Thiviers: Church, Faience and Trails

Thiviers brings together historic architecture, countryside and a range of trails. This offers different interests to focus on when planning your trip: the town’s history, a themed walking trail, the Way of St James or a national cycling route. Faience, handcrafted creations and seasonal market produce round out the picture. You can tailor your stay to particular cultural themes or focus on trails and countryside.

Countryside and trails around Thiviers

Thiviers sits on a hill 276 metres above a rolling, green landscape. The Isle and Côle rivers run through its valleys. As the southern gateway to the Périgord-Limousin Regional Natural Park, Thiviers has a special connection to this protected landscape. The elevation and river valleys give the surrounding area its character; the trails themselves vary in theme and length.

One individually themed trail is the 5 km Sentier du Parc aux Prêles. It offers insights into Thiviers in the 19th century, as well as its fauna, flora, geology and the history of the Theulier family. This is distinct from the wider network in the Thiviers area, which includes around 400 km of trails for exploring nature and local heritage. The total distance is an estimate and may change slightly when updates are made. Check the current route before planning your trip.

The pilgrimage route is another distinct point of reference: Thiviers lies on the Vézelay route of the Way of St James to Santiago de Compostela, designated GR 654. For a cycling trip, the Flow Vélo is the relevant route. This national cycle route connects Thiviers in the Dordogne with Île d’Aix in the Charente-Maritime department over 290 km. On the route to Nontron, Thiviers is the first stage. As routes and distances may be revised, it is worth checking the current route before making plans.

La Maison du Vélo Thiviers is located at the start of the Flow Vélo, near the Thiviers tourist office. It has a covered bicycle parking area, a water point, luggage lockers and a bicycle repair and maintenance kit. If you plan to use these facilities, check current visitor services in advance.

Church, faience and crafts

The Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption dates from the 12th century and has been listed as a historic monument since 15 November 1926. Two of its capitals depict monsters devouring people. This architectural detail sits alongside the church’s long history and provides a striking motif in Thiviers’ heritage.

The Salle des Faïences in the town hall displays around 100 pieces from Thiviers’ faience production, free of charge on Saturdays. An interactive video also explains the production technique and the history of the faience factories. Check opening arrangements before visiting. For another look at local crafts, visit La Tour des Arts: the shop is also an association that promotes artists from the Thiviers area and their authentic, unique handcrafted creations. Here too, check opening hours before you set out.

Thiviers also has a treasure hunt called “Les cloches sonnent, sonnent!” The aim is to find Zouti. If you plan this activity, check in advance whether the route is available. This helps keep the distinction clear in your travel plans between a cultural stop, a signposted trail network and an activity with its own availability.

Local produce and seasonal markets

Visits to Ferme des Ages are available by appointment; individual visitors can take free guided tours with tastings. The farm shop sells the farm’s own organically grown outdoor vegetables and walnuts. As visitor services may change and product availability may vary, it is best to check visit arrangements and the current selection before you arrive.

Foie gras and truffles take centre stage at Thiviers’ winter markets. This seasonal offering is distinct from the farm shop’s produce and the faience exhibition: it is part of the winter markets, not a year-round programme. Check the dates for this seasonal offering before your trip.

Discover more destinations: Limeuil, Cornille, Brantôme, Ribagnac, Saint-Jean-D'eyraud, Saint-Aubin-De-Nabirat, Bars, Rouffignac-De-Sigoulès.

For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.