Saint-Mesmin, Dordogne

Saint-Mesmin (Limousin: Sent Maimin) is a commune in the Dordogne department in Nouvelle-Aquitaine in southwestern France.

Geography
The commune is located in the north-east corner of the Dordogne department, on a hill above the river Auvézère. The village is located 42 km north-east of Périgueux. The area consists of forests and farmland.

History
From the creation of the departments in 1790 Saint-Mesmin was first included in the Corrèze department. Three years later in 1793 it joined the Dordogne department.

Population
The largest population that the census recorded was 1,168 in 1886. Since World War I, the population has gradually been declining until it reached its lowest point in 2009.

Sights

 * The Auvézère has eroded a more than 100 meter deep gorge in limestone rock. There are footpaths through the gorge, offering access to the cascades.
 * The Puy des Ages is a 1.5 km long rocky ridge on the border of the communes of Saint-Cyr-les-Champagnes and St-Mesmin. Its maximum elevation is 415 m above sea level.