Discover La Coquille

La Coquille can be explored from different perspectives: at Étang de La Barde, the focus is on water, wildlife observation and trails; in the village, the Church of Saint-Joseph and the weekly market offer concrete starting points. If you are planning a stay, you can combine these themes with a short walk by the water, a longer hike or the family activity for exploring the village. This makes it easy to include nature, village life and culture in your plans in a way that suits you.

Nature at Étang de La Barde

Étang de La Barde covers six hectares and is fed by the Valouse stream. A two-kilometre trail is used for observing fauna and flora; a beech grove is one of its notable features. Black woodpeckers, grey herons and ospreys are mentioned as possible sightings in connection with the pond. Otters are associated with the nearby stream.

Trails by distance

Comparing distances can help you choose a route. The loop around Étang de La Barde is a very easy, two-kilometre hike that takes 45 minutes; it starts in La Coquille. The Boucle de Grateloup is the longer hiking loop, at eleven kilometres, and also starts in La Coquille. It is also designated for horse riding and classified as a route focused on nature, fauna and flora. The shorter loop has a specific time estimate, while the Boucle offers a longer route. Check the conditions on the Étang loop before setting out, as they may change.

There is also a Terra Aventura route at the pond. Fishing is also possible there; you will need a fishing permit. Check the current fishing rules and permit requirements before your visit. This lets you include another activity on the water in your plans, alongside the trails.

Church and pilgrimage route

The Church of Saint-Joseph is a 19th-century neo-Gothic building. Neo-Gothic describes architecture that revisits Gothic design forms. The church has 14 stained-glass windows by Achille Perrier, so a specific artist is associated with the building as well as its architectural style. La Coquille is also on the Vézelay route for pilgrims travelling to Santiago de Compostela. This connection to the route offers a second cultural perspective on the village, alongside its architecture.

Weekly market and exploring the village

In 2026, the weekly market in La Coquille takes place on Thursday mornings throughout the year; some producers sell their products there. If the market day matters to your plans, check the date again before travelling. It provides a fixed time to plan around; the trails, by contrast, differ mainly in length and duration. For families, the “Carnet de bord de l'aventurier à La Coquille” offers a game with puzzles for exploring the village. Details of the activity may change; check in advance if you plan to take part.

Discover more destinations: Domme, Paunat, Belvès, La Bachellerie, Veyrignac, Saint-Crépin-De-Richemont, Terrasson-Lavilledieu, Saint-Pancrace

For the main travel overview: Dordogne.