Saint Leon sur Vezere is on the list of 'most beautiful villages of the Dordogne'. St Leon sur Vezere can be found in the Vezere river valley, halfway between Montignac and Les Eyzies. This quaint rustic little village is nestled in a loop Vezere river. The river is pronounced 'viz-air'.

The village's cluster of honey-coloured old sandstone cottages are connected by a web of small alley ways. It is these little alleyways that give character to Saint-Leon-sur-Vezere.

There is a large and impressive castle in the village called, the Chateau de Chabans. This Renaissance chateau has been carefully restored by Marie-Joëlle Crichton-Watt since 1978. There is a courtyard garden, park and truffle wood. Chabans also has notable collections of stained glass and tapestry. It is open daily from may to September. There is a tower that stands on its own near the entrance of the village. If you visit with children try to get them to spot the castle tower toilets from the outside view of the tower.

There is an unusual church in the middle of the village that has been lovingly restored and it has had it's stonework repointed. It's design is clean crisp simple and uncluttered which contrast dramatically with the ornate chateau. The main church tower is tall and square whilst the lower section of the church has circular towers. It is surrounded by a manicured lawn.

Make sure you take the time to explore the river bank and admire the limestone cliff on the far bank. It is a great place to picnic or let the children in for a paddle on a hot day. There are riverbank cafes where you can quench your thirst.

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