Payzac: Architectural History, Paper-Making Tradition and Walking Trails

Payzac brings together historic buildings and regional economic history with walking trails that start in the town. Highlights include the Église de la Transfiguration, the Pont de Laveyra and the Papeterie de Vaux; signposted walking routes start in Payzac. Different interests come together here: architecture, the history of paper-making and the local economy, or time spent exploring on foot.

Historic Buildings in Payzac

The Église de la Transfiguration dates from the 11th century and was altered in the 12th century. It once stood next to Payzac’s feudal castle. By decree dated 17 October 1995, it was partially listed as a historic monument. Its architectural history thus comprises two identified phases, as well as its former connection to the castle. For those interested in cultural history, the church brings together distinct building phases and a specific heritage designation.

The Pont de Laveyra crosses the Auvézère in Payzac. Two semicircular arches support a centrally positioned pointed arch; the piers have pedestrian refuges. These details offer a concrete insight into the bridge’s construction. Unlike the church, whose building phases and former proximity to the castle shape its historical context, the Pont de Laveyra stands out for the arrangement of its arches and refuges.

The Papeterie de Vaux and Economic History

The Papeterie de Vaux was a forge dating from the 17th century. In 1861, it was converted into an industrial paper mill producing straw paper. The Papeterie includes an 800 m² museum area. Its former craft use and later industrial paper production offer a different way to explore the past than the church’s building phases or the bridge’s construction.

The Papeterie is located on the Ruisseau des Belles Dames, a tributary of the Auvézère. Local economic history also developed along the Auvézère: from the 17th century onwards, mills, forges and paper mills were established in Payzac. This development places the businesses mentioned in a longer historical context, while the Ruisseau des Belles Dames identifies the Papeterie’s specific location.

You can visit the Papeterie de Vaux independently or with a tablet. Check the visiting arrangements in advance.

Walking Trails Starting in Payzac

Signposted walking trails start in Payzac. One specifically named option is the Boucle des Papetiers: this circular route is 16 km long and starts in Payzac. Its length gives you a useful point of reference when planning your outings. Check the latest route document before setting off.

The different themes also call for different kinds of planning: the buildings focus on history and architecture, while the Papeterie explores the former paper-making industry and its museum area. For a walk, the Boucle des Papetiers offers a named route with a specified distance. You can choose the focus of your stay according to whether you are most interested in architectural history, the industrial past or a walk.

Discover more destinations: Sadillac, Saint-Victor, Saint-Laurent-Sur-Manoire, Cause-De-Clérans, Sourzac, Bars, Saint-Sauveur, Saint-Julien-De-Crempse

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.