What Brantôme and the Cotswolds Have in Common

I’m writing to you from Brantome…

More precisely, Brantôme-en-Périgord, a beautiful town in the Dordogne that is often described as the “Venice of the Périgord”. That may be stretching things slightly, as gondolas and singing boatmen are in rather short supply, but with the River Dronne gently wrapping itself around the town, ancient buildings reflected in the water and small bridges connecting its narrow streets, the comparison is understandable.

Having spent a little time here, I’ve been struck by how much Brantôme and the wider Périgord region have in common with the Cotswolds.

The first and most obvious similarity is the architecture. In the Cotswolds, we are surrounded by villages built from warm, honey-coloured limestone. Here, the stone has a slightly different shade, but it creates the same sense of harmony. Houses, churches, walls and bridges seem to have grown naturally from the landscape rather than been imposed upon it.

Both areas understand that an old stone building, a climbing plant and a slightly wonky wooden shutter are usually more attractive than anything designed by committee.

Brantôme itself grew around its Benedictine abbey, which is said to have been founded by Charlemagne in the eighth century. Its impressive bell tower is regarded as one of the oldest in France, while caves carved into the limestone behind the abbey provide a glimpse into the town’s much earlier history. Like many places in the Cotswolds, history here isn’t confined to a museum. It forms part of the streets, buildings and everyday surroundings.

There is also a familiar pace of life.

Neither the Cotswolds nor Brantôme feels particularly interested in rushing. Markets are meant to be wandered around, coffee is meant to be enjoyed sitting down and lunch is treated as a proper event rather than an inconvenient interruption between emails.

In Brantôme, tables spill onto pavements beside the river and conversations continue long after the plates have been cleared. It’s a useful reminder that being busy and being productive aren’t always the same thing, although I’m not sure that explanation would satisfy everyone if I tried it at home on a Monday morning.

Food is central to the identity of both regions. The Cotswolds has its cheeses, farm shops, local ales and excellent pubs. The Périgord has walnuts, truffles, duck, foie gras and an impressive ability to include several courses in what was originally described as a “light lunch”.

Walnuts have been cultivated in this part of France for centuries and appear in oils, cakes, liqueurs and even wine. The region’s black truffles are equally prized, and local markets remain an important meeting place for producers, residents and visitors. In both the Cotswolds and the Périgord, local food isn’t simply something to eat. It supports small businesses, protects traditional skills and gives people a strong connection to the land around them.

The landscape also feels reassuringly familiar. There are wooded valleys, rivers, fields, quiet lanes and villages that reward anyone prepared to leave the main road. The scenery here is a little more dramatic in places, with limestone cliffs, caves and castles appearing above the river, but the overall feeling is similar. Both regions encourage you to slow down, look around and occasionally become lost because the satnav has taken a rather optimistic view of what constitutes a road.

Tourism plays a major role in both local economies, bringing opportunity as well as challenges. Visitors support hotels, restaurants, shops, guides and attractions, but the lasting character of an area depends on the people who live and work there throughout the year.

That’s perhaps the strongest similarity of all.

The Cotswolds and Brantôme may be separated by several hundred miles, but both are built around small communities, independent businesses and personal relationships. Reputation matters. Recommendations matter. People remember good service, and they are usually happy to tell others when someone has looked after them well.

That principle sits at the heart of networking too. The surroundings may attract people in the first place, but it’s the relationships between local businesses, residents and visitors that make somewhere thrive.
So, although I’m enjoying the river views, historic streets and the occasional “light lunch” that takes most of the afternoon, Brantôme doesn’t feel entirely unfamiliar. It feels a little like the Cotswolds with warmer evenings, more walnuts and a noticeably more relaxed attitude towards closing for lunch.

There may be lessons in that for all of us!

About the Author

Guy Olson – Managing Partner, The Equity Release Partnership

Guy is a later life financial specialist with a background in equity release and wealth planning. He works closely with solicitors, accountants, care providers and financial advisers to help clients make smart, practical decisions about their finances, whether that’s funding care, supporting family or navigating the financial challenges of later life. Guy is a member of the Society of Later Life Advisers (SOLLA) and the Equity Release Council, and brings a clear, down-to-earth approach to topics that can otherwise feel daunting.

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