Auriac-du-Périgord brings together medieval architectural history, religious places of remembrance, a historic château and a seasonal market. The Église Saint-Étienne reflects several building phases, while the summer market takes place on Thursday evenings in July and August. If you are planning a stay, you can consider the historic sites and the seasonal event as distinct reasons to visit.
Churches and Religious History
The Église Saint-Étienne was built in the 12th century, later extended and fortified. After suffering damage during the Hundred Years’ War, it was partially rebuilt in the 15th century. An order dated 27 December 1973 listed it as a Monument historique. Its history thus encompasses construction, fortification and rebuilding after war damage.
The Chapelle Saint-Rémy d'Auriac is also listed as a Monument historique; the order dates from 13 January 1948. It is an ancient pilgrimage site where Saint Bartholomew is commemorated as a healing saint. Here, religious significance takes precedence over any particular building phase. Compared with the Église Saint-Étienne, it offers a second way to explore the heritage of the area: the church through its architectural history, and the chapel through its connection to pilgrimage.
Château and Seigneurial History
From the 15th to the 18th century, the Château de la Faye was the residence of the lords of Auriac. It was built from an old watchtower that belonged to the warning and defence system organised by Alphonse de Poitiers in the 13th century. The history of the building thus connects an earlier military origin with its later role as a residence. The Seigneurie of Auriac was established in 1487, adding another clearly dated chapter to the area’s history.
The Laurence Valley and Local Sights
Auriac-du-Périgord lies in the Laurence Valley. The valley has an average gradient of 1 percent, which once powered numerous mills. This brings together a specific topographical detail and the valley’s former use for milling. Local sights also include the La Nicote dry-stone hut. Alongside the religious buildings and château history, it is a distinct feature among the area’s places of interest.
Market, Walk and Guided Tour
The summer market takes place on Thursday evenings in July and August. It includes a country-style evening meal and a barbecue featuring market produce. The market evening therefore combines a market visit with a meal. If you are travelling during these months, you can plan around a Thursday evening; check the current dates in advance.
The Foyer Rural organises a walking outing one Sunday a month. The two possible reasons to visit therefore follow different schedules: the summer market takes place on Thursday evenings in July and August, while the walk is held one Sunday a month. If you would like to include the walk in your stay, ask which Sunday it will take place.
A free guided tour with commentary covers the Église Saint-Étienne and the town centre. Check the current date in advance if you would like to include the tour in your plans.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Front-Sur-Nizonne, Soulaures, Fouleix, Loubès-Bernac, Monbazillac, Coursac, Conne-De-Labarde, Saint-Jory-De-Chalais.
For the main travel overview: Dordogne.
