Discover Montferrand-du-Périgord

Montferrand-du-Périgord sits above the Couze valley as a medieval village; the valley is known for its prehistoric sites. The village’s Château de Montferrand, Chapelle Saint-Christophe, covered market and historic houses reflect different aspects of its history. Visitors looking for a destination with specific cultural and historical themes can distinguish between fortification architecture, religious painting and a village setting shaped over centuries.

Château de Montferrand

The keep and fortification walls of the Château de Montferrand date from the 12th century. The castle had two rings of fortifications, separated by a moat; a square keep dominated both rings. A keep is a castle’s main tower. In Montferrand, the relationship between this tower and the two fortified areas can be understood as a cohesive structure: the moat separates the rings, and the keep dominates the complex. The château is therefore notable not only for a single building, but also for the layout of its fortifications.

Chapelle Saint-Christophe

The Chapelle Saint-Christophe is a Romanesque church dating from the late 11th or early 12th century; it was altered in the 13th and 14th centuries. The walls of the nave and choir are covered with 14th- and 15th-century murals. The subjects include a Pantocrator surrounded by the symbols of the four Evangelists, the Annunciation, Saint Christopher, Hell and the Last Supper. A Pantocrator depicts Christ as ruler of the universe; the other subjects include religious figures and scenes. To understand the chronology, it is worth distinguishing between the Romanesque church, its later alterations and the subsequent paintings. The chapel thus brings together several medieval layers and a varied iconographic programme.

Covered market and village setting

Historic buildings shape the village setting beyond the castle and chapel, too. Next to the village church stands a covered market dating from the 16th century, supported by stone pillars. Old houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, along with windows featuring stone mullions, complete the picture. The architectural details offer different points of interest: the supporting pillars define the covered market, while the stone mullions characterise the design of the window openings. Together, these architectural forms offer another way to explore the village’s history—through market and residential architecture as well as the château and chapel.

Route and horse rides

When planning activities, it is also important to consider how much time they take and what requirements they involve. The Boucle de St-Christophe starts in Montferrand-du-Périgord. Ferme Équestre La Margotière offers one- or two-hour horse rides for adults and young people; full-day rides are for experienced riders with a minimum of Galop 2 level. The rides therefore differ both in duration and in the experience required. Route details for the Boucle may change, as may booking and operating details for the rides. Check the latest information before making firm plans.

Discover more destinations: La Boissière-D'ans, Chalais, Saint-Aubin-De-Nabirat, Boisseuilh, Mouleydier, Saint-Jean-De-Côle, Cornille, Larzac

For the broader travel guide: Dordogne.