Discover Paulin

Paulin brings together a clearly defined cultural heritage highlight, a woodland route and several walnut-related experiences. The Church of Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens and the Croix dite de la Faurie invite you to take a closer look at architectural forms and visual details. If you prefer spending time outdoors, there is a described walking route as well as the fun Randoland trail. At the farms, the focus is on visits, insights into production and tastings. Before your trip, you can decide whether architecture, exercise or walnut-related activities should shape your stay.

Church and historical details

The Église Saint-Pierre-ès-Liens is listed as a historic monument; it was listed by decree on 4 October 1939. Its floor plan is in the shape of a Greek cross. It also has a short nave, a crossing vaulted by a dome and a polygonal apse. Together, these details give a clear picture of the church’s layout, from the cross shape and dome to the apse.

Two doors can also be distinguished by their location and date: the nave door dates from the 12th century, while the door in the northeastern transept arm dates from the 14th century. By paying attention to these details, you can connect two different centuries with clearly identified parts of the church.

The Croix dite de la Faurie dates from 1515. Its carved motifs include a dove, an arrow piercing a heart, and a medallion bearing the inscription INRI; carved foliage is also present. The individual symbols and ornaments offer various details to look out for as you view the cross. The church in Paulin is included as a place to visit at the end of a walk. Check access locally.

Woodland route and discovery trail

The Boucle de Paulin passes through oak forests in the Pays de Fénelon landscape. The route offers a specific connection to the landscape during your cultural visit, without requiring you to allow for a particular walking time or distance. Woodland conditions may vary depending on the season.

The Randoland trail in Paulin is designed differently: discovery sheets in the form of a treasure hunt introduce visitors to the area’s historical and natural heritage. The activity is available for three age groups: 4–6, 7–9 and 9–12 years. The trail is designed to take one hour and cover 1.5 kilometres. Check local availability and current route details before your trip.

Farm visits and walnut experiences

At the Ferme de Pleinefage, you can visit the canning workshop and attend a demonstration of force-feeding throughout the year. This is followed by an aperitif and tasting. Confirm access, visit conditions and activities before you arrive.

The Ferme de Pleinefage also offers foie gras classes. These cover how to butcher a duck and make confit, pâtés, stuffed duck necks and other magrets. If you are interested in these classes, check their availability before your trip. At the same farm, visitors can discover different ways of preparing and tasting walnuts, including walnut kernels, walnut wine, sauces and cakes.

At the Ferme Guy Germain, the walnut orchard is presented from production through to packaging. The topics covered include harvesting, washing and drying. Products are sold on site; confirm access before your arrival and check what is currently available.

SCEA La Riterie invites visitors to its walnut groves to learn about the development of production and environmentally conscious cultivation. Guided visits are by appointment only, so arrange your visit in advance.

The farms have different areas of focus: the Ferme Guy Germain focuses on the steps from harvesting to packaging, while SCEA La Riterie focuses on cultivation and the development of production. The Ferme de Pleinefage also covers processing and tasting. This can help you decide whether you are more interested in cultivation, production processes or different walnut products.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Crépin-Et-Carlucet, Condat-Sur-Trincou, Chassaignes, La Douze, Lanouaille, Ginestet, Saint-Sulpice-D'excideuil, Mescoules

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.