Saint-Saud-Lacoussière

Saint-Saud-Lacoussière is located in the Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin; the Dronne flows through the municipal area. This offers different starting points for planning your trip: activities by the river, nature observation and historical heritage. You can choose your focus depending on whether you are most interested in spending time by the water, exploring woodland and tree species, or discovering traces of cultural history.

By the Dronne and on the Boucle du Tacot

Walking and fishing are possible by the Dronne; swimming is possible seasonally. Check swimming conditions before your visit. The river is also a habitat for the endangered freshwater pearl mussel. An extensive European programme has been established to protect it in the Natura 2000 area of the Parc naturel régional Périgord-Limousin. The Dronne is therefore both a focal point for activities and a site of nature conservation.

The signposted Boucle du Tacot route starts at Place de la Résistance in Saint-Saud. It passes through forest, along unpaved paths and along the former Tacot railway line. If you plan to take this route, check the condition of the paths and the signs before setting out. The route details provided do not indicate a specific walking time or level of difficulty.

Tree species at the Arboretum de Montagnac

The Arboretum de Montagnac is located in the commune of Saint-Saud-Lacoussière and covers about two hectares. It contains 150 trees or woody plants from 110 different species. A sign at the foot of each plant identifies its species; together, the signs form a discovery trail for visitors. The focus here is on individual species and their identification, while the Dronne is associated primarily with river activities and the protection of the freshwater pearl mussel.

The arboretum can be visited free of charge all year round. Check access arrangements locally. It offers a different perspective on nature from a visit to the river: instead of the Dronne and its seasonal swimming options, the focus is on the woody plants and information about the individual species.

Church, abbey and rural history

The Église Saint-Étienne is a Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. It contains frescoes by Laure Aynard and stained-glass windows by Marguerite Huré. There are also four 18th-century wooden statues of the Evangelists, which were listed as protected objects on 22 October 2010. The architecture, paintings, stained glass and wooden sculptures each offer their own connection to cultural history.

The Abbaye de Peyrouse was also built in the 12th century and remained in existence for six centuries; only modest remains survive today. Le Boviduc offers another glimpse of rural history: the small tunnel lies beneath the former Tacot railway line and enabled cattle to pass from one pasture to another. While the abbey represents a long historical development, the Boviduc illustrates a practical use of the former railway line.

An event in early October

Every year in early October, Saint-Saud-Lacoussière hosts the Fête du cèpe et du veau sous la mère. Exact dates may vary. If the festival is important to your trip, check the dates for the relevant year; early October is a general guide, not a fixed date.

Discover more destinations: Thenon, Salles-de-Belvès, Annesse-Et-Beaulieu, Serres-et-Montguyard, Saint-Médard-D'excideuil, Nailhac, Creysse, Montignac.

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.