Gabillou

Gabillou, which is situated in the heart of the white chalky plains of the Jurassic, today seems like a small village. It was in fact the centre of one of the most widespread holdings of the Périgord. In the 13th century an abbey dating from the 13th century and dependant upon the Tourtoirac abbey existed. In 1496 the name “Gabilhono” appeared in connection with the great castle of Vaudre in the centre of a domain of some 1195 hectares. In 1405 this lordship became, by virtue of marriage, the possession of one of the most famous noble families in the Périgord: the Hautefort family. In fact, Eric of Hautefort, a descendant of the well-known Bertrand de Born, married Marthe of Chassagne, the lady of Gabillou, and settled into the castle of Vaudre which became the fief of the younger branch of the Hautefort family tree. There is almost nothing left of this castle, but we can imagine the magnificence of this place as seen from the traces of the alley leading to the castle, reconstructed in the 18th century.

The church dates from the end of the 12th century. Unfortunately, the modifications that have been made to it have erased the few remnants that hinted at its ancient origin. However, the two lateral chapels added in the 14th century have remained, and complete the cross shape of the building. In the wall of the chapel you can see a coat of arms of the Count Antoine of Hautefort.

You will also discover superb stone huts in the heart of this countryside, whose treasures were, for many years, truffles and walnuts.