Excideuil is in the northern part of the Dordogne department, about 30 kilometres south of Jumilhac and 15 kilometres from Hautefort.

Excideuil has a small but an interesting old-town, with a gothic church and attractive 16th century houses. The castle in the town is set high on a rocky promontory, and successfully repelled Richard the Lionheart on three different occasions.

The main castle of Excideuil is not open to the public it can be admired from the outside and it is very impressive. It is unusual for the Dordogne. This is not a fairy tale castle. This is a strong working fortress

If possible visit on Thursday, Excideuil's market day, when the village leaps to life with the busiest market in the region. Tourtoirac is a village to the south of Excideuil with the remains of an attractive abbey. It is a good place to stop and have a coffee and cake at a local cafe. Once you have looked around the market walk off the cake by going on a circular exploration of the castle walls.

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