Saint-Cyr-les-Champagnes between heathland and heritage

At Puy des Ages, a white quartz trail winds through the heathland towards the valley. The Church of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Juliette has major building phases dating from the 11th, 12th and 17th centuries; votive offerings can be found in the Notre-Dame de Partout Chapel.

Natural environment and heathland at Puy des Ages

Puy des Ages is one of two sensitive natural areas in the Dordogne département and stretches across the communes of Saint-Cyr-les-Champagnes and Saint-Mesmin. The rocky ridge is 1.5 kilometres long, reaches an elevation of 413 metres and is characterised by quartzite. Heather, bilberries, purple moor grass and dwarf gorse grow in the acidic heathland. Wildlife includes larks, meadow pipits, Montagu’s harriers and migrating wood pigeons.

The rocky ridge is 1.5 kilometres long and reaches an elevation of 413 metres.

Two trails, different planning considerations

At Puy des Ages, a white quartz trail winds through the heathland towards the valley.

The Lo Sendero Dau Verdier circular trail starts in Saint-Cyr-les-Champagnes. It is 5.5 kilometres long and can be used on horseback, on foot, for trail running and by mountain bike. The quartz trail winds through the heathland towards the valley; Lo Sendero Dau Verdier, by contrast, is a 5.5-kilometre circular trail that can be used on horseback, on foot, for trail running and by mountain bike. This means you can choose afterwards whether the route’s length or the landscape along the Puy is more important to you. As the circular trail’s usage conditions may vary seasonally, check local information before setting out. As a circular trail, Lo Sendero Dau Verdier returns to its starting point in Saint-Cyr-les-Champagnes.

There is a car park near Puy des Ages; at the Puy there is also a water point, toilets and picnic tables. In Saint-Cyr-les-Champagnes’ recreational areas, picnic tables are shaded by large trees. The facilities are maintained locally; check their condition before your visit.

Church and chapel

The Church of Saint-Cyr-et-Sainte-Juliette has major building phases dating from the 11th, 12th and 17th centuries. Its layout comprises a short nave, a vaulted space before the choir, chapels added later that form a transept, and an elongated choir. The space before the choir forms a transition area leading into it.

Votive offerings made of paper, slate and tree bark can be found in the Notre-Dame de Partout Chapel. Some of the votive offerings are written on paper, while others are engraved on slate or tree bark. A mass is celebrated in the chapel every year on the first Sunday in September, followed by a pilgrimage. If you are planning your stay around this tradition, check the arrangements for that year.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Aubin-De-Lanquais, Saint-Maime-De-Péreyrol, Valojoulx, Saint-Laurent-des-Hommes, Saint-Jean-D'estissac, Mouleydier, Saint-Pancrace, Saint-Front-d'Alemps

For the wider travel overview: Dordogne.