The Vézère is often overshadowed by its big sister the Dordogne River and although it is in fact a tributary of the latter, it is in many respects its equal.

Known in the Occitan language as Vesera the river is relatively short at only about 134 miles (211 km) long. It begins its journey in the Massif Centrale and plunges down through the Corrèze departément through beautiful gorges until it reaches the Périgord Noir near Terrasson-Lavilledieu. Flowing more gently now it passes Montignac and meanders towards Le Bugue where it joins the Dordogne.

Often referred to as the ‘cradle of man’ because prehistoric man came here in relatively large numbers many thousands of years ago and evidence of his presence can be seen at several sites along the lower river valley.