For a stay in La Gonterie-Boulouneix, several clearly distinct themes are available: church architecture, archaeological sites, a route starting in the town centre, and a hands-on clay workshop. The distinctive feature is the combination of architectural forms, connections to the landscape and opportunities to take part. Whether you are first interested in the churches, the archaeological history or creating something yourself, you will find different local points of interest here.
Church architecture and protected status
The Église de Boulouneix is located in La Gonterie-Boulouneix and has been listed as a Monument historique since 22 June 1946. At the Église Saint-Côme et Saint-Damien de Boulouneix, the porch is decorated with small columns whose sculpted capitals depict people and animals and support arcades. There are two wall frescoes inside the church. The focus is therefore on both a dated protected status and specific architectural and pictorial details.
Archaeological sites and their dates
The Gisement de Tabaterie, which includes the Abri Brouillaud and Abri Sondougne, is an archaeological site in La Gonterie-Boulouneix. By decree of 20 September 1909, the Gisement was classified as a Monument historique. By contrast, the landscape and early settlement are the main points of interest at the Oppidum Roc Plat or Sendouge.
The oppidum lies at the confluence of the Boulou and Belaygue rivers. It is situated on a triangular plateau measuring 13.5 ha, with steep slopes 25 to 30 m high. It was inhabited at the beginning of the Second Iron Age, in the 5th and 6th centuries BC. You can therefore choose your archaeological focus according to your interests: the site’s name and protected status are central at the archaeological site, while the oppidum is notable for its topography and period of settlement.
Route and hands-on activity
The Boucle de La Gonterie Boulouneix starts in the town centre. This gives you a specific starting point for planning; check current route and access information before setting out.
L'atelier MC! adds an opportunity to create something yourself to the local options: in a hands-on workshop, participants work with pure clay and can make, among other things, figures, faces, bowls and lamps. You can also make a favourite character or a personalised bowl. This offers a different approach from exploring church architecture and archaeological sites. Workshop details may change, so check the participation requirements in advance.
Belaygue as another local point of reference
The Prieuré de Belaygue is located in Belaygue, in the area of La Gonterie-Boulouneix. If you include it in your plans, check the specific access conditions before visiting. The location adds another name to the local themes, while the churches, oppidum and workshop each have their own focus.
Discover more destinations: Florimont-Gaumier, Saint-Vivien, Grand-Brassac, Saint-Mesmin, Trélissac, Saint-Laurent-Des-Vignes, Marsaneix, Pomport
For the broader travel overview: Dordogne.
