Discover Peyrignac

Peyrignac brings together architectural history and landscape as distinct highlights of a stay. These include the Château de la Chapoulie, Église Saint-Louis and Puy de Capette. There is also a short circular route for a specific walking option, while the history of winegrowing has also shaped the town. This lets you get a sense of Peyrignac based on the themes that interest you most on your trip.

Château de la Chapoulie: fortress and historic monument

The construction of the Château de la Chapoulie is traditionally dated to the English occupation in the 15th century. The château served as a fortress held alternately by French and English forces. This changing use gives the building a historical context that goes beyond a single date.

One feature specifically noted is the octagonal dovecote. Along with the façades and roofs, it was listed as a historic monument by decree dated 12 July 1965. The building’s construction is traditionally placed in the 15th century, whereas the decree gives the precise date of its listing. The Château de la Chapoulie is currently not open to visitors. Check its visitor status before your trip.

Église Saint-Louis and its construction phases

Église Saint-Louis is also classified as a historic monument. Its architecture combines Romanesque elements with a 19th-century façade. In 1857, the church was almost completely rebuilt. The building thus brings together several periods: Romanesque elements, a later façade and the extensive 19th-century reconstruction. In contrast to the château’s changing history, the focus here is primarily on the sequence of construction phases.

Limestone plateau, views and a walk

Puy de Capette lies on a rocky, karst limestone plateau with 360-degree panoramic views. It is a historic site that was discovered as early as Roman times. From the viewpoint, you can see as far as the Puys de la Roche and des Perds. The terrain, distant views and historical significance are all defining features of the Puy.

Another walking option in Peyrignac is the Boucle de la Bonnelle. This short, easy circular route is suitable for a family walk and is 3.4 kilometres long. It takes one hour. This gives you a clearly measured option for including a walk in your plans, while Puy de Capette focuses on the plateau and its views. When choosing between these highlights, you can base your decision on walking time or scenery.

The history of winegrowing and local life

Peyrignac’s historic vineyards were cultivated for more than a century. The vine pest phylloxera, which originated in America, almost destroyed the local winegrowing culture; today, the vineyards cover only a few hectares. The grapes were used to make wines known beyond the département, which came close to receiving a protected designation of origin. Comparing the former wine economy with today’s small vineyard area highlights the changes in this part of the town’s history.

Au Taravelou is a restaurant in Peyrignac. Alongside the town’s historical and landscape highlights, it offers travellers another local point of interest.

Discover more destinations: Condat-Sur-Trincou, La Boissière-D'ans, Savignac-Lédrier, Grand-Brassac, Villac, Nontron, Saint-Avit-Rivière, Varaignes

Go to the main travel overview: Dordogne.