The highlight of our trip
After a fun but stressful 5 days in The City of Lights, we found this charming B&B to be the perfect antidote. The garden areas were beautiful, and in full summer bloom. We loved relaxing by the pool with a glass of wine after a day of sightseeing and immersing ourselves in the peaceful ambiance. The large guest lounge area made for a welcome entrance, and the hosts were warm and accomodating. Itineraries were easy to plan from this central spot, and we were able to fit in all the sights we had planned to see, along with a beautiful canoe ride, and an afternoon horseback riding. Can’t wait to return.
In the early 12th century 6 Monks from the Monastery of Paunat were travelling between Monasteries when one of the Monks became very ill, they set up camp in Tayac near a water source. The monk was dieing, but miraculously healed after drinking the water from the “Tayac Source”. To the Monks of Paunat this was a “Sign” and round about 1113 they started building the magnificent and fortified church of Tayac, they called it “St Martin”. At the same time, the Monks of Paunat started working the land in this lush Vezere valley, they built the farmhouse / monastery, which is now “Ferme de Tayac” that has been completely renovated, and is now a lovely B&B opposite the church. For hundreds of years the Monks lived here and worked the lands, bit by bit houses were built against the rock. The water from the “Tayac Source” was taken to other surrounding Monasteries, for it’s healing powers, Tayac was thriving. Two centuries later, things took a turn, wars were breaking out, armies were constantly attacking areas and strongholds. Religion and all that went with it lost it’s power, and very slowly the life in and around Tayac became what it is today. St. Martin still stands proud, and is without doubt the nicest Fortified Church in the Perigord, the “Tayac Source” is still here, although no longer in use.