Celles can be explored through three distinct historic sites: the Château de Lascoux, Église Saint-Pierre and Chapelle Saint-Jean-de-la-Lande. At the château, architectural history meets a conference held there in 1593 between Catholics and Protestants. At Saint-Pierre, an earlier history as a priory, possible 12th-century building elements and 14th-century fortifications come together. The chapel is located in the Bois de Lalande and is associated with an annual pilgrimage held on 24 June. If you are looking for a holiday rental in Celles, these sites offer specific starting points for a stay focused on architecture, history or a particular date.

The history of the Château de Lascoux

The main construction phase of the Château de Lascoux took place in the 16th century. Surviving decorative elements also date from this century; the château also has a corner tower. Its history can therefore be understood through two kinds of detail: the decorative features and a structural feature at the corner. The château is also associated with a conference held there in 1593 between Catholics and Protestants. The main construction phase and the event thus fall within the same century, but describe different aspects: the development of the building and a specific chapter in religious history.

Several layers of history at Saint-Pierre

The Église Saint-Pierre has a layered chronology. The church was formerly a priory. The nave and choir appear to date from the 12th century; this tentative dating applies to both areas. Fortifications were added to the church in the 14th century. The nave and choir are different parts of a church building: the nave is the main space, and the choir is the area by the altar. To understand the chronology, it is worth keeping the details separate: the former status as a priory is part of the church’s history, the possible dating concerns two building elements, and the fortifications provide another point of reference.

A chapel in the Bois de Lalande

The Chapelle Saint-Jean-de-la-Lande is located in the Bois de Lalande and may date from the 14th century. An annual pilgrimage is held at the chapel on 24 June. For travel planning, this brings together a specific calendar date and a tentative dating of the building. The two details offer different kinds of guidance: the date marks a recurring occasion, while the building’s origins remain tentatively dated.

Plan your stay around your interests

There are two possible focuses for planning your trip. If you are looking for an event with a fixed date, you can plan your stay around the pilgrimage on 24 June and check local arrangements before you travel. If you would rather focus on architectural and church history, the Château de Lascoux and Saint-Pierre offer different historical periods to explore: from the possible 12th-century dating and 14th-century fortifications to the château’s 16th-century history. Search specifically for a holiday rental in Celles if these historic sites are what make it your destination.

Discover more destinations: Domme, Belvès, Petit-Bersac, Saint-Félix-De-Reillac-Et-Mortemart, Mialet, Atur, Grives, Bourdeilles.

See the overview of the wider region: Dordogne.