Discover Courpiac: Church, Wetland and Cycling Routes
Accommodation in Courpiac
Courpiac offers clearly distinct themes for a stay: the figurative motifs and fortification history of the Église Saint-Christophe, the wetland of the Lacs de Laubesc, and cycling routes with different destinations.
Figurative Motifs and Building History
The south portal of the Église Saint-Christophe de Courpiac has historiated capitals depicting Samson and the lion, sirens and centaurs. At the triumphal arch, two capitals depict Original Sin and the multiplication of the loaves; they date from 1130–1140. The motifs are thus spread across two clearly identified areas of the church.
The church was fortified in the 16th century. This involved raising the choir, installing a loophole and adding a machicolation. The capitals offer a glimpse of the figurative design, while the three building measures mark a later fortification phase.
Explore the Lacs de Laubesc on Foot
The Lacs de Laubesc are located in the municipalities of Cessac and Courpiac and comprise two ponds measuring 4 and 5 hectares respectively. The site is a 22-hectare wetland. These figures refer to different areas: 4 and 5 hectares for the two ponds, and 22 hectares for the site.
The site invites you to take walks and explore a remarkable wetland landscape. An educational trail provides information about the sensitive wetland ecosystems found here. The walk focuses on the landscape, while the trail focuses on its ecosystems.
Cycling Routes and Route History
The Boucle vélo n°20 Romagne circular cycling route leads into the centre of Courpiac. A cycle path runs along the eastern edge of the municipality and allows you to cycle around Courpiac and Cessac, as well as to the lakes of Cessac. The destinations range from the village centre to a circular route through two municipalities and to lakes. Check current route conditions before setting out.
The former railway line was originally used to transport natural stone from the quarries of Entre-2-Mers (Frontenac). The stone was destined for buildings in Bordeaux and the surrounding area; in the 1990s, the line was converted into a cycle path. Its history thus runs from freight transport to its later use as a cycle path.
Other Historical Points of Interest
The former Priory of Saint-Christophe features sculpted decoration on the apse and at the southern entrance. The Pigeonnier de Capiet dovecote dates from the 18th century. In addition to the capitals from 1130–1140 and the 16th-century fortifications, the dovecote provides a later point of reference. The story thus spans the 12th-century capitals, the fortifications and the 18th-century dovecote.
If you are looking for a hotel in Courpiac, first consider whether you would mainly like to admire the architecture, explore the wetland on foot or get around by bike. This question can help you decide what to focus on during your stay.
Discover more destinations: Cars, Soulignac, Lussac, Saint-Philippe-D'aiguille, Saint-André-De-Cubzac, Bayon-sur-Gironde, Saint-Gervais, Saint-Étienne-De-Lisse.
Return to the regional travel overview: Gironde.
