Pontours: Dordogne, Nature and the Boucle de Pontours

Three specific themes are central to planning your trip to Pontours: the Dordogne, with several protected-area designations; the 15.0-kilometre Boucle de Pontours; and the ensemble comprising the church and its surroundings. Together, they show different sides of the area: nature and protected areas, a designated hiking and mountain biking route, and a historic listing. If you are looking for a hotel in Pontours, you can start by comparing these highlights with your own travel interests.

The Dordogne and designated natural areas

The Dordogne is designated as a type 2 ZNIEFF; this designation covers 4.3 percent of Pontours’ municipal area. In addition, the type 1 ZNIEFF “Barrage De Mauzac,Ilots Et Rapides De La Gratuse” covers 4.2 percent of the municipality. The Rivière Dordogne is also protected under a prefectural order for the protection of biotopes. This protected area covers approximately 3 percent of the municipality. Each percentage relates to a specific designation, offering different ways to understand nature and area protection in Pontours.

Another designation is Natura 2000: “Coteaux calcaires de la vallée de la Dordogne” is one of two Natura 2000 sites protecting habitats across 4 percent of the municipality. The site covers 3,686 hectares. The distinction between the figures is important: the four percent refers to Pontours, while the area in hectares refers to the named Natura 2000 site. Anyone interested in nature and landscape conservation can find specific site names and land coverage here, rather than just a general reference to the Dordogne.

Boucle de Pontours: distance and starting point

The Boucle de Pontours is 15.0 kilometres long and designated for hiking and mountain biking. This gives you a specific reference when choosing a route by distance and intended activity. The two designations cater to different plans: a hike on foot or a mountain bike ride.

The route begins at the sign in the centre of Pontours; from there, it leads to the start of the circular route in the hamlet of Pontours Haut. This distinguishes the landmark in the village centre from the starting point of the circular route. Together, the distance, permitted activities and starting sequence provide a clear framework for including the Boucle in your travel plans.

The church and its surroundings

Pontours also has a historic feature: the ensemble comprising the church and its surroundings has been listed as a “Site inscrit” since 11 September 1950. The listing applies to the ensemble as a whole, linking the church and its surroundings through a shared historic designation. The exact date indicates when the designation took effect.

These features offer different points of interest when choosing your destination: the protected-area designations around the Dordogne, a hiking and mountain biking route with a specified distance, or the historically listed church ensemble. Which one matters most to you can guide your search for a suitable hotel in Pontours and help shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Couze-Et-Saint-Front, Orliaguet, Saint-Paul-La-Roche, Saint-Avit-Rivière, Issac, Tourtoirac, Beleymas, Bouniagues.

View the broader travel guide: Dordogne.