Saint-Barthélemy-de-Bussière: Hiking, Heritage and Golf

Saint-Barthélemy-de-Bussière offers several distinct points of interest to help you plan your trip: hiking options, the Église Saint-Barthélemy, natural and cultural heritage, and a 9-hole golf course. The town’s attractions range from specific route details to architectural history and landscapes. If you’re looking for a hotel, these themes can help you choose a destination that suits your interests. The following details offer practical guidance: Where does a route start, which one is described as a circular route, and which historical or natural themes interest you?

Hiking routes and trail details

The Boucle de la Morinie starts in Saint-Barthélemy-de-Bussière. The Boucle du Bourg also starts there and follows a circular route. This gives you two specific starting points for planning your hikes: for the Morinie, the starting point in town is the key reference; for the Boucle du Bourg, the circular route is an additional feature. Etape 3 of the Grande Boucle du Parc follows a different route. It heads towards Bourg de Saint-Barthélémy de Bussière and passes through the hamlet of La Courarie. On this section, the direction of travel and the hamlet along the way provide useful reference points, while the two Boucles are distinguished by their starting point and, in the case of the Boucle du Bourg, its circular route. Check local conditions before walking the Boucle du Bourg; for the Boucle de la Morinie, you should also check the trail markers on site.

The Église Saint-Barthélemy and its history

The Église Saint-Barthélemy is a former prieuré-cure, or parish church served by a member of a religious order. Its three-bay nave is covered by rib vaults dating from the 16th century. A bay is a section of the nave, so “three-bay” describes its division into three sections. The term “rib vault” refers to the intersecting ribs of the vaults. The church also features carved woodwork from the 17th century with painted panels. The dates point to two different historical periods: the 16th-century vaults and the 17th-century woodwork. Visitors interested in architecture can take in both the nave’s layout and the different periods represented in its furnishings.

Natural and cultural heritage

The landscape and archaeological heritage are also among the town’s points of interest. The Chambre mégalithique de La Courarie is a protohistoric monument resembling a dolmen. Its classification sets it apart from the later history of the Église Saint-Barthélemy and broadens the time span covered by the commune’s heritage. At La Courarie, you’ll encounter a different kind of historical landmark: a megalithic chamber rather than a church with vaults and woodwork.

The Forêt du Meyniaud is a place to discover natural and cultural heritage in the Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin. The Espace découverte nature et patrimoine de Saint-Barthélemy-de-Bussière is a visitor reception centre. Natural heritage of interest in Saint-Barthélemy-de-Bussière includes the slopes of the Trieux and the ponds, two distinct landscape features. Alongside the named historic buildings, nature is therefore another key theme. Check the Espace’s current opening hours and visitor rules before visiting. Find out about current visitor facilities at the Forêt du Meyniaud before your visit.

Golf in the Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin

Golf du Genêt offers a 9-hole golf course in Saint-Barthélemy-de-Bussière, in the heart of the Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin. Golf thus adds a clearly defined sporting option to the hiking and heritage themes. If golf is an important factor in choosing your trip, you can consider the 9-hole course alongside the routes, church and natural attractions. Visitor conditions at the course may change, so check access details in advance.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Pantaly-D'ans, Le Buisson-De-Cadouin, Grand-Brassac, La Force, Singleyrac, Saint-Martin-de-Fressengeas, Annesse-Et-Beaulieu, Cercles.

For the wider travel overview: Dordogne.