Charbonnel

The story

Charbonnel in Brantôme – Michelin-Recommended Restaurant in Périgord

Over a century of history on the riverbank

On the edge of the Dronne river in the heart of Brantôme, Charbonnel has been a fixture since 1920. What began as the Grand Hôtel, founded by Madame Roy, quickly built a reputation for fine Périgord cooking that drew walkers from near and far. The name Charbonnel arrived later, when Marie and Jean Charbonnel took over, and their sons Jean-Claude and Bernard brought the house to its golden age — the brothers’ name went up on the facade and, ultimately, a Michelin star followed.

Today, the family spirit endures. In 2018, the Beltrami family — Sylvie, Michaël and their daughter Samantha — took the reins with one clear goal: to preserve the soul of Charbonnel while refining the experience. Samantha, with a background in high-end hospitality, brings an exacting attention to detail. The result is a personalised welcome that feels both polished and warm.

A kitchen built on freshness and change

The restaurant’s cooking is described as bold, entirely made in-house, and built on produce of unmatched freshness. The menu is constantly renewed, so each visit offers something new. That commitment to quality is backed by concrete actions: at least 80% of ingredients are fresh, and the kitchen favours local suppliers, seasonal produce and short supply chains. The team also works to reduce waste, offers vegetarian options, and runs low-carbon menus.

This approach has not gone unnoticed. Charbonnel holds a Michelin recommendation, a recognition that speaks to the consistency and ambition of the kitchen. The dining room and riverside terrace provide the setting — elegant, unhurried, and very much of the Périgord.

A place to linger

Beyond the table, Charbonnel is a place to settle in. The bar, open daily, serves classic cocktails alongside creations by the barmaid, plus a thoughtful selection of wines, whiskies, rums and local beers. The lounge and terrace — right on the water — invite long afternoons. With 18 modern rooms, a partner spa, and a location in Brantôme, the self-styled “Venice of the Périgord”, it is also a natural base for exploring the Dordogne.

Charbonnel is a house that has evolved without losing its centre: a family-run hotel-restaurant where the cooking, the setting and the welcome all pull in the same, generous direction.