Discover Bourgnac: Soap Mill, Church and Crempse
Accommodation in Bourgnac
If you are considering Bourgnac as a destination for a stay, several themes come together here: soapmaking at the Savonnerie du Moulin de Bourgnac, Romanesque details on the church and the Boucle des 9 fonts circular walk. The range of experiences extends from a glimpse into a traditional craft to a tour with a clearly specified distance and duration.
Soapmaking and the history of the mill
The Savonnerie du Moulin de Bourgnac makes cold-process soaps for all skin types. They are made with a blend of six natural, ethically sourced oils and butters. Free soapmaking demonstrations take place on Saturday afternoons by appointment. You need to arrange your visit in advance; please confirm this before your visit.
A guided tour of the mill covers its history, mechanics and hydraulic power. This offers a different perspective from the soapmaking demonstration: the focus here is on the mill building and how it works. Find out about booking arrangements in advance. There is also a tea room on site; its opening arrangements may change, so it is a good idea to check before your visit.
Romanesque details and historical tradition
Romanesque corbels have been preserved and are visible on the exterior of the apse of Bourgnac church. Corbels project from a wall; here, they form a specific architectural detail to look for as you view the exterior. The town’s history is also reflected in a distinct tradition: the pilgrimage to Notre-Dame de Bon Secours historically took place on September 8.
The Crempse and a viewpoint
The Crempse runs through Bourgnac as a shaded stream crossed by old mills. Another feature of the landscape is the Vierge du Rocher, which offers a viewpoint over the Vallée de l’Isle. These two features offer different perspectives on the surroundings: the course of the stream and the view across the valley.
Circular walk and outdoor activities
The Boucle des 9 fonts is an easy 6.5-kilometre circular walk that takes about two hours. It starts at the information board beside the sports hall in the centre of Bourgnac. The distance and approximate duration will help you plan how much time to allow. Check the route details locally before setting out, as the signage may change. Geocaching is another activity associated with Bourgnac.
The time needed for the walk and the soapmaking demonstration differs: allow about two hours for the walk, while demonstrations take place on Saturday afternoons and by appointment only. If you would like to include both activities in your plans, arrange the demonstration separately and set aside a separate block of time for the walk.
Discover more destinations: Servanches, Saint-Marcel-Du-PĂ©rigord, Razac-d'Eymet, Boulazac, Saint-Pierre-De-Chignac, Boisseuilh, NĂ©grondes, Saint-Vincent-De-Cosse.
For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.
