Teillots: History and Landscape on the Plateau

Teillots lies on a plateau at an elevation of 300 metres. Its distinctive red sandstone houses, the history of the parish and its place in the landscape offer different ways to explore the village. Teillots also affords an exceptional panorama.

Landscape and Waterways

The landscape of Teillots lies entirely within the “Causses et région des grès rouges” landscape unit, accounting for 100 percent. This is an administrative landscape classification. In addition, the entire municipal area also lies within the transition zone of the “Bassin de la Dordogne” Biosphere Reserve, again accounting for 100 percent. The percentages have different reference frames: one concerns the landscape unit, while the other concerns the municipality within the transition zone. Together, they provide two separate geographical classifications.

La Lourde and its tributaries are classified as Category 1 waterways under Article L214-17 of the French Environmental Code for a length of 5.79 kilometres. The construction of new structures is prohibited along this 5.79-kilometre stretch if they impede ecological continuity. The waterway information links a precisely quantified stretch to a specific legal provision.

History of the Parish

The name of the parish of Teillots first appears in 1114 in the form “Tellol”. The parish was directly subject to the jurisdiction of the Kings of France. At the same time, it included several fiefs that were under the authority of Dalon Abbey. These were two distinct historical relationships: jurisdiction over the parish and the affiliation of the fiefs with the abbey. The name “Tellol” gives the village’s history a specific date, while the information about the parish and fiefs clarifies the authorities in place at the time.

Sandstone Houses and Church

Red sandstone houses are one of Teillots’ distinctive features. Another named building is the Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité, built in the Neo-Romanesque style. Neo-Romanesque refers to an architectural movement that draws on Romanesque forms. The material and style describe different aspects of the village’s appearance: red sandstone characterises the houses, while the style identifies the church’s architectural design.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

The Church of Notre-Dame-de-la-Nativité is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. If you plan to visit the church, check its accessibility again before travelling so you can take this limitation into account when choosing your destinations.

The La Périgordine Ultra-Trail also has a specific, date-bound connection to Teillots: for the edition on 27 September 2026, the village was scheduled at kilometre 54 of the 80-kilometre route. If you are planning to attend a later edition, check its date and route. The course point is therefore, mathematically, just over two-thirds of the total distance.

Discover more destinations: Carlucet, Grives, Barraux, Mescoules, Saint-Paul-Lizonne, Saint-Julien-De-Crempse, Saint-Sulpice-D'excideuil, Saint-Martin-De-Gurson.

See the full travel guide: Dordogne.