Views, color and character converge in Loubressac

Loubressac's war memorial is located in a shady central plaza.

Enticed by history, architecture, gardens or views, I have visited more small villages than I can count in my five years living in France. When the weather is fine, I'll map out a route and we'll take a drive to the far reaches of our area, usually stopping in three or four villages and returning home in time for dinner. We are delighted most of the time, receive a history lesson much of the time and are rarely disappointed as we explore small destinations in and near the Dordogne, Lot-et-Garonne and Gironde departments.

Antique tile roofs top medieval houses in Loubressac.

Our visit to Loubressac in the Dordogne valley is the last stop of our day trip to some small towns south of Brive-la-Gaillarde. The village is located on a cliff and offers panoramic views. The village is also notable for its flowers, and it is clear that residents carefully tend their window boxes and small gardens.

Visitors to Loubressac are awarded with panoramic views of the
Dordogne and Bave valleys.

Loubressac is notable as a floral village.

Although Loubressac was heavily damaged during the Hundred Years War, its medieval houses have been restored and maintained, along with its 12th-to-15th-century church, Église Saint-Jean-Baptise.

Carved stone adorns the entrance to Saint-Jean-Baptiste church in Loubressac.

Colors brighten the interior of Église Saint-Jean-Baptise in Loubressac.

Sunshine is reflected through the stained-glass windows of
Église Saint-Jean-Baptise in Loubressac.

In addition to views of the Dordogne and Bave valleys, visitors to Loubressac can hike along paths that start in the village and end in neighboring towns. One such path, described in the book "The Official Guide to the Most Beautiful Villages of France," sounds especially interesting as it passes prehistoric dolmens on the way to the limestone Causse plateau.

A vintage car is parked at the Tourism Office in Loubressac.

Well landscaped, tidy stone cottages are a stand-out characteristic in the
village of Loubressac.

Loubressac is located in the Lot department about 55 km south of Brive-la-Gaillard. Combine a visit to Loubressac with Rocamadour (19 km), Collonges-la-Rouge (31 km), Gouffre de Padirac (5.5 km), or Château de Castelnau (5.5 km). For information, visit www.loubressac.fr.

Guided tours of Loubessac are offered by a local cultural
group. Call 05.65.33.81.36 to arrange a visit.