across the river on one side and the magnificent Brantome Abbey on the other side. It is surrounded by beautiful gardens that include shady, secluded spots and a sun terrace. There is free public WiFi throughout and room service.

Quiet Corner in the Garden of Moulin de l’Abbaye in Brantôme-en-Périgord in the Dordogne

How much

Prices start from £163 per night based on two adults staying in a Classic Room (breakfast not included).

CHECK AVAILABILITY This hotel is seasonal and opens at the end of March and closes mid-November.

What’s nearby

Moulin de l’Abbaye is situated right in the heart of Brantôme-en-Périgord not just one of the most beautiful villages in the Dordogne but also one of the most interesting with the fascinating abbey that originally occupied the Troglodyte caves behind it.

The abbey and the caves are open to the public and include temporary art exhibitions, the church, and the opportunity to climb to the top of its eleventh-century bell tower to delight in panoramic views of the town and the lush countryside typical of the Dordogne region. The town is also renowned for its weekly market – a chance to experience the region’s flavours.

VERDICT:

The Abbey and its Bell tower is a very special hotel enhanced by its extraordinary location and attention to detail in the care of its guests.

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