Discover Mazeyrolles

Mazeyrolles is an exceptionally wooded commune. There are several different themes to choose from when planning your trip: historic churches, a circular route, horse-related activities and an insight into farming. The details below will help you understand the different themes and plan a stay to suit your interests.

Churches and their history

The Église d’Aigueparse was built in the 12th century and classified as a Monument historique by decree on 6 May 1940. It was later fortified; its fortified tower may have been built in the 14th century. This places the church’s construction, its later fortification and the possible dating of the tower in different historical periods. An important point of comparison: the 12th century refers to the church’s construction, while the tower’s possible dating to the 14th century remains uncertain.

The Église de Mazeyrolles is dedicated to John the Baptist. It was originally a Romanesque church, and its Romanesque choir has been preserved. A polychrome altarpiece—a multicoloured altar screen—from the 18th century adds a later furnishing to the older architecture. Its dedication, preserved choir and altarpiece offer three different points of interest if you want to focus on specific architectural and decorative details during a church visit.

The Église Saint Clair de Fontenilles is located in Fontenilles, 24550 Mazeyrolles. The Romanesque church was damaged during the Hundred Years’ War. It was restored in 1671, again in the 19th century and once more at the end of the 20th century. Unlike the Église d’Aigueparse, where a possible date for a fortified tower is a point of interest, here the focus is on the sequence of war damage and multiple restorations.

Circular route and horse-related activities

The Boucle du Lac Blanc is an 11 km circular route starting in Mazeyrolles. Its circular layout and precise distance make it a distinct activity alongside visits to the churches. If you are weighing up culture and time outdoors in your travel plans, you can consider the route as a separate focus.

Le Périgord en Calèche offers carriage rides in Mazeyrolles from April to October, during which participants can drive the carriages themselves. Horseback rides and equestrian hikes are also available. There is a choice of different types of horse-related activities; the April-to-October period applies to the carriage rides. If a carriage ride is central to your plans, take the season into account and check the specific date before your visit.

An insight into farming

La Ferme Galtier offers farm tours with insights into duck farming, force-feeding and the processing of fattened ducks; a tasting is also included. The tour therefore combines information about rearing and processing with a culinary component. This offers a different focus from the churches or the circular route: here, the emphasis is on an agricultural product, from rearing through to processing.

When looking for a hotel, you can first consider which focus you want your trip to have: architectural history, a circular route, horse-related activities or a farm visit. The activities also differ in that carriage rides are offered from April to October. If you plan to take part in this activity, schedule your visit within this seasonal window and check the specific date.

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Croix, Mauzac-Et-Grand-Castang, Badefols-Sur-Dordogne, Grand-Brassac, Fonroque, Sainte-Trie, Singleyrac, Saint-Pancrace

For the wider travel overview: Dordogne.