Sarlat: Hiking Trails and Heritage in the Municipality of Saint-Augustin

Sarlat is a hamlet in the municipality of Saint-Augustin. The municipal area covers almost 3,000 hectares and has a striking change in elevation. The lowest point in the municipality lies at 345 metres, below the hamlet of Sarlat. In the municipal area, you will find several hiking trails, historic buildings and places with archaeological significance.

Hiking around Saint-Augustin

The municipality has several hiking trails, including two marked routes. A longer loop is called “From the Château de Beyssac to the Gorges du Gamonze”. It is of moderate difficulty, 16.1 kilometres long and takes 4 hours 30 minutes. The route involves 450 metres of ascent and 450 metres of descent; the circular trail is marked in yellow. Check the route and trail markers before setting off.

Along the way, one section follows the Étang de Marut for 700 metres. After a viewpoint overlooking the Monédières, the trail descends towards the Étang des Chaussades; it then continues for another 750 metres. After crossing the Ruisseau de Gamonze, there is a 700-metre climb. For two kilometres, the loop follows the Étang de Ganezande, leaving the GR46 to the left.

The route passes through natural landscapes with flora and fauna, ponds, streams and panoramic views. It can be travelled on foot or by mountain bike. The distance, walking time and elevation gain and loss give you practical information for fitting the tour into your travel plans. Although the route is marked, it is still a good idea to check the route before setting off.

Church and historic sites

The Église Saint-Augustin in the municipality of Saint-Augustin has been listed as a historic monument since 25 September 1929. This small rural building has a rectangular, single-nave plan dating from the early 13th century. Three rib-vaulted chapels were added in the 14th century; the portal beneath the bell tower was built in the 15th century. The wooden vault of the nave preserves an unusual cambric from the late 15th century, imitating the ribs of a stone vault.

Smaller sites in the municipal area also tell of earlier uses. La Serbe de Chauzeix has a former water source that served as a watering place for livestock and a washing place for residents; a cross stands beside it. The communal oven in the village of Tourondel houses a collection of traditional farming objects and is free to visit. Check on site whether it is open to visitors.

A small menhir stands in a meadow southwest of Chauzeix, recalling human presence in this area during the megalithic period. At Les Boiroux, a body burial dating from the second half of the 1st century BC was discovered during ploughing in 1992. Grave goods from the find are on display at the Musée du Cloître in Tulle; check before your trip whether they are currently on view there. The Château de Beyssac was destroyed during the Monédières fire and subsequently rebuilt by the La Jaurie family.

Getting to Tulle

TuT Agglo’s on-demand service makes it possible to travel from Saint-Augustin to Tulle. As operating days may change, check them in advance when planning your trip.

Go to the overall travel guide: Saint-Augustin.