Auriac-Du-Périgord: Churches, Château and the Laurence Valley

If you are planning a stay in Auriac-Du-Périgord, you can shape your trip around cultural history, landscapes and seasonal activities. The Église Saint-Étienne, Chapelle Saint-Rémy and Château de la Faye represent different religious and seigneurial contexts; the Laurence Valley adds the area’s former uses of the landscape to these themes. Timing is also helpful when planning: the historic sites span several centuries, while the walking excursion and summer market follow different schedules.

Churches and the history of the château

The Église Saint-Étienne was built in the 12th century, then later expanded and fortified. After being damaged during the Hundred Years’ War, it was partly rebuilt in the 15th century. Its history therefore combines an early construction date with later alterations and rebuilding after war damage. By decree of 27 December 1973, the church was listed as a Monument historique. This makes it possible to distinguish the medieval building phases from its much later heritage listing.

The Chapelle Saint-Rémy offers a different perspective on the area’s history. It is an ancient pilgrimage site, where Saint Bartholomew, a healing saint, is commemorated. A decree of 13 January 1948 listed the chapel as a Monument historique. At Saint-Rémy, pilgrimage and religious commemoration are therefore central, while the history of the Église Saint-Étienne is shaped particularly by its expansion, fortification and partial rebuilding.

The origins of the Château de la Faye should be distinguished from its later use. The château was built from an old watchtower that formed part of the warning and defence system organised by Alphonse de Poitiers in the 13th century. From the 15th to the 18th century, it was the residence of the lords of Auriac. The watchtower’s place in the defence system thus belongs to an earlier context than its later period as a residence. This sequence helps distinguish the building’s origins from its centuries-long role as a residence.

The Laurence Valley and local sights

Auriac-Du-Périgord lies in the Laurence Valley. The valley has an average gradient of 1 percent and once powered numerous mills. The valley is therefore not just a geographical setting, but also part of the area’s history of land use. The mills are part of this former use; another sight is the La Nicote dry-stone hut.

If you are mainly interested in the landscape and how it was used in the past, the valley’s gradient and history of milling offer a different focus from the churches and château. If, on the other hand, you prefer religious sites or medieval architecture, Saint-Rémy, Saint-Étienne and the history of the Château de la Faye offer points of interest. These different themes can shape your choice of sights without telling the same historical story.

Walking excursion, summer market and guided tour

The Foyer Rural organises a walking excursion once a month on a Sunday. If you would like to take part, check the specific date in advance. The Auriac-Du-Périgord summer market takes place on Thursday evenings in July and August. The market includes a country-style dinner and a barbecue featuring market produce.

The timings differ: for the walking excursion, the key detail is that it takes place on a Sunday once a month; for the summer market, it is the combination of July and August with Thursday evening. If the market or walking excursion is the reason for your overnight stay, check your travel dates against the specific dates before booking. That way, you can plan your stay around the activity that interests you most.

A free guided tour with commentary covers the Église Saint-Étienne and the centre of Auriac-Du-Périgord. Check the tour dates in advance if you would like to include this in your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Atur, Saint-Antoine-De-Breuilh, Celles, Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes, Rouffignac-Saint-Cernin-De-Reilhac, Veyrines-de-Vergt, Veyrignac, La Dornac.

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.