Tamniès between the pond, hiking trails and heritage

In Tamniès, waterside recreation, trails and scenic views of the Beune Valley come together with a rich architectural and historical heritage. If you are looking for a hotel in Tamniès, these different attractions can help you choose a destination: are you most interested in seasonal swimming, a hike or local history? The places and activities below offer specific ideas to help you decide.

By the Étang: leisure lake and seasonal activities

The Plan d'eau de Tamniès is a five-hectare leisure lake with a 4,500-square-metre sandy beach. These two measurements give you a clear idea of the size of the lake and the beach as a distinct area. Supervised swimming and a bar are available at the Étang de Tamniès every year from late June to late August. The dates may vary from year to year. If you plan to enjoy these seasonal facilities, check the exact dates for your year of travel before setting off.

Facilities at the Étang include an amphibious wheelchair, an accessible fishing pier and a circular path. The fitness trail is on the opposite shore from the beach. If you are planning to use any of these facilities specifically during your visit, it is advisable to check their current condition before travelling.

To reach the Étang de Tamniès, take the D704 between Sarlat and Montignac. Turn off towards Tamniès and follow the signs to the Étang. These directions provide a clear route to the leisure lake.

Beune Valley: nature and hiking trails

Tamniès sits on a rocky spur overlooking the Grande Beune Valley. The Beune Valley, which is associated with Tamniès, lies within a Natura 2000 site and the Grand Site Vallée Vézère. Its distinctive wildlife and plant life are being inventoried. The village’s position above the valley and the natural environment of the Beune Valley therefore offer two different aspects of the landscape.

The Sentier d'interprétation de la Gargagnasse offers a chance to discover the Beune Valley’s distinctive wildlife and plant life, as well as Tamniès’s built and cultural heritage. Its theme therefore brings together nature and local history. The Boucle du Pech Malat provides another option for planning your visit: this moderately difficult circular hiking trail starts in Tamniès, is 12.2 kilometres long and takes about four hours. The distance and approximate duration give you a clear timeframe for planning, while the Sentier d'interprétation focuses on nature and heritage.

Church, buildings and local history

The church in the village centre dates from the 13th century and formerly served as a watchtower. The Romanesque church of Tamniès has a choir dating from the 12th century. It is listed in the Historic Monuments inventory and was recently restored. Its architectural history thus brings together different dates: the older choir and the later date of the church.

Tamniès’s architectural heritage includes bories and other buildings typical of the Périgord Noir. These include the church of the former priory, with its stone-slab roof. Alongside the village church, these building styles add a distinct rural dimension to the area’s heritage.

Next to the church in Tamniès is a museum introducing visitors to prehistory. It displays artefacts discovered and loaned by local residents. Thus, alongside the religious buildings, prehistory and local finds feature as distinct themes in the village. The Arbre de la Liberté in Tamniès was planted on 14 July 1790—a specific date that adds to the village’s history beyond its architecture and museum.

Discover more destinations: Eygurande-Et-Gardedeuil, Mazeyrolles, Fossemagne, Saint-Laurent-La-Vallée, Le Buisson-De-Cadouin, Beleymas, Varaignes, Serres-et-Montguyard.

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.