Saint-Jean-de-Côle, a medieval gem in the Dordogne along the River Côle
Welcome to Saint-Jean-de-Côle, where the charm of the Green Périgord can be found on every street corner!
Ochre-coloured houses with brown roofs line the peaceful narrow streets, whilst the Côle river winds gently through the village.
Stroll across its Gothic bridge, stop for a moment at the foot of Marthonie Castle, and marvel at the Roman-Byzantine church, which is truly one of a kind.
Architectural treasures in the Périgord Vert
In this medieval village with its warm colours and distinctive architecture, Saint-Jean-de-Côle reveals its hidden gems at every turn as you stroll through it.
Word of Mouth
Beneath the church roof, four sarcophagi held the bodies of unbaptised newborns in the Middle Ages. Rainwater running off the roof, which was considered holy, allowed them to be buried in the cemetery.
Your experiences to live in Saint-Jean-de-Côle
©D. Guignard – Périgord Limousin Tourist Office
Celebrating spring and flowers
Fancy a weekend full of fragrance and colour? Every second weekend in May, Les Floralies transform Saint-Jean-de-Côle into a veritable garden of flowers. Over 100 exhibitors are on hand to share their passion for plants with you.
©Périgord Limousin Tourist Office
Savour the flavours of the Périgord region at the organic market
Join us every Wednesday morning in the village market hall for a delicious and friendly market, where you can find fresh, organic produce from the Périgord: walnut specialities, seasonal fruit and vegetables, cheeses…
©Cie du Sûrsaut – Périgord Limousin Tourist Office
Treat yourself to an evening at the theatre at the château
This summer, enjoy a magical evening at the château with open-air performances. Under the stars, let yourself be swept away by classic and contemporary plays in a unique historic setting. Are you ready for this unforgettable theatrical experience?
Ideas for everyone, all the time
From Sept. 9, 2026 to Sept. 18, 2026
Visite commentée du Château de la Marthonie
Visit the Château de la Marthonie: Exterior architecture, 17th-century staircase and fully restored grand salon. Guided tours from July to mid-September at 3pm and 5pm daily, and on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 11am. Booking essential. Duration 35 min. Price 4?/pers.
Château de la Marthonie was built in the 12th century. However, most of it was destroyed during the 100-year war. Today's château dates from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries. A visit to Château de la Marthonie includes: The exterior architecture, the 17th-century staircase and the fully restored grand salon. Guided tours from July to mid-September at 3pm and 5pm daily, and on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at 11am. Reservations required. Duration approx. 35 min. Price 4? per person (12 years and over).
Next dates:
- 09/09/2026
Open every day - 09/09/2026
Open every day - 09/10/2026
Open every day
From Sept. 10, 2026 to Sept. 18, 2026
Marché d'artisans d'art, artistes et producteurs
Come and discover local artists, artisans and producers in the Saint Jean de Côle market hall. These encounters allow you to discover the know-how of local people who have magic at their fingertips.
Come and discover local artists, artisans and producers in the Saint Jean de Côle market hall. These encounters allow you to discover the know-how of local people who have magic at their fingertips.
Next dates:
- 09/10/2026
Open every day - 09/11/2026
Open every day - 09/17/2026
Open every day
From Sept. 11, 2026 to Sept. 18, 2026
Visite du village de Saint Jean de Côle
The Tourist Office offers a guided tour of Saint Jean de Côle, classified as "One of the most beautiful villages in France". Discover the history of the Priory, the Church, the Castle and its half-timbered houses. Reservations required. 5/person. Free for children under 12.
The Tourist Office offers a guided tour of Saint Jean de Côle, classified as "One of the most beautiful villages in France". Discover the history of the Priory, the Church, the Castle and its half-timbered houses. Reservations required. 5/person. Free for children under 12.
Next dates:
- 09/11/2026
Open every day - 09/18/2026
Open every day
From Sept. 19, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026 from 10 a.m.
Marché d'artisans d'art, artistes et producteurs
To close the craft season, come and meet the artisans of "Hands and Wonders of Périgord" for a whole weekend at the Saint Jean de Côle market hall. Discover our crafts and watch demonstrations.
To close the craft season, come and meet the artisans of "Hands and Wonders of Périgord" for a whole weekend at the Saint Jean de Côle market hall. Discover our crafts and watch demonstrations.
Next dates:
- From 09/19/2026 to 09/20/2026
Open every day
From Sept. 20, 2026 to Sept. 20, 2026
Visite clownesque : l’Histoire sérieusement déjantée !
What if history were told in a different way? This summer, let yourself be taken on a tour like no other, led by the irresistible clowns Pipoune and Henri, guides for a day as eccentric as they are erudite. Halfway between a guided tour and a live show, the clown walk offers a lively and joyfully offbeat discovery of the village?s history Between true anecdotes, carefully documented historical facts and totally unexpected clownish situations, Pipoune and Henri take you on an exploration of heritage, where laughter becomes a formidable tool for transmission. We learn, we're amazed, we laugh? sometimes all at the same time. Running time: approx. 40-50 minutes Audience: all audiences, young and old alike Spirit: accessible, fun, cultural and resolutely original A joyful and surprising way to (re)discover the village
Next dates:
- 09/20/2026
Open every day - 09/20/2026
Open every day
Geocaching and treasure hunts
Knights, princesses and budding explorers, set off on an adventure! With the “Tèrra Aventura” app or the treasure hunt “Conquering Saint-Jean-de-Côle” (ages 6–12), children can discover the local heritage whilst having fun!
Head for the Flow Vélo greenway
Whether on foot or by bike, follow the greenway along the old railway line for a shaded stroll. An easy outing to enjoy with family or friends, starting from the old Saint-Jean-de-Côle railway station.
“In the Days of the Steam Train” Walk
Set off on an idyllic walk in the footsteps of the trains of yesteryear. Starting from the old Saint-Jean-de-Côle station, this 6.5 km loop (2 hours 30 minutes) takes you up through the hills, amidst nature and heritage, with stops along the way that tell the story of the surrounding landscapes.
Artisans’ workshops
When the rain comes, it’s the perfect time to discover local craftsmanship. Take the time to pop into the Colombin pottery, the Moulin art and exhibition centre or the “Chapeau” art gallery, and have a chat with the passionate artists and craftspeople.
Map of Saint-Jean-de-Côle
Prepare your stay at Saint-Jean-de-Côle
Office de Tourisme du Périgord Limousin
Accessibility
Saint-Jean-de-Côle
# Accessible aux personnes à mobilité réduite : Accessibilité aux personnes à mobilité réduite et aux poussettes
# Parking : Emplacements de stationnement pour vélo
# Parking : Stationnement gratuit toute l'année
# Aire de stationnement pour camping-car : Aire de stationnement pour camping-cars à moins de 15 mn à pieds
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