Thiviers

At the heart of the Périgord Vert

As you continue cycling along La Flow Vélo, drop in on Thiviers. This little medieval town is a stopover for many on one of the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage routes through France, plus it proposes tasty local produce to excite the tastebuds. 

A town packed with history 

Developing close to the ancient Roman road linking Vésone (ancient Périgueux) to the capital of the Lemovices (ancient Limoges), Thiviers developed ramparts, gates and defensive houses. Stop to look at the Château de Vaucocourt (a private property), built on the hillside. Dating as far back as the 12th century, it helped guard and defend the Limoges – Périgueux road.

Wandering through town, in Rue de Rochefort and on the square called Place des Trois Coins, take in half-timbered houses dating as far back as the 15th century.

On a Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route

Thiviers’s varied architecture is worth studying. The town was for centuries an important stopover point along one of the main Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage routes and it has preserved elements of this past. Look up in the church: the capitals recall those of San Isidro de Léon in Spain!

In addition, a statue of a saint in pilgrimage garb welcomes visitors. It once stood at the Saint Roch crossroads but can now be viewed in the church, which is on the register of French listed historic monuments.

A tour of Thiviers with the family

If you’d like to wander around Thiviers exploring it with the children, there are several fun ways to do so.

Along with a map of town, ask for an Aventurier logbook to help your junior cycling tourists enjoy a tour of Thiviers.

Starting from the tourist office, you can also head off in search of Poi’z little creatures on a Terra Aventura treasure hunt, mixing a hike, a quiz on the local area, and geocaching.

Crédits : office de tourisme Périgord Limousin

A foodie magnet

Thiviers is a town full of shopkeepers that also attracts local farmers, hence the lively atmosphere at its markets and fairs. Awarded the title of Plus Beau Marché de Nouvelle Aquitaine (the region’s most beautiful market) by popular vote, the market is a veritable institution that attracts many foodies as well as intrigued visitors every Saturday throughout the year. In addition, on Tuesday mornings in summer, a marché des producteurs (or farmers’ market) also marks the week.

Foodie cyclists will be excited by the local produce on offer, such as truffles and foie gras. Since its first dedicated, award-winning markets in 1962, nowadays Thiviers still attracts a few foie gras producers, notably in winter, from early November through to March. As to the truffle-producers, they sell their ‘‘black diamonds’’ in December and January. But it’s foie gras that is most closely associated with the town’s culinary traditions, served in fine faïence ceramic pots as early as 1750. The town hall’s Salle des Faïences displays varied local ceramics and is open Saturdays (from Palm Sunday to All Saints Day, 10am-12 midday; and from All Saints Day to Palm Sunday 3pm-5.30pm).

On specific dates in summer, the tourist office puts on days for children to enjoy an introduction to Thiviers’s culinary specialities. Farmers come to present their products. 
The tourist office also has a shop presenting local produce, so it’s easy for you to cycle off with some culinary treats. Like that, you can savour some of the local specialities as you ride along.

So, top up on some fine foods before continuing on your cycling adventure.